Why Uganda Gorilla Permits Are Scarce – Uganda is located in East Africa and is one of the three countries in the world where mountain gorillas live. The other two countries are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Uganda is unique because it harbors half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
However, Uganda’s gorilla permits are considered scarce due to high demand throughout the year. Below are some of the reasons why:
Uganda has two national parks where mountain gorillas can be found: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These two parks have 19 habituated gorilla families, with 17 located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 2 in Mgahinga National Park. This increases the chances of tourists visiting gorillas in Uganda.
Uganda’s gorilla permits are relatively cheaper compared to those in other countries. Combined with favorable environmental and climatic factors, this makes Uganda a reliable and popular choice, leading to high demand for permits.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is highly vegetated and is home to some of the world’s rarest tree species. It is also a haven for birds, with over 348 bird species recorded, including 25 restricted-range species.
Among these are four globally endangered species, such as the African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) and Shelley’s Crimson-wing (Cryptospiza shelleyi). This unique biodiversity attracts tourists who combine gorilla trekking with birding.
Uganda also has a rich cultural history. The people living near the parks offer tourists a deep dive into ancient African traditions. For example, the Batwa community, believed to have lived in Bwindi Forest for over 500,000 years, connects with tourists through their friendly nature.
They share their traditions, including basket weaving, bead making, backcloth creation, hunting, storytelling, music, dance, and drama, which enhance the gorilla trekking experience and make it magical.
Another unique aspect of Uganda is the gorilla habituation experience. This allows tourists to spend more time with the gorillas during trekking, beyond the usual one hour. This experience is available in sectors like Rushaga and requires prior booking.
Uganda’s terrain and altitude are also favorable for trekking. The relatively moderate relief makes hiking to the gorillas less challenging, making Uganda a reliable destination for tourists of varying fitness levels.
Additionally, Uganda offers an exceptional opportunity for younger trekkers aged 14 (below the usual age limit of 15), provided they meet the legal and physical requirements for gorilla trekking. This makes Uganda a family-friendly destination for gorilla trekking holidays.
The beautiful streams, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and mountain views encountered during gorilla trekking leave tourists captivated. These natural features make Uganda a favorite destination for gorilla trekking, further increasing the demand for permits.
Lastly, Uganda’s community is known for its friendly and welcoming people, providing tourists with not just an adventure but a sense of comfort and connection with nature.
With all these factors combined, it is no surprise that Uganda’s gorilla permits are scarce due to their high demand.
