Uganda Wildlife Authority has raised the cost for gorilla trekking permits to USD 800 per person, up from presently USD 700 effective July 1, 2024.
East African foreign residents will have to pay USD 700 per person, up from presently 600 US Dollars per person and African passport holders will enjoy a preferential rate of 500 US Dollars.
The cost for permits to track chimpanzees will at the same time rise from the present USD 200 to USD 250 per person. The new rates will be valid for two years, i.e. until 30th of June 2026.
About Gorilla tracking.
Uganda is best known for inhabiting the highest population censuses of Gorilla families over 450 individuals. They are located in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home of four sectors where Gorilla families are spotted and these sectors include Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector, Rushaga sector and Buhoma sector. Mgahinga national park inhabits one gorilla family that is Nyakagezi.
Endangered mountain Gorillas are recorded to be 98% humans due to their characters like living in families, having silver back as the head, way of eating, ways in which they give birth, and many more. Bwindi and mgahinga is a home of 24 gorilla families where the newest families have been introduced and these include
- Buyindo and muyambi are introduced in Buhoma sector.
Muyambi gorilla family consists of 8 individuals and muyambi is the leader in a group. However, muyambi was a member of mubare gorilla family which it split from the grop in 2019.
Buyindo gorilla family is a silverback which is in charge of group.
- Rwigi and Tindatine are introduced in Rushag asector
Rwigi gorilla family broke itself from kahygye gorilla family which was named after silverback Rwigi. The Rwigi gorilla family has 6 individuals. Whereas Tindatine gorilla family split itself from shongi gorilla family.
- Posho is introduced in Nkuringo sector.
Posho gorilla family is led by a silverback called Magara adding up to 14 individuals in the group with juveniles, infants, blackbacks and adults.
In addition to the above, UWA the body that manages all national parks in Uganda now releases 194 gorilla permits. UWA notified that it will not relies extra permits whether in low season or high season. UWA later advised that visitors should book their permits in time.
As an entrusted Uganda gorilla safari company will help you book your permits in time to avoid inconveniences.
What to pack during gorilla tracking?
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Rain coat
- Water & snacks
- Long trousers, long t-shirts, long stocking,
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Hiking sticks
What are rules and regulations of gorilla tracking?
Before departing for gorilla tracking.
- All visitors are welcomed at UWA centers for briefing about gorilla tracking
- Every gorilla family group allows 8 individuals to track. Despite the fact that Gorillas are sensitive, many visitors are not allowed to avoid gorillas from being affected from human diseases.
- Children below 15 years of age are not allowed to trek gorillas. During gorilla trekking, searching for gorillas involves hiking and children might find it hard or some children may be sickly which would affect gorillas.
- Every visitor with a disease is not allowed to track mountain gorillas.
- Make sure visitors have sanitized themselves.
During the gorilla trekking.
- While in the forest searching for gorillas, visitors are told to low their voices.
- DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- Through the jungle, you will also observe great birdlife, various plant species and other wildlife in the forest.
- The tourists must keep a distance of not less than 7 meters away from the gorillas.
- Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide may end the visit early.
