It is very uncommon for tour operators in Uganda to ask the Uganda Wildlife Authority for additional gorilla permits beyond what they have already reserved. You probably haven’t heard anything like this before. You may still get additional gorilla permits for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park; Katland Safaris is happy to discuss incidents when and how this occurs.

Only in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya is it possible to do gorilla trekking, despite the fact that it is still one of the world’s most popular tourist activities. Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Parks are the four locations in Uganda where habituated mountain gorilla families live.

Urging UWA to grant further gorilla licenses

Tour companies in Uganda may sometimes get additional gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park to view mountain gorillas.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues gorilla licenses on a first-come, first-served basis; because to the high demand, these permits sell out rapidly. The following procedures exist for requesting extra gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in the event that you contact them and learn that they are actually sold out, but you still want more.

Justifications for the extra hiking permits requested by tour companies

Extra permits to see the Bwindi or mgahinga gorillas are seldom granted to travel companies in Uganda. As an example, tour operators might ask for more gorilla permits to accommodate more people if they have already reserved enough for a large group and the number of people in their party starts to rise. There is some leeway in UWA’s strict terms and conditions.

These further authorizations will be granted to you if your case is legitimate. In order to take advantage of additional gorilla permits, you must have already booked your permits on the day you need these additional permits. On the other hand, UWA may decide whether or not to provide you these permissions.

Instructions on how to get more gorilla permits from the government agency in Uganda

You are required to formally notify the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority of your desire to get additional gorilla licenses by means of a letter whenever the necessity arises. You need to be prepared to justify your need for them and the reason(s) for the initial under-reservation of gorilla permits.

After we get your letter, we’ll review it and check our records to determine whether you have the necessary gorilla permits for the specified day and area. Upon conclusive proof of this, you will be granted permission to journey or get additional permits beyond what you initially reserved.

The majority of gorilla permits are now available electronically, but if you are fortunate enough to get extra permits, you will receive a letter that you must bring with you on your trekking day and present to the chief warden.

The chief warden could verify this by contacting UWA’s main office. In today’s technological age, it is customary to notify the warden by email in advance of your arrival. Get in touch with Katland Safaris if you want to know more about this.

There may be good reasons why the Uganda Wildlife Authority should reject additional licenses beyond what you had originally requested, even if you had already paid for many. This can be due to the fact that each habituated gorilla family has a suggested daily visitor limit.

There should never be more than 8 mountain gorillas in captivity, and this limit is 8, per regulations pertaining to their protection. No one should take offense at being denied this chance, as the three nations of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC are all dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas.

A day’s worth of gorilla permits can’t be exceeded by issuing more than the allotted amount. On request, treks may be arranged with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which usually has at least one or two habituated gorilla families.

Depending on the circumstances, UWA may allow you the chance to trek with these gorilla families if they are available and not yet accessible to the public at the period when additional permits are sought.

It is possible to ask UWA for more gorilla permits, but it doesn’t mean they will always comply. Never let this happen by not reserving your gorilla permits far in advance of when demand exceeds supply. The prudent course of action is to reserve an excess of permits rather than insufficient ones if you expect a high volume of bookings for your group excursion.

Typically, you may pay a 30% deposit and then add on to the remaining amount as additional individuals sign up for your group trip. If you are unable to get enough participants for your gorilla trip, you may either resell the permits or reschedule them for a later date. Please get in touch with Katland Safaris by phone or email if you have any questions about reselling or postponing gorilla permits.

Is the prospect of climbing mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga appealing to you as a travel operator specializing in large-scale group tours? Have you ever tried to enhance your tour group size with an operator in Uganda, only to be told that they didn’t have enough gorilla permits?

When you get in touch with Katland Safaris, we will do our best to get the necessary permissions; if that doesn’t work, we will ask for additional ones. Unless you buy an all-inclusive safari to Uganda via our service, this will not happen.

Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda may be planned by Katland Safaris in a range of lengths, from two to twenty days, and they cover all the must-see attractions in both countries. Safari reservations and Trip Advisor both have excellent reviews of our service, so you may read what our previous customers had to say about us.

Free gorilla permits are available from the Uganda Wildlife Authority so that visitors to Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda may encounter habituated mountain gorillas. Because of how seldom this occurs, few bloggers and travel writers have noticed. The only places in the world where tourists may undertake gorilla trekking are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, which is accurate.

Visits to habituated mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are subject to a gorilla permit, which is both expensive and necessary. This gorilla permit is also required to spend an hour in the company of these enormous primates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda.

