Checking Availably of gorilla permits in Uganda
Checking Availability of gorilla permits in Uganda, Uganda the pearl of Africa is one of those popular destinations that are known for offering exceptional and rewarding gorilla trekking tours in the world. With over half of the world’s population of gorillas in the wild, gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Africa.
Planning a wonderful gorilla trekking experience comes with a number of things such as securing your permits in advance since the permits are at high demand.
In this article we are going to provide a comprehensive guide on how to check the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda, including when to book, where to obtain permits, their cost, and advice on how to avoid typical booking errors. Together, we can ensure that your gorilla trekking adventure gets off to a great start.
What is a gorilla permit
A gorilla permit refers to an official document usually issued by the Uganda wildlife authority in order to allow you trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The permit is one that you present to the park authorities in order to enable you track these endangered mountain species in their habitat.
How to check Availability of gorilla Permits
There are 2 ways on how you can check availability of gorilla permits in Uganda as discussed below.
Through a licensed tour operator.
Tour operators have vast expertise and local knowledge about the booking process with UWA. These people have direct access to the UWA booking system, they can check availability and then hold permits temporarily while you complete payment.
Booking direct through UWA.
Another form of booking a permit is visiting the UWA website get an email or contact. In your email you will ask them about the availability of permits depending on your interests. Provide the necessary information then you can proceed with the booking process.
How long is the gorilla permit valid in Uganda?
In Uganda, a gorilla permit is valid from the time you have acquired it to the time of the exact trekking date. Once you have the permit, it can not be re used or extended beyond that specified date.
Permit holders are allowed to visit a certain gorilla family group just once. The permit gets used when the walk is over, regardless of how long it took, and it ends right after that day’s activities.
Non-Transferable and non-extendable.
One of the things to know is that permits are non transferable, non refundable and non reschedulable after being rescheduled for one time.
Non-transferable: Gorilla permits are always issued with the traveler’s passport details in their names, so another person can not someone’s permit to trek the gorillas.
Non-refundable: Gorilla permits are completely non refundable except at certain specific conditions like illness (with official documentation) or park closure.
Non-reschedulable: Gorilla trekking permits are only rescheduled once, this comes with a certain fee and reasons. Once the permit is rescheduled for the first time it can not be rescheduled for the second time. This means that the permit is invalid.
When is the gorilla permit taken to be ]invalid
There are many circumstances that can make your permit to be invalid. They include
When the Scheduled Date Passes Without Use
If the Permit Holder Fails to Appear on Trek Day.
When you provide false or Incorrect Information during the booking process.
Cancelling your trip without proper rescheduling it for the first time. NB Once the permit is rescheduled for the first time, no any time of rescheduling it again.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking permit
The current price of the gorilla trekking permit is $800 and then shs 300,000 for foreign non- residents with in Uganda. You should also know that the price of a gorilla trekking permit keeps on changing due to different measures taken including the conservation efforts. When you trek gorillas in Uganda, you have managed to support conservation as well as supporting the local community.
How to buy a gorilla Permit
All you need to do is having the money in order to purchase a gorilla permit. You can purchase a gorilla trekking experience by making a reservation with a reputable travel operator.
In Uganda, there are numerous reliable travel operators, like Rwanda Gorilla Trek, Gorilla Expeditions, Active African Vacations, and many more. These local operators have expertise and knowledge from the booking to the reservation process.
A permit can still be obtained through booking online from the Uganda wildlife authority page (UWA). You can send an email to them or call them on their WhatsApp number.
Can i Own A Gorilla Permit after Buying
Yes, after purchasing your permit, the gorilla permit is completely fully yours. The permit bares your (names, nationality and passport number). Once your tour operator has officially bought it, he is entitled to send to you scanned copies as proof to indicate that you have secured your permits till your arrival time for the trip.
Whether you booked with Uganda Wildlife Authority, the moment you send money and your permit is bought, you are sent a receipt that verifies your purchase. The receipt also has the booking ID that is always considered while signing in for your gorilla trekking expedition.
What is the Gorilla Permit cancellation Procedure
A gorilla permit can be cancelled due to certain measures for instance due to sickness, inconveniences and many more as discussed below. If you booked through a tour operator, you must cancel the permit through them.
If your request for cancellation of the permit falls between 9 to 45 days to the tracking date, the person in charge of booking will be entitled to 25% of the permit value.
A tourist who will cancel the permit between 46 to 90 days to the tracking date will be given 50%of the permit value.
Those tourists who will cancel the permit with in ninety-one days (91) and more to the tracking dates shall be given 75% of the permit value.
One who cancels between 9 to 45 days a refund of 25% of the permit value.
Please note that 0 to 8 days to the trekking date there is completely no refund at all.
If you happen to miss gorilla trekking, due to late arrivals, tracking the wrong sector, failing to show up, the permit becomes invalid and you are not refunded at all with any money.
Why you should buy gorilla permit from gorilla Expeditions
Purchasing your gorilla permit with Gorilla Expeditions ensures a seamless, professional, and an enriching experience. The company is one of the top leading gorilla experts that purchase gorilla permits as well as organize gorilla trekking safaris in Africa.
Whether you are buying the gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, or Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla expeditions provide professional logistical assistance, from securing them to offering you the best of the life time experiences while on your safari.
Booking with gorilla expeditions saves your time and hassle hence ensuring a smooth travel to you.
Book today send us an email at info@gorillaexpeditions.com.