In a bid to encourage continuous gorilla tourism in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed its gorilla trekking permit policies. Having temporarily suspended gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation and other research related activities Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, The Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed in its former permit policies. This aims at allowing gorilla permit reschedules rather than cancellation by travelers who had booked and those who want to make future bookings. The move to relax the gorilla trekking permit policy in Uganda is to give travel operators and travelers enough flexibility so as to avoid losses of business. The policy applies to all travel operators and clients. Those who paid full or the 30% booking fee. Travel operators and travelers can now reschedule their gorilla permits up to 2 years without any penalty.
Postcovid19 Uganda gorilla safaris
Uganda wildlife authority assures the public about the continuity of gorilla safaris in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park after the defeat of Corona Virus. The good news is that the ministry of health and the whole public of Uganda is stably defeating the deadly Covid19. Uganda has registered a total of 79 cases of corona virus with 52 recoveries and no death. The increasing rate of recoveries in Uganda with decreasing rates of new cases gives hope for the re opening of gorilla tours to Bwindi and Mgahinga forests in the near future. However, the strict gorilla trekking rules and regulations will be emphasized for those who will make it to the endangered species. These include:
• All travelers must wear masks to spread the spread of the virus
• A distance of 10 meters I away from gorillas is a must
• Do not trek gorillas when having any sign of sickness
• Children below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas
• Spend strictly an hour with gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Keep with in your group (do not move alone in the forest)
• Speak on a low tone
• Do not litter, eat or do anything in the park
Travelers are advised to hire porters and walking sticks when goring to trek gorillas to avoid hiking difficulties in the jungle.
Gorilla tours in Uganda
All gorilla safaris to Uganda are currently on halt. Uganda Wildlife Authority suspends all gorilla trekking activities in Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Forest National Parks. As of now, there are no travelers allowed to visit mountain gorillas in both gorilla parks. However, conservation activities are still ongoing in the national park but with a minimum effort. Park rangers continue to monitor the wellbeing of mountain gorillas in the jungle forests. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which make it the first stop center for gorilla safaris in Africa. 18 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking 17 of which live in Bwindi Forest and 1 in Mgahinga National park. Uganda gorilla families are Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family, Oruzogo gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla family, Bweza gorilla group, Nshongi gorilla family, Kahungye gorilla group, Busingye gorilla family, Kyaguliro gorilla group, Nkuringo gorilla family, Katwe gorilla family, Christmas gorilla family, Mishaya gorilla family and Nyakaggezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each gorilla family is different from the other in terms of size, location and story of formation. More so, 2 gorilla families namely Bikyingi and Bushaho) are undergoing habituation experience in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Gorilla tour costs in Uganda
All travelers visiting to see mountain gorillas in Uganda are required to have permits. Permit prices in Uganda vary depending on the travelers nationality. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. For those who want to do gorilla habituation experience, a permit costs $1500 for all visitors. Everyday, 8 gorilla habituation permits are issued everyday. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues all gorilla permits. Gorilla permit bookings are recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely and proper planning. Alternatively, you can boo through Africa Adventure Safaris, the number one gorilla safari company in Uganda and the whole of East Africa.
Conclusively, the relaxing of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is of great help for the travel operators and travelers. Take the chance, do not cancel the trip but postpone your Uganda gorilla safari to save tourism in the Pearl of Africa.