Members of AUTO are eligible for complimentary gorilla permits.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) inked a memorandum of understanding wherein the AUTO secretariat is provided quarterly gorilla permits. As a result, these gorilla permits are distributed to AUTO three times year.

This agreement between UWA and AUTO is a way to show appreciation for the work that AUTO members perform to promote Uganda both locally and globally. The gorilla permits are free of charge. Because of all the marketing work they do for Uganda, tour operators that are members of their umbrella group are the ones who acquire the most gorilla permits. As a result, and as part of its corporate duty, UWA chose to provide financial assistance to AUTO.

Methods for making the most of the free gorilla permits made available to AUTO.

Membership in the Association of Uganda Tour Operators is required to take use of the free gorilla permits provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to AUTO. In order to join the organization, you must meet the standards set forth by the membership unit.

In order to become a member of the organization, you must first be suggested and then seconded by an existing member. After the necessary formalities have been completed, an inspection team from the secretariat will visit your office to determine whether you meet the entry criteria. A certificate recognizing your status as an associate or full member will be sent to you once this is authorized.

These free gorilla permits are not guaranteed to members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. Prior to the issuing of these gorilla permits in Uganda, you are required to have completely paid your membership cost. Anyone hoping to reap the benefits of membership must ensure that they pay the annual fee in a timely manner.

FREE GOrilla Permit Process for AUTOS

These gorilla licenses are distributed to AUTO by the Uganda Wildlife Authority quarterly. The executive director of AUTO notifies the association’s members in writing of the gorilla permissions upon receipt of these permits.

There are no hidden fees or requirements, and permits for gorillas are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. These gorilla permits are likely to go to the people who submit their emails first. Each tour operator will get two or one gorilla permit, at the very least, to keep things even. Any complaints that may arise as a consequence of this are typically handled by the secretariat.

In order to take advantage of these gorilla permits, AUTO members must notify the executive director in writing once they are announced. The email must specify which region in Bwindi they would like these permits to cover and include the date, month, and year. The AUTO secretariat will review your communication and respond with an offer or rejection.

After your request is approved, you’ll have 5 business days to pay and then visit the secretariat with your pay stub to pick up your permits. The UWA reservations and IT departments will be notified once a list is complete so that it may be input into the system for accurate and future administration.

Things that these permissions have

When compared to the usual pricing at UWA, the AUTO members-only price for these licenses is consistently lower. The selling of gorilla permits is intended to generate funds that will support the organization with its day-to-day operations and administration.

The entire payment for these gorilla permits is expected. You may pay for a regular gorilla permit in installments and add to it later. All you have to do to get your hands on these gorilla permits is pay for them in full. One date may be changed to another using the same permissions. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) authorizes tour companies to transfer gorilla permits from one date to another, but only once.

Learning the ropes Authorization for Ugandan gorillas by UWA

Additionally, UWA extended gorilla permits to AUTO. A small number of gorilla licenses have been reserved by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for familiarization visits that are planned by tour companies, UWA, or UTB. The purpose of issuing these gorilla permits is to help tour operators save money while planning field excursions for its agents. In order to get one or two benefits from these gorilla permits, you have to fulfill certain protocols.

The number of agents, their firms, and their place of origin should be included in any correspondence with UTB about such a trip. Your request will be sent to UWA for consideration once AUTO and UTB have made their recommendations. These permissions will be yours once this is greenlit. Local and regional tour operators may also utilize these licenses on fam excursions organized by UWA and UTB.

Regardless of the above, in order to hike habituated mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, one must get a gorilla permit. One of the most popular tourist activities is going on a gorilla hike. To ensure availability, Katland Safaris recommends that all customers reserve their gorilla permits in advance. All of Katland Safaris’ guests who embark on comprehensive gorilla and Uganda safaris with them are able to book gorilla permits via her.

Ask yourself why you should choose Katland Safaris.

You can trust our track record and years of expertise. After many years in the business, we have perfected our two gorilla tracking locations. Our path has been filled with both highs and lows, but we have always come out on top.

Our day-to-day operations are overseen by a group of directors who are both seasoned and experienced, and who are assisted by a team of young, enthusiastic employees. As local Ugandans offering our expertise to customers throughout the globe, we take great pride in our work and are enthusiastic about sharing it with others. Please get in touch with us via our trip adviser or safari reservations website if you would like more information about the safaris offered by Katland.

