Do you want to check the availability of Uganda gorilla permits online and book them as you plan your trip? If you want to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then you will need a Uganda gorilla permit.
These permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority on a first come, first served basis and are non-refundable. The biggest challenge tourists face is checking Uganda gorilla permit availability online. Most of the time, they contact Uganda tour operators to do this for them.
Whether you are booking Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali or gorilla safaris starting from Entebbe, you will first need to check if permits are available for your dates.
It would have been much easier if clients could check Uganda gorilla permit availability online before inquiring with any tour operators. The advantage is that they would set their dates early and plan better. Years ago, AUTO proposed having Uganda gorilla permits online, but the Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority declined the idea.
Until today, there is no clear way for tourists to check availability of Uganda gorilla permits or book them online by themselves. They still have to go through a tour operator.
In this article, I will show you how to check the availability of permits for January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
Checking Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permits Online
At the moment, there are three ways to check gorilla permits online. The first is by calling Uganda Wildlife Authority directly by phone. The second and third options are through a tour operator, like the companies listed here.
Calling Uganda Wildlife Authority
Uganda Wildlife Authority will always tell you the availability of permits at no cost. You just need to call them on these numbers: +256 414 355000 or +256 312 355000. I consider this the best option because it gives you the most up-to-date information.
Contacting a Tour Operator
A tour operator can help you check the availability of permits for your dates or month. Using a tour operator is especially helpful when asking about permits during the high season. The benefit is that they can check and reserve the permits for you immediately, even when only a few are left for a certain date.
Imagine a situation where only 2 gorilla permits are left for your date, and you want to book them. You might call Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they confirm availability, but then a tour operator buys them after a few hours.
You cannot call Uganda Wildlife Authority and reserve permits instantly. You will go through a process of sending money, which can take a few days.
A tour operator can ask about the availability and book the permits for you right away, then guide you on how to make payment. These recommended Uganda tour operators can help you do this for free.
The gorilla permits availability sheet: AUTO sometimes gives an availability sheet to its members. This sheet helps them plan their trips better. Some tour operators might send this sheet to you by email so you can check the dates yourself.
However, this is not encouraged by the association. A tour company only shares this if they are willing to take the risk.
My Take
In my opinion, I suggest you go through a tour operator. It is safer that way. If you are planning your trip for 3 or more months ahead, you can also call Uganda Wildlife Authority directly. Gorilla trekking for pregnant women needs more time to plan. A minimum of 6 months is better.
After confirming the availability, you can book your flights and then pay for your safari. Like I said earlier, gorilla permits are sold on a first come, first served basis and get sold out quickly. The earlier you book, the better.
Gorilla permits for both budget gorilla trekking and luxury gorilla trekking safaris are the same. The only difference comes from accommodation and transportation.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
