The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced an increase in the price of gorilla permits in the low season, from US$450 to US$600. This means that gorilla permits will cost a flat fee of $US600 in both low and high seasons for all visitors, effective immediately.
We have been notified that the price increase will also affect tourists who had already made bookings for the low seasons of April, May and November so we will contact any customers that have been affected by this change to discuss this further.
Rwanda recently increased their gorilla permits to US$1,500 so relatively speaking a Ugandan gorilla permit is still very reasonable.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, of which there are estimated to be just 880 in total. Poaching, habitat loss and disease are the major threats to gorilla populations and you will be pleased to note that these increased permit fees contribute towards the conservation of this much endangered animal species.
It is important to note that gorillas also play a key role in maintaining the biodiversity of their forest homes by spreading the seeds of the trees they eat and opening up gaps in the trees as they move around, letting in light and helping sun-loving plants grow.
There is also a local community benefit to conserving these animals. Protecting these forests, which is home to these mountain gorillas, also protects the forests for the communities that live there. A percentage of the profits from gorilla tourism is invested into these communities, in terms of services. Roads are constructed, there is a provision of clean piped water, as well as education and health centres.
If you haven't ventured out to East Africa to see the gorillas then DO NOT hesitate! These charismatic, highly intelligent animals often surprise us with behaviors and emotions so similar to humans and an hour with them just flies by!
A gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda is certainly a bucket list experience that you will never forget!
Gorilla trekking complements a safari in Kenya or Tanzania wonderfully. Read our Comprehensive Guide to Gorilla Trekking.
