Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has introduced fine for late gorilla permit rescheduling for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park effective 1st July 2020. The fine applies to trekkers on Uganda gorilla safari with the plan to alter dates of their gorilla permits late or at the last minute. Late gorilla permit reschedule attracts 25 percent charge of the permit fee ($700) implying that you will incur $175. While there are varying reasons why trekkers reschedule/change their original gorilla trekking dates, you are advised to do so as early as possible at least three weeks or a month prior to the actual gorilla trekking date.

A gorilla permit is an essential tool that allows trekkers to explore one of the 21 habituated families in Uganda the pearl of Africa. Unlike before, it is now easier for visitors on Uganda gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park to change gorilla permit dates. Provided that you have a genuine reason to alter your gorilla trekking date, a trekker or tour operator now has room to do so in writing to Director of tourism business and development at UWA requesting him or her to authorize change of gorilla permit dates from the original date to your desired gorilla trekking dates by email or personally take it to the office. However, your letter should have good reasons as to why you need to change your initial gorilla permit dates. You will also need to present original receipts given by UWA but note, it is a guarantee that your gorilla permit dates will be changed by UWA. In case your receipts are accepted, the dates will change in the system and later, you will be availed with new receipts and ID showing new gorilla trekking dates.
Because the process is tedious, you do not need to stress yourself that much, Maranatha Tours and Travel is readily available to assist you to go through all the process and secure gorilla permit as you sit back at home. Only visitors who cleared gorilla permit fees to zero balance are prior rescheduled are at a higher advantage to change their dates.

Reserving gorilla permit in Uganda

Visitors on a gorilla safari in Uganda are advised to reserve their gorilla trekking permits 3 months earlier prior to the actual trek. Reserving a gorilla permit in advance is of great advantage as you won’t face the last-minute pressure or even miss permit given the high demand. 30 percent deposit is usually required for trekkers or tour operators to make when reserving gorilla permits and later, clear the balance 3 months to actual gorilla trek. Failure to clear payments prior to 3 months puts you at higher risk to lose a gorilla permit because it will be removed from the system and put on sale. Come 2020, Uganda’s gorilla permits will be issued at $700 per person-for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents.

Cancelation policy for gorilla permits in Uganda like?

In case you plan to cancel your gorilla permit which you already reserved; a cancelation policy must be observed. Usually, cancelation attracts refund or not depending on the date it is done.
• 91 days and above attract a 75 percent refund.
• From 45 to 90 days 50 percent.
• From 8-45 days 25 percent
• 0-8 days attract no refund!
Note, only gorilla permits that have been fully paid attract refunds and those on deposit stand no chance!

Gorilla trekking etiquette to observe

• Persons above 15 years are eligible to book a gorilla trekking permit.
• No flashlight camera is allowed when taking pictures of mountain gorillas.
• One gorilla permit is equal to one habituated gorilla group.
• Eight visitors are assigned to trek one gorilla family.
• A distance of 7 meters must be kept at all times away from gorillas.
• Only one hour is given to trekkers to have a face to face encounter with gorillas.
• In case you are not feeling well, you may not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas. For any need to cough, please cover your mouth and nose when sneezing.
• Leave the gorilla habitat the way you found it.
In conclusion, for any plan to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park while on Uganda gorilla safari, a gorilla permit is an essential tool you should have.