Protecting every animal in Uganda’s national parks and protected regions falls to Uganda Wildlife Authority. Among the National Parks are Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon, Semliki, Lake Mburo, Kibale Forest National Parks; Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, Kidepo Valley As we enter the second half of 2024, Uganda Wildlife Authority has begun some creative projects that deserve recognition.

Bringing giraffes into Lake Mburo National Park

To boost park visitation, the Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully moved fifteen giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Lake Mburo National Park on July 1, 2024. Giraffes were found in Lake Mburo National Park vanished in the 1960s owing to human-animal conflicts. Ecologically, giraffes can thrive there; we are convinced that visitors will most likely rise consequently resulting in increased tourism revenue.

Discounted Gorilla Permits

Beginning this campaign in 2024 while Uganda was commemorating its fifty years of independence, Uganda Wildlife authority was Low season gorilla permits have thus been provided by UWA in April, May, and November, when international none residents only pay USD 350, and foreign residents with working visas for Uganda only pay USd 350 per gorilla permit each trip. This has helped tour companies boost revenues during slow seasons and generally raise Uganda’s visitor count.

gorilla permits’ rescheduling

Uganda Wildlife Authority first couldn’t reschedule any bought gorilla permits from one date to another, but now it may as long as one has a sincere explanation for why this transfer to the next year needs to take place.

This is aimed to reduce losses to consumers and tour companies purchasing gorilla permits both in advance and during operations. Unexpected events have their clientele unable to walk gorillas on certain days. All parties have welcomed this; for one to reschedule these permissions, he/she must send a letter to UWA stating why they want to shift to new dates and must provide receipts of paid licenses. They could authorize this or not based on the daily terms and conditions.

Free gorilla authorizations for AUTO

Signing a memorandum of agreement with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Uganda Wildlife Authority sought to honor significant tourist company partners by giving AUTO many gorilla licenses for every thirty minutes bought by Association members. Every after three months, we will set this schedule; AUTO will then offer these gorilla permits to its members at a reduced price, which will be decided upon later on.

UWA Digital Cards

Uganda’s wildlife Authority instituted the card system wherein all park admission fees, gorilla and chimp permits have been replaced with cards rather than paper as used before. This is known as cashless tourism, in which case tour guides now carry cards instead of cash. Although this was first opposed, tour operators have embraced it and it is running well now.

For all those eager to visit Uganda, the gem of Africa, Katland safaris is pleased to provide the end of year Uganda safari ideas. Uganda, blessed by nature, is one nation yet unexplored but offers enough to visitors and businesses. With more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas living in Uganda, the country has the biggest freshwater lake and the longest river on Earth, where marine tourism is rapidly growing.

One may spend more than twenty days including End of the Year, generally on December 31, among ten National Parks including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

End of year Uganda safari ideas from Katland safaris

One of the top tour companies for Uganda and Rwanda are Katland safaris. Having been on the field for some time, we have been able to compile interesting trip ideas for our interested and possible customers.

When you contact Katland safaris for your End of Year Uganda safari ideas, we will assign you one of our reputable and skilled safari designers who will go over with you in great depth and also provides numerous possibilities just like the following.

Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi at end of year.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park is one of the most fascinating locations in Uganda where you might spend your End of Year or Christmas Day. One pastime you can find stuck in your memory for a lifetime is gorilla trekking on December 31.

Only if you book and have your gorilla permits in advance and on time will we be able to guarantee gorilla trekking. December 31st is a unique day drawing many people to celebrate; thus, one must make sure book gorilla permits for Bwindi ahead of time, if at all possible seven to eight months in advance.

There are more than 19 mountain gorilla families under Bwindi alone, and only 8 individuals visit each family maximum. Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the North, Nkuringo, and Rushaga in the south make Bwindi four sections.

Entebbe and Kigali International Airport allows you access to all these areas. Every area offers lodges ranging from Budget, Deluxe, and High-End Lodges; thus, the permit you purchase will decide the lodge you will rent.

If you fly into Kigali, your end of year Uganda gorilla safari trip will have to last minimum two days; if you utilize Entebbe International Airport, three. Along with Batwa experience, you might also add on additional activities in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like forest/nature hikes. See Katland safaris for more information regarding end of year safaris ideas and packages.</p.

End of year experiences with gorilla habituation safaris

You might choose gorilla habituation experience instead of the usual one-hour gorilla walk in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, which lets you spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation.

