Among the many things that make Uganda a unique destination is gorilla trekking. The best that Africa is known for is the classic game drive safaris. Unlike these popular safaris, gorilla trekking is a walking safari. It combines a forest walk through the dense forests of Bwindi and Virunga conservation area with a real-time encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!To many people, the only reason they are thrilled about visiting Uganda is the one-on-one encounter with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Several people have encountered gorillas in zoos around the world. But what makes this experience unique is the fact that you get face-to-face with the mountain gorillas without any barriers.
The experience is not for the faint of heart. It is scary yet at the same time an adventure worth every penny. In the last 5 years, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has revised the gorilla trekking tariff as follows:
Before 1st July 2019, the gorilla trekking permit used to cost $600 per foreign non-resident. On 1st July 2019, the gorilla trekking permit price was increased to $700 per permit. Four years down the road, the gorilla trekking permit price has been increased to $800 per foreign non-resident.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda For Africans Outside The East African Community
Unlike the former gorilla trekking permit tariffs; the new tariff carters for the rest of Africa. In this new tariff, Africans outside the East African Community will pay $500 per gorilla trekking permit. Previously, Africans outside the East African community were paying the same amount as other foreign non-residents.
Foreign Residents
Foreign residents are individuals who are foreigners but have proof of residence in Uganda. Most of the time Uganda wildlife Authority requires foreign residents to present their work permits to qualify for the foreign resident rates.
Similar to the former tariffs, the foreign residents have been paying $100 less than what the foreign non-residents pay. In this new tariff, the foreign residents will pay $700 per permit. This is an increase of $100.
Changes in the gorilla trekking guidelines
Effective 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority no longer allows individuals to buy gorilla trekking permits at the park gate. All gorilla trekking permits have to be purchased at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala.
Along the same line, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is again following up on its requirement of selling gorilla trekking permits only to Uganda Tourism Board licensed tour operators. Therefore no foreign non-resident can purchase a gorilla trekking permit on their own. This policy was introduced to reduce gorilla permit fraud. It is easier to follow up on tour companies than individuals in case something goes wrong.
However, it is important to note that this policy does not apply to anyone in the East African community. Ugandans, Kenya, and Rwandase among other citizens of the East African community can purchase their gorilla trekking permits without the aid of a tour operator. All you will need is your national identity car as well as the money for the permits.
Foreign residents can also purchase their gorilla trekking permits without the aid of a tour operator. The same applies to Africans outside the East African community. Unlike East Africans you can use national identity cards to purchase gorilla trekking permits, other categories of people will need their passports.