Are there low season gorilla permits in Uganda? It is very interesting to note that Uganda offers low-season gorilla permits.
Low seasons in Uganda are specific times of the year when the country announces discounted gorilla permits.
Gorilla permits in Uganda are certified documents issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They allow any tourist above the age of 15 to trek mountain gorillas in their habitats, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
A gorilla permit allows up to eight trekkers to visit an assigned gorilla family for strictly one hour in a single day.
The trekking activity is guided by an armed game ranger who provides specialized trekking guidance through the forest and ensures the security of the trekkers. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests and mountains in search of habituated gorilla families and spending an hour with them upon finding the group.
The gorilla permit is issued by UWA and is sold at a fixed price, meaning the cost is the same regardless of where it is purchased.
It is important to note that there are only 152 gorilla permits available daily in Uganda, which are used to trek 19 habituated gorilla families in the country’s two trekking zones.
Low Seasons in Uganda
Uganda has two low seasons for gorilla trekking:
- First Low Season: Mid-March to late May
- Second Low Season: Late August to late November
During these periods, there is reduced demand for gorilla permits, leading to discounted prices to keep gorilla trekking activities ongoing. Additionally, accommodation rates tend to drop during the low seasons, making gorilla safaris much cheaper.
Weather Considerations in the Low Season
It is important to note that low-season gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are not solely influenced by the wet season, which can make hiking trails challenging. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located at a high altitude and features a tropical rain-forest.
The park’s climate is influenced by various factors, resulting in rainfall throughout the year, even during the dry season.
Therefore, choosing to trek during the low season is still a viable option, as rain typically does not last all day, allowing trekkers ample time to carry out their activities.
Cost of Low Season Gorilla Permits in Uganda
During the low season, gorilla permits cost the same amount as the high season; which is a constant USD 800.
Tourists have the advantage of acquiring permits at any time, including for last-minute treks, due to the reduced demand during this period.
Low-season gorilla permits in Uganda are easily accessible when announced by the respective authorities. These permits make gorilla trekking more affordable and allow tourists to enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience, even during the low-demand periods.