Under Habituation, only four individuals are permitted to visit a specific group of mountain gorilla families. Advance booking of permits is necessary to avoid missing anything. Safaris for gorilla habituation experience only take place in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National park; for individuals interested in this activity, they must reserve lodges situated on the south of portion of this forest.

Boat cruises and games December 31st safaris ideas from Uganda.

Are you a lover of animals and want to spend your end of the year at any of Uganda’s great national parks? Popular National Parks such Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park provide both game drives and boat trips.

If you want to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park at the end of the year, you might decide to spend your time in the southern section of the park known as Ishasha looking for lions that climb trees among other activities. You might also decide to do boat cruises on the Kazinga channel, which is well-known to have the greatest hippos concentration worldwide, and game drives in Kasenyi from the northern section of the park known as Mweya.

Murchison Falls National Park, the most important conservation area in Uganda, should also be part of your end of year safari plan. Famous for both boat cruises to the foot of the falls or the delta and an amazing wildlife drive in the northern Paraa section, Murchison Falls National Park Imagine spending your End of the Year at a beautiful park-like Murchison Falls National Park. Please get in touch Katland safaris for more information if you would like to visit Murchison Falls National Park on December 31.

From Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is yet another little but interesting National Park that is simplest and fastest to reach. Lake Mburo offers a chance for game drives where one may view a lot of species in a limited space. On a given game drive, Lake Mburo National Park is well-known for its impalas, giraffes, Zebras, and if fortunate leopards that are readily identifiable. One may mix game drives with a boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park.

Trekking with chimps on December 31

Those who want to spend their vacation in Uganda could give chimps’ trekking some thought among alternatives for end-of-year safaris. One national park in Kibale has been called the primate capital of Africa. This woodland will allow you to see some other 11 kinds of primates as well as trek chimpanzees. Chimp trekking also occurs in Uganda in Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Karinzu. See Contact Africa safaris for more information on when and how to schedule chimpanzee permits.

Among other Uganda safari ideas include visiting lakes like Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, and Nile source for water rafting and boat tours. Uganda also has a great number of historical and cultural places with a specific interest.

Why should your End of Year Uganda safari ideas be based on Katland?

Not sure how to go about it but you are seeking for End of Year Uganda safari on December 31. Katland answers all of your questions. One of the top recommended travel agencies for Uganda and Rwanda is Katland safaris.

When contacted, we ensure to give accurate information that will help you to arrange a premium end of year Uganda safari tour. Along with Safari reservations, where you can also write a review, Katland gets great ratings on TripAdvisor.

Tourism has been on a halt for the last months, suspension of activities, and lockdowns imposed by governments to stop the virus from spreading since the epidemic struck the planet.  They have also started gorilla tourism in the national Volcanoes Park of Rwanda.

One of the East African nations, Rwanda is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Often referred to as “the gentle giants of the forest,” gorilla tourism is the most popular adventure trip there that has drawn many tourists.

Guidelines or SOPs developed by the Rwandan government provide a framework for many kinds of tourist activities, operators, and attractions including national parks, boat rides, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, museums, culture, and legacy sites. The government will change the policies in accordance with Rwanda Ministry of Health recommendations as the COVID-19 epidemic develops.

Daily visitation count authorized for each gorilla family in Rwanda

Rwanda cut the numbers of visitors for each gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park from 8 visitors to a group of 6 (six) visitors accepted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for each day to ensure social distancing and help to control congestion, so safeguarding both the gorillas and visitors. Every visitor will be required to abide by Parks SOPs and policies developed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.

In the new normal of Rwanda, what gorilla Permit discounts are offered?

Discounts for travel activities in the new normal issued by Rwanda Development Board are inclusive of COVID-19 test fee and will be available until December 31, 2020; purchase is subject to availability. For inhabitants of East Africa and Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park now costs USD300; foreign visitors still pay USD500.

Families additionally receive 15% discount for family visits (couples and children over 15 years old), while corporations/organizations get 10% discount on bulk purchases for say 30 permits. Tour/Hotel Operator Rates also receive 15% discount for every permit acquired including one night in lodging and tourist activity. Plan your gorilla safari today to get some savings.

Regarding gorilla treking in Rwanda

Famous feature in volcanoes national park, the mountain gorillas are visited daily all year round by gorilla trekking. Visiting the habituated endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat allows you to observe their feeding, movement, rest, and harmonic living. Ten habituated gorilla families from Volcanoes National Park undertake daily hiking; according to COVID 19, only six people per gorilla family are allowed each day.

