What is excluded from a gorilla permit?

What is excluded from a gorilla permit? A gorilla permit is a document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to allow a traveler to be part of the amazing gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking permits allow travelers to encounter mountain gorillas for 1 hour while a gorilla habituation permit allows a traveler to encounter mountain gorillas at the same tie be part of the activities that make them used to human presence around them for a period of 4 hours. Mountain gorillas are found in Mgahinga national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Virunga national park, and Volcanoes national park.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in the southwestern part of the country in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park. In Bwindi gorilla park, gorilla trekking is done on 19 mountain gorilla families and habituation is done on 2 semi-habituated mountain gorilla families. The mountain gorilla families of Bwindi live in the four sectors of the park which are Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Buhoma. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park is done on one mountain gorilla family that is called Nyakagezi. Mgahinga has the least population of mountain gorillas in the whole world and it’s the smallest mountain gorilla park.

How much is a gorilla permit?

There are two kinds of gorilla permits and these include a gorilla trekking permit and a gorilla habituation permit. A gorilla habituation permit which is only used in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park costs $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 foreign residents, and UGX750,000 citizens of East Africa. A normal gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi and Mgahinga national park costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX250,000 for citizens of East Africa.

Things that are excluded in a gorilla permit

Domestic flights

When you buy a gorilla permit, it doesn’t mean that on arrival in the country you will be able to fly to the park. To fly to that park, you must book with your tour operator in advance so that they book the seats for you. Domestic flights to Bwindi or Mgahinga national park are done by the luxury travelers who hate traveling long distances.

International flights

Another thing that is excluded from a gorilla permit price is flights from your country to Uganda where you are to trek mountain gorillas. A traveler will have to pay for themselves an air ticket up to Entebbe international airport where you will decide on whether to get to the park by road transport or by air transport.

Road transport to and from the park

getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga national park can be done using road transport. Tour companies have different safari vehicles to transport you to the park but this doesn’t mean they are free because you paid for a gorilla permit. You must pay for these vehicles separately when you are leading to the park. The money for transport takes you to the park and returns you to the airport or any place of your choice.

Accommodation in Bwindi park

When you visit the park for gorilla trekking and you are to spend a night or more in the park, you need to get accommodation in Bwindi where you will spend the nights. The accommodation in Bwindi park varies from Budget, maid-range and high-end service The accommodation is not part of the gorilla permit and therefore you need money to book where you will stay while in the park.

Foods and drinks

Foods and drinks fee is excluded in from the price of the gorilla permit. Travelers especially those that are organizing the safaris themselves to Bwindi and Mgahinga should book accommodation together with the meals because a person must eat for them to survive. Don’t think that when you pay for the permit, they will give you free food in the park.

Porter fee

A gorilla permit fee doesn’t include money to be paid to the porters in case you have excess luggage and they are to help you carry it. Travelers are supposed to pay the porters their own money to be helped with carrying the luggage. Porters charge a small and affordable fee to carry the luggage and the money they collect is used to improve their way of living and also education.

Sedan chairs

The gorilla permit price excluded the cost of sedan chairs. The sedan chairs are used by the elderly, disabled, and pregnant mothers that are left with a few months to give birth. Travelers that want to use the sedan chairs will pay some fee at the park and a group of men will be able to carry you throughout the whole trek.

Things included in a gorilla permit

Things that are included in a gorilla permit include a paid park entrance fee for the days you will be in the park, armed ranger guide fees, trackers fee, veterinary doctors fee, community development fee, and one hour around mountain gorillas.