Procedures for Gorilla Tracking by Uganda Wildlife Authority and Cancellation Guidelines

Gorilla activity tracking in Uganda is carried out in the National parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The activity involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It is has been considered as a challenging activity and a maximum of 8 people are allowed to track the gorillas. The Mountain Gorilla booking permits are guaranteed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How to Secure a Gorilla permit at the booking Office

Within the country, all the Mountain   Gorilla permit bookings are done at Uganda Wildlife Authority.   In case permits   bought elsewhere, they have to be   confirmed by the issuing authority which is   Uganda Wildlife Authority and the headquarters are located in Uganda’s capital city- Kampala.

Advance booking allocations

 Booking in advance is allowed for a period of two years and usually, a minimum of 30 percent is required as fast installment and the remaining balance should be paid within a period of 91 days before the tracking date.

Short time booking within a period of three months in advance

When tracking on your own, you will be required to buy your permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority which should not be more than 2 months. There is no guarantee on the dates of tracking.

Tracking Permit Limits

Tracking permits are not sold on the day you are going to track therefore; the booking will be opened for sale on the following day with no limits.

Permit refunds and cancellation Guidelines

In Uganda, the Authorizing body Uganda Wildlife Authority shall refund fifty (50) percent tracking fee. This may be as a result of visitors failing to track due to illness which will be recommended by the Warden in Charge. For the case of Mgahinga Gorilla National park, since the Gorillas move, if the client fail to track the gorillas because of their movements to the neighboring country, they will receive a full refund of permits. In case you track a full day and fail to view Gorillas for one reason or another they will be refunded 75 percent of the tracking fee.

Upon cancellations, Uganda Wildlife Authority will retain the following percentages;

Between 0- 8 days to the tracking date- there will be no refund

Between 9- 45 days to tracking date there will be 75 percent refund

Between 46-90 days to the tracking date, there will be 50 percent

91 days and above to tracking date, there will be 75 percent refund.

 A refund made on 30 percent deposit shall be at the value of the permit and permits must be sold be sold at face value and whoever sells at higher value will be penalized. The primary sale of permits by individuals or tour companies anywhere is illegal and all permits must be sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority only and all permits must be made directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.

When to reschedule permits and Reservations

Rescheduling of permits are not permitted, except if it is more than 91 days to the tracking date and is within seven (7) days of the rescheduled date. A rescheduling fee of 20 percent will be attracted and a cancellation policy will apply and re-booking new date at full cost of a permit.

Payment of Gorilla permit Terms;

The majorly acceptable payment methods in Uganda;

Cash in the local currency (Uganda shillings), cash in US dollars, Cash in Great Britain Pounds and Euros is accepted. The US 100 $ bills should be 2006 and above. Traveller’s cheques are also allowed.

The time limit

Mountain Gorilla tracking is limited from 8:30 a.m to 7:00 p.m and all visitors are expected back at the campground.