Prices of Gorilla Trekking Permits have been increased by the Uganda Wildlife Authority due to reasons we are yet to learn about. Following the recent trends on gorilla permits in the nearby countries who carry out the gorilla trekking activity, the Uganda wildlife authority raised the gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park by 100US$. For many years, Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits have been sold at only 600US$ despite the hike in the gorilla trekking permits of the neighboring Republic of Rwanda, however, with effect from 1ST/JULY/2020, the gorilla permits will be sold at 700US$.
This new reform in the gorilla trekking tariffs was first looked at in 2017 when Rwanda Development Board double hiked the gorilla trekking permits. A number of veteran conservationists urged the Uganda wildlife authority to rise the gorilla trekking permits prices, however, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) maintained the gorilla trekking permits at 600US$. But the meeting with the association of Uganda tour operators (AUTO) together with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), made Uganda Wildlife Authority to finally execute the discussion of increasing the charge for the gorilla permit.
Reasons for the increase in the prices for gorilla trekking
The hike in the gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not just to increase the foreign exchange from the activity, however, it is attributed to a number of a lot of other factors, which in turn will see the sustainability of gorillas in Uganda. The gorillas were once at the verge of extinction, and this is the reason as to why they are termed as endangered. Great thanks go to a number of conservation bodies in Uganda and the whole world such as, gorilla lovers who are the visitors, together with the local communities that have worked hard to push the sustainability of the mountain gorillas this far.
Definitely, conservation is the main reason which was given by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for the increment in gorilla trekking permit prices. The mountain gorillas are listed among the endangered species by the UNESCO, for this reason, the increment in the gorilla trekking permits is meant to cater for the various projects aiming to the conservation of the gorillas in Uganda, payment of the park rangers, the trackers, the Uganda tourism police, the veterinary doctors for the chimpanzees among others.
Benefits from the increase in Prices of Gorilla Trekking Permits
Despite the increase in the gorilla trekking permit prices in Uganda, the charge is still twice lower than the gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda. Therefore, you can still enjoy gorilla trekking experience in a delightful way from Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga national park. The increase in the prices of gorilla trekking in Uganda is going to help support the local communities near Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national park. A sum of 20% of the money collected from the sale of the gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is given back to support the local communities near Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks. This will help to sensitize the local people about the good in conserving the mountain gorillas and other natural resources.
How to get a gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are sold by the Uganda wildlife authority. It is the government body in charge of all wildlife and protected areas in Uganda. However, you can buy your gorilla trekking permits with your tour company in order to avoid stress. But you should take caution when choosing the travel company to organize for you your gorilla trekking safari to avoid frauds and frustrations. You are also advised to book for your gorilla trekking permits in advance to avoid last time disappointments.
The best season for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Just like other park activities in Uganda, gorilla trekking safari is best done in the dry season which is experienced between June to October and late December to February. The dry season is associated with little or no rainfalls, therefore, there is less chance for rainfall interruptions during the gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park. However, you can be booked for your gorilla trekking any time of the year since the wet season too, has great advantages for the traveler, for example, free space in the forests plus discounts on all the open accommodation facilities in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks. Therefore, you can choose to come any time of the year for gorilla trekking in Uganda from Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National parks.