As trackers, guides, and park officials lead you, the odds of sighting the mountain gorillas are 99%. Though the gorillas share 99% DNA like the humans, they stay wild and encourage you to obey the dos and don’s from the guides. Every day in Kinigi, gorilla trekking begins at 7:00 am with a briefing on recommendations to follow while on the trip. Depending on the activity and position of the gorillas in the jungle, the gorilla walk might last thirty minutes to several hours.

What are the rules for New Normal gorilla treking in Rwanda?

Reference materials ranging from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Global Association for Attractions Industry, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines on COVID-19 prevention have helped to compile guidelines.

The policies provide a structure for restarting the travel sector after the COVID-19 epidemic. For your own safety and the protection of others, we strongly advise you to follow the recommendations for trip recovery.  See directives;

Masks: Always wear your mask on your safari and make sure service members and tourists utilize masks correctly everywhere.

Sanitation and hygiene: The vehicle will be cleaned on often touched places and we will give ways to wash or disinfect hands often during the safari in the Vehicle.

Our guide will make sure they maintain a distance while on safari with you and also guarantee physical distance in the Lodge/hotel minimum of one to two meters.

Hotels and other travel places will guarantee that every arriving visitor undergoes temperature screening and notify health authorities on toll-free number 114 in should of any aberration.

Highly advised are cashless ways of transaction. These covers bank transfers, debit and credit cards, and mobile money.

Before and after usage, we will clean and sanitize boats and visitor vehicles. For proper physical distance, keep 50% occupancy.

Visitors arriving on charter aircraft—individuals and groups—will be admitted to the nation for now until further 1st August when commercial flights start.

Within 72 hours before arriving at Kigali international Airport, Rwanda expects all tourists to test negative for COVID-19.

Before visiting the national Park for gorilla trek, visitors will undergo another Covid-19 test. One has the following choices:

72 hours before travel, visitors may take the first Covid-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test in their place of origin at an ISO recognized laboratory; they will then take the second test upon arriving at Kigali International Airport.

Before travel and also upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, they must provide the initial test results to the following address: lab@rbc.gov.rw. Government expects them to wait eight hours for findings of the second test at approved Rwandan hotels. This relates exclusively to direct flights.

Those who cannot test in their place of origin have the opportunity to test twice in Rwanda: they will take the first exam upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and the second test 48 hours later. The government only expects visitors to visit tourist destinations after two consecutive negative tests and will wait for their findings at approved hotels.

On request upon departure, Rwanda government might provide an optional exam.

The COVID-19 exam will be incorporated into gorilla permits and travel packages.

Visitors and flight crew members have to abide by policies established by the ministry of health as well as additional rules established by certain tourist attractions, locations, and national parks.

Please contact toll-free number 114 while in Rwanda with emergency inquiry and/or comments about COVID-19.

Where should one stay in Rwanda in the new normal when hiking gorillas?

For an amazing safari, staying in a decent, neat, comfortable, and gorgeous lodge or camp is perfect while on your visit to volcanoes national park. From budget to luxury, there are numerous lodges and hotels in volcanoes national park; Bisate lodge and Virunga lodge are luxury options; Sabinyo silverback lodge; five volcanoes lodge; Le bamboo Mountain gorilla lodge; Kinigi guesthouse; Hotel Muhavera and gorilla volcanoes lodge are some of the budget hotels. The hotel rooms sell fast, particularly during the peak season; thus, your lodging option must be reserved in advance for your trip to the national park including volcanoes.

Why would one purchase Katland safaris to hike gorillas in Rwanda under the New Normal?

For prior years, Katland safaris have given volcanoes, national parks, and Rwanda great experiences.  For our reduced packages as well as custom-made gorilla excursions, birdwatching, cultural encounters, and treking Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, get in touch.

Our magic in arranging real experience comes from the fact that we have gradually established a team combined with young and eager workers mentored by a well-experienced Team and driven by what they do. Travel Advisor and safari reservations show great ratings and reviews for Katland Safaris.

Starting on first July 2024, Uganda Wildlife Authority has established a new fee for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses. UWA claims that licenses for Uganda gorillas and chimpanzees would rise to USD 800 and USD300 respectively. This implies that every gorilla permit has gained USD 100 and every chimpanzee permit USD 50.00. Two years will pass before this change in gorilla permit fee is evaluated.

For foreign non-residents, Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses have been retailing for USD700 per person; for foreign residents with work permits for East African nations of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Southern Sudan, USD500. Beginning 1st July 2024, the new pricing for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses has become USD 100 and USD 50 respectively.

