Why are Uganda gorilla permits cheaper than Rwanda?

Uganda gorilla permits are cheaper than Rwanda permits, and this is because Rwanda has always marketed itself as a luxury safari destination, hence the reason why the permit in Uganda is $800 and $1500 in Rwanda. The permit cost in Uganda is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and recently, in 2024, the cost of the permit was increased for all categories of tourists in Uganda to improve the services provided when gorilla trekking. The current cost of the gorilla permit in Uganda is UGX300,000 for East African citizens, $800 for foreign non-residents and $700 for foreign residents. Uganda has the gorilla habituation permit, which is a bit higher, costing $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, UGX750,000 for EAC citizens and $1000 for citizens from other African countries. The cost of the gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $200 for EAC citizens and $500 for foreign residents and citizens from other African countries.

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There are so many reasons why the gorilla permit in Uganda is cheaper than in Rwanda and these include:

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families: Uganda as a country has 19 habituated gorilla families, one in Mgahinga National Park and the rest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla permits in Bwindi are assigned according to the different sectors, which include Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma, and each of these has habituated gorilla families that are assigned on the trek day. There are higher chances of getting gorilla permits in Uganda, and since there are about 160 permits printed per day, the cost is lower as compared to Rwanda, which prints 96 gorilla permits per day.

Uganda has more safari destinations: Uganda as a country has more safari activity options that can be combined with gorilla trekking as compared to Rwanda. Tourists have the chance to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with other activities like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, boat rides, a visit to the source of the Nile and Golden Monkey trekking, among others.

Location of the gorilla trekking destinations: The gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda, which are Bwindi and Mgahinga, are located in remote areas in southwestern Uganda, and getting there takes an 8 to 9-hour drive from Kampala. The distance is too long and the only compensation is the cheaper gorilla permit.

How and when to purchase gorilla permits in Uganda

Booking Uganda gorilla permits should be done in advance that is at least 6 months before the trek date, to be on the safe side. The gorilla permits sell out fast and because the demand is high and only 8 permits are printed per gorilla family, you need to secure your spot by booking early through a registered tour operator.

Purchasing the gorilla permits in Uganda has been made easy and you can easily purchase the permits through a tour operator. We at Encounter Africa Safaris have experience in permit purchase and will help you through the entire process. Get in touch with us with your trek dates, the number of people you are traveling with and the number of permits to be purchased.

A tour consultant will check for the availability of the permits on the UWA website. Note that checking for the availability of permits can only be done by registered tour operators and not tourists. If the response is negative, you will be asked to choose other dates that have available permits and if the response is positive, you will be requested to make the necessary payments as soon as possible so that the permits are pre-booked and purchased.

After the payments have been made (this can be done through direct bank transfers), make sure to inform your bank to cover the withdrawal charges as well. When we confirm that the permit has been purchased, we will proceed with the purchase of the permits on your behalf and we will send a scanned copy while keeping the original permit on your behalf until you get to the country.

Can I pay in instalments for the gorilla permit in Uganda?

Yes, it is possible to pay for the permits in installments and this is all to be done 90 days before the trek date. You can decide to first pay 30% of the total cost of the gorilla permit cost, and the 70% has to be paid 90 days before the trekking day. If possible, pay the gorilla permit as soon as possible because they are always in high demand and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rescheduling and cancelling of gorilla permit in Uganda

Rescheduling gorilla permits in Uganda follows several steps that you need to follow, and this has to be done in advance since the rescheduling takes some time, and you need to be patient. When you wish to cancel the gorilla permit and request a reschedule, you have to first write a formal letter addressed to the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority giving reasons as to why you need to make the reschedule. You have to also provide evidence to back up the reasons given for your request, and if the request is successful, the permit will be pushed to a later date and the new date is determined by the availability of the gorilla permits on later dates. Reschedules are only done by UWA; the first two reschedules are free, but if you make any other reschedules, a surcharge of 25% is levied on the original cost of the gorilla permit. Reschedules are only possible if you have paid 100% for the gorilla permit.

Cancellations are allowed on Uganda gorilla permits but these are possible following the guidelines that were set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you want to make any cancellations, you have to follow the guidelines below:

A 75% refund made if cancellation is made 91 days or more before the trek date

A 50% refund made if cancellation is made 45 to 90 days before the trek date

A 25% refund is made if cancellation is made 9 to 45 days before the trek date.

