How to get gorilla trekking permit in Uganda | gorilla trekking in uganda
How to get gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, A gorilla trekking permit this is an official document that issued to tourists allowing them to trek gorillas in their natural habitat up-close, one to acquire a permit pays a certain amount of money visitors are advised to always make early booking to avoid regret more so during the peak season in the dry period when the demand is high.
In Uganda gorilla trekking adventure is carried out in two tropical rain forest named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the 
other is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of them are situated in the south western part of Uganda in the neighborhood of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place of safety to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, it comprises of four gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma Sector, Rushaga Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija Sector for one to trek in each of the sector must posses a valid gorilla trekking permit
Mgahiga Gorilla National Park comprises of only one group of gorillas named as Nyakagezi Family same it also calls for a gorilla permit for one to trek.
Where can one acquire the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
In Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit can be obtained from two source one is from the local trustworthy tour operators and the other is the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a tourism government agency that is responsible for issuing the gorilla trekking Permits in Uganda, it is located at Kamwokya in the central division of the city of Kampala at plot 7 Kira Road in between the Uganda Museum to the west and the British High Commission to the East.
Another alternative one can also acquire a valid gorilla trekking Permit from the local trust worthy tour operators who are convenient. Many tour companies in Uganda have well trained personals who can make the process of obtaining the gorilla Trekking permit easy.
The Particular charges of Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Currently the cost of gorilla Permits in Uganda are
- US$ 800 for the international tourists,
- US$ 700 for foreign Residents
- US$500 for those using other African Passport
- US$80 for the East African Citizen
- USD$150O for guests going in for gorilla habituation.
For the outlined costs includes the park entrance fees on that day of trekking, tour guide, armed ranger however note the charges excludes flight fares, porters, tips, and other personal expenses.
Procedures to follow while obtaining a gorilla trekking permit
When obtaining a permit, tourist should first decide on the trekking dates and destination where one wishes to trek from in Uganda.
After making your perfect decision you can technically apply to get a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority directly, or get in touch with any trust tour operator who helps in checking out the permit availability and ensures guidance to clients on making the right decision.
After making the clarity on the dates and the park to trek from, the tour operator will ask from you some copy of documents like passport, that has your details, that will be used during permit registration. make sure you present them early.
Then you are to pay certain amount of money for the smooth running of the process, payments can be made by use of credit card or transferring money to the bank details sent to you, make sure you instruct your bank to deduct bank charges. When money is successfully received you will receive notification acknowledgement message via email.
After payments effected the gorilla trekking permit is acquired for you then you can engage in to the once- life time experience.
For how long does the Gorilla Trekking Permit take to expiry
Immediately after gorilla trekking activity is done the permit is expired, it can no longer be used again. The permit is nontransferable it must only be used on the specified date and time allocated by the authority.
The best time to go for Gorilla Trekking Experience
This ultimate adventure can be best done during the dry season of the year that happens in the month s of December to February and from June to September allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in to unforgettable wilderness experience
However, it can be done in the rainy period in the low season that typically happens in the month of March to May and from October to November you should be aware that the trail heads are slippery and muddy, however make sure you don’t forget the gorilla trekking gears such as the rain jacket
Things you need to carry:
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket or poncho
Long sleeved shirt/t-shirts
Drinking water and energy giving snacks
Sweater
Valid visa and passport
Gorilla permit (s)
Gardening gloves
Camera with no flashlight
First aid kit
Insect repellent, Hat
Sunglasses and others