When Rwanda increased the cost of its gorilla permits, many were wondering if Uganda will also do the same. Well, starters, a gorilla permit is a very important tool when it comes to gorilla trekking the fact that it is what allows you to track only 1 habituated gorilla group.
In other words, it is what offers you a chance to strike your imaginations with these magnificent creatures while in their natural habitat. That said, it was revealed that Uganda will not hike the cost of its gorilla permits for 2018/2019. This was disclosed by Uganda Wildlife Authority officials during the consultative meeting with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). The issue about permits sparked off in the course of increase in the cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda from $750 to $1500 per person in 2018.
That said, Uganda will maintain its prices for permits up to December 2019. Currently, gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 per person for East African residents. Rwanda on the other hand issues out her permits at $1500 per person a cost higher than that of Uganda and even the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the DR Congo, permits go at $400 per visitor for both visitors on gorilla safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park and the Virunga National Park.
The move not to increase the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda was mainly to attract more tourists to come and explore what this country has in offer. By maintaining its costs, allows it compete favorably with Rwanda. You can obtain gorilla permits in Uganda can be obtained through ground tour operators or through reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). It is that allows you to track gorillas in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park depending on your choice. These parks are situated suitably in southwestern side along the Albertine rift valley just at a border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Over 17 groups have so far been habituated and readily available for gorilla trekking in Uganda. This represents about 136 permits which are available for booking each day for both Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla families for you to track while on a gorilla safari in Uganda include Mubare which is also known as the M-Group; this is found within Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is the oldest gorilla family and it received its clients around 1991. The other habituated families within Buhoma sectors include Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe.
In Ruhija sector of Bwindi, gorilla families for you to track in Ruhija area include Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza and Kyaguliro group. Rushaga area is regarded as the best area in Bwindi National Park when it comes to gorilla trekking. The habituated families for visitors to track in this sector include Nshongi that is known for its larger number of members. The others include Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza while in Nkuringo sector-you will find Nkuringo and Christmas group among others. For those of you who wish to pay a visit to Mgahinga National Park to track gorillas, Nyakagezi is the only habituated family which is available and readily set for visitor experience.
Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda also features as the only destination in the world where gorilla habituated experience is conducted. This is an extra-ordinary experience that takes you the whole day while in search of these creatures and 4 hours of face to face encounter with them. Permits for this experience currently cost $1500 per person and it is limited to only 4 visitors. There are only 2 groups that are set for this experience and they include Bushaho and Bikingi.
In conclusion, Uganda gorilla trekking permits still remain at the same amount. You can obtain your permit through a ground tour operator or reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, we expect a rise by 2020. Therefore if you are planning a gorilla safari in Uganda to see the gorillas in 2020, you advised to book and secure your permits before the price increases.