No refund is made if cancellation is made 0 to 8 days before the trek date.

Cancellations and refunds are made by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the safari consultant helps you with the details about cancellations and refunds.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is carried out in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park found in southwestern Uganda. The exercise in both national parks starts in the morning with a briefing from the lead guides where rules and regulations are re-echoes, division of people into groups of 8 and assigning of the gorilla permits. Bwindi has four sections and upon purchase of the permit, you will be assigned one of the habituated gorilla families in the assigned sector.  After the briefing, you will be escorted by an armed ranger and a guide who will take you through the forest until you locate the Mountain gorilla family you have been assigned.

The trek through the forest can take an hour or more than 6 hours, and once you get to the family you have been assigned, you will have an hour studying their behaviors and recording videos. The lead guides will tell you what to do and expect after locating the Mountain gorillas, and once your hour is up, you will trek back to the park headquarters, where you will be rewarded with a certificate thanking you for participating in the exercise.

The gorilla trekking rules and regulations

The gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda and Rwanda are the same apart from the age limit because Uganda lowered the trekking age limit from 15 years to 12 years. Below are the gorilla trekking rules and regulations that tourists have to follow during a gorilla trekking safari.

• Sick tourists are not allowed to trek gorillas in their natural habitat. When you are sick, especially with diseases like flu, cough or any other communicable diseases, volunteer from trekking gorillas to protect the Mountain gorillas that are susceptible to human diseases.
• Every trekker is to leave a distance of 8 to 10 meters from the Mountain gorillas
• After locating the gorillas, you have an hour with the primates before heading back to the park headquarters. This is to limit the interaction between humans and gorillas to be able to protect the gorillas and not agitate them in their homes.
• Rubbish is to be taken out of the national park and spitting on the vegetation is illegal. In case you have any rubbish with you, make sure that you pick it up and take it back with you as you leave the national parks.
• The maximum number of trekkers in a group per habituated gorilla family is 8. This is to ensure that the Mountain gorillas are safe and go on about their day-to-day activities without being overwhelmed by large crowds.
• Eating when with the Mountain gorillas is not allowed, and this is because the food crumbs, which might contain germs, fall on the vegetation, and, if picked up by the gorillas, it can be fatal.
• Toilets are 30cm holes that you are supposed to dig and they are to be covered up well so that the gorillas do not dig it up.
• When taking photos of the Mountain gorillas, the camera flash has to be turned off.
• Touching the mountain gorillas is prohibited and you have to wash your hands before the start of the trek.
• Attending the briefing on the morning of the trek is a must for all participants.
• Follow all the guidelines given to you by the ranger guides during the trek.

Is gorilla trekking safe in Uganda?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is safe and this is because the government of Uganda is much involved in the gorilla trekking exercise and provides 24/7 security at the national parks. Armed rangers work hand in hand with other security organs to help protect the community, Mountain gorillas and tourists. Tourists also have to pay close attention to personal security by taking part in trekking with an experienced guide and not alone. Try to avoid walking with all your valuables as this might attract thieves. Children below the age of 12 are not allowed to trek, and you need to follow all the rules and regulations.

The packing list for gorilla trekking

Trekking gorillas in Uganda is the best experience one can get in the world, and this is possible with proper planning, including packing right. Below are some of the things that you need to pack when going for a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

• Strong knee-length waterproof hike boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers all of which should be in neutral colors
• Garden gloves
• Socks
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Warm clothes some of which include warm sweaters, ponchos and scarves
• A camera and a pair of binoculars
• Waterproof backpack for carrying essentials
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and wide-brimmed sun hat
• Adjustable gaiters
• Toiletries
• Refillable water bottle
• Snacks and although these are not necessary, the trek can take hours, and you might get hungry, so carry your favorite snacks, especially energy bars.
• Cash to easily transact and tip
• A flashlight and extra batteries.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Trekking gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda can be carried out all year round but the best time is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. The dry months make up the peak season which has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of trekking in the dry months are that it is easier to spot the Mountain gorillas because the vegetation is not as thick as it can be during the rainy season, and the routes used for trekking are easily passable. The disadvantage is that there are large crowds during the dry months and all service costs are hiked. The rainy/wet months of March to May and October to November experience low crowds, slippery and muddy trek routes and discounts on some of the services, especially accommodation. The best time entirely depends on your preference and budget.

For more information about gorilla trekking permits, please contact us for more information.