East African nationals living in nations such Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Southern Sudan, still pay Ugx 300,000. Regarding chimpanzees, just one Kibale National Park chimpanzee permit impacted has been mentioned. While the fee has been raised from USD250 to USD300, those for chimpanzee habituation experience have also been raised from USD300 to USD300. Please get more information by calling Katland safaris.

Implications of a new pricing for chimpanzee and Uganda gorilla licenses

The increased pricing for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses has certain consequences because an escalation of USD 100 on each gorilla permit and USD 50 on each chimpanzee gorilla makes it somewhat pricey when compared to Democratic Republic of Congo where gorilla permits are still below USD 500.

Rising demand for Uganda gorilla permits has driven up the price; thus, Uganda is currently regarded as among the top gorilla trekking locations in Africa. A price hike guarantees that Uganda and other nations with mountain gorillas will get more money to help to preserve the unique mountain gorillas.

For all those who will be climbing mountain gorillas in Uganda, the new pricing for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee permits also offers additional advantages. Any gorilla permit ordered and bought for USD 800 will let one to enter either Semiliki National Park or Rwenzori National Park.

Though seldom seen, these two national parks offer special appeal. Roads leading to these national parks have been developed; Uganda Wildlife Authority has placed them under promotion and whomever purchases a gorilla permit and has some money free to visit any one of them.

Does Uganda become pricey with the increased pricing for gorilla and chimpanzee permits?

Examining the revised pricing for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee permits might lead one to believe that treks there are now costly. It is untrue as Uganda is still ranked second among all the reasonably priced gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.

For gorilla trekking in Africa, Uganda is still a less expensive and safer choice than Rwanda. Apart from the minor increase paid on Uganda gorilla permits, USD1500 Rwanda gorilla licenses are the most costly in the world.

New rules for topping Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses

Uganda Wildlife Authority has released new rules for permit top-up with the revised fee for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee licenses. In this most recent change, tour companies pay 30% of the whole fee for gorilla and chimpanzee licenses, then pay the remaining three months. Stated otherwise, one is granted 150 days to top up gorilla and chimpanzee licenses; else, they would be placed back into the market to be purchased by other tour operators.

Uganda Wildlife Authority first loosened the deadline for topping up gorilla and chimpanzee licenses, however this has led to businesses just retaining permits to be used at last-minute losing others. Many tour operators have embraced this concept as they believe that additional permits will follow from non-top-up permits not being topped back into the system.

Additionally, the new system lets registered tour operators reserve gorilla permits for up to seven days and thereafter, should not be charged for releasing. This helps tour companies to secure and reserve gorilla and chimpanzee permits so that possible customers may pay in the specified seven days.

Experience of gorilla habituation allows stay unmodified.

While the Uganda Wildlife Authority decides fresh rates for gorilla and chimpanzee licenses. The new product based on gorilla habituation experience had little effect either. Four hours with wild mountain gorillas still under habituation provide mountain gorilla habituation experience licenses valued USD1500 per person.

This lets visitors spend four hours with specialists and researchers helping wild mountain gorillas become acclimated to humans. Limited to four persons daily, this four-hour gorilla walk takes place in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Two gorilla families are now set aside for this and scheduling gorilla habituation experience is handled at Uganda Wildlife Authority main headquarters in Kampala. See Katland safaris for more information about gorilla habituation experience safaris and tours.

New booking rules for Uganda’s gorillas and chimpanzees

Apart from raising the cost of gorilla and chimpanzee permits, Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with Uganda tourist board is ensuring that only licensed tour operators may book and pay for gorilla permits from UWA head Quarters. Initially, both registered and non-registered travel firms as well as individuals have been allowed to book and pay for gorilla permits at Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Many Rwanda registered tour businesses have been vying with Uganda tour operators for gorilla permits ever since Rwanda raised the price of hers from USD750 to USD1500. This is so because there is no control preventing foreign-based travel operators from booking these licenses. It has therefore been proposed that everyone, including international businesses, book their gorilla permits via Uganda authorized travel operators.

About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda National Parks

Uganda is still the only nation worldwide with the largest mountain gorilla numbers. The present mountain gorillas claim that Bwindi impenetrable National Park by alone boasts more than half the total population of mountain gorillas worldwide.

Gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may now be booked for treking gorillas in Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo or Buhoma sectors of the park. You may also arrange gorilla permits to see mountain gorillas at Mgahinga National Park, which runs alongside Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.