UWA permit cancellation policy in Uganda

To participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda, you need to obtain a gorilla permit. It is highly recommended that once a permit is booked, the visitor utilizes it on the exact trekking date. The gorilla permit cancellation policy in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo follows similar guidelines. If a visitor fails to attend the trek within 14 days of the scheduled date, they forfeit the permit fee and are not eligible for a refund. The responsible bodies calculate refunds based on the full permit cost. The gorilla permits cost $800 for gorilla trekking and $1,500 for gorilla habituation experience. These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Cancellation Policy For Uganda Permits

UWA may approve cancellations and process refunds for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking or habituation experiences under specific conditions. The procedure for cancellation or refund is as follows:

1. Request for Cancellation or Refund

The tour operator or client must submit a written request for cancellation or refund to the Executive Director of UWA. Upon receiving the request, the Executive Director has the discretion to approve or reject the cancellation or refund based on the following terms:

• If a client fails to see gorillas or chimpanzees after tracking for a whole day, the Executive Director may authorize a rescheduling of the permit/ticket to the following day.
• If rescheduling is not possible due to unavailable slots or the client’s itinerary, the Executive Director may authorize a 60% refund of the permit/ticket value. This is subject to certification/confirmation by the Chief Warden/Warden in Charge. It excludes any incidental costs (taxes, bank charges) that UWA will have already incurred.

2. Refunds Due to Illness

• A visitor showing signs of illness before tracking will not be eligible to participate in the trek. He/she will be referred to the nearest health facility for assessment.
• A medical report must confirm the illness, and all diagnosis/treatment costs are the responsibility of the client.
• After confirmation that a visitor is unfit to track due to illness, the Executive Director may authorize a 50% refund of the permit/ticket value. This policy only applies to visitors already in the park who develop or show signs of illness before tracking. The refund will exclude incidental costs already incurred by UWA.
• If a client sustains an accident in the park before tracking, the Executive Director may authorize a 50% refund. It excludes incidental costs.

3. Refunds Due to Double Payment

• If a client provides evidence of a double payment for the same activity, the Executive Director may authorize a full refund.

4. Other Cancellations

• The Executive Director may authorize cancellations for reasons beyond those listed above under the following conditions:
  Cancellations within 14 days of tracking are not eligible for refunds.
• Cancellations 15 to 45 days before tracking are eligible for a 25% refund, minus incidental costs.
• Cancellations 46 to 60 days before tracking are eligible for a 50% refund, minus incidental costs.
• Cancellations 61 days or more before tracks are eligible for a 75% refund, minus incidental costs.

5. Advance Payments & Rescheduling

• Advance payments for park entrance fees and other activities are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, except for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

6. Payment Guidelines

All payments to UWA bank accounts must be based on official assessments and invoices issued by UWA. Payments not backed by an assessment or invoice are non-refundable.

• Funds paid for one activity cannot be transferred or used for another.
• The date UWA receives the cancellation request will determine the applicable refund percentage.

This policy ensures fairness and proper management of cancellations while maintaining conservation efforts and logistical planning for trekking experiences.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is available all year round; however, the best time to experience it in Africa is during the dry months of January, February, June, and early September.

During these months:

• Traveling to the parks is easier since roads and trails are less muddy.
• Gorilla sightings are more explicit because the vegetation is not overly dense, improving visibility.
• Trekking conditions are more favorable, with less rainfall making the trails more navigable.

While gorilla trekking is possible during the rainy seasons (March-May & October-November), these months come with heavier rainfall, making trails slippery and challenging to navigate. However, the advantage is fewer tourists, and permits may be more readily available.

For the best experience, plan your gorilla trekking adventure during the dry season, when conditions are most ideal.

Gorilla Permit: What’s Included & Excluded

Are you planning to visit Uganda to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? If so, it is essential to book your gorilla permit in advance to secure your spot due to high demand.

A gorilla permit is an official card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants you access to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each permit is valid for a specific date and you cannot reuse it once it expires.

What is Included in the Gorilla Permit?

• One hour with a habituated gorilla family – You can observe, take still photos, and record simple videos.
• A professional park ranger guide – Your guide will provide insightful information about the gorillas and their habitat.
• Security and protection – Tourism police and armed rangers  will accompany the trek to ensure safety by deterring potential threats from wild animals.
• Park entry fees – The cost of accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is included and valid for 24 hours.

What is Not Included in the Gorilla Permit?

• Accommodation and meals – You must arrange and book your lodging and food separately.
• Porter services – If you need help carrying your backpack, porters are available for hire at an additional fee.
• Transportation – The permit does not cover transfers to and from the park.
• Tips and personal expenses – Gratitude for guides, rangers, and lodge staff is not included.
• For an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, ensure you secure your permit early and plan your trip accordingly.

Includes Of a Gorilla Habituation Permit

For those interested in spending more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the gorilla habituation experience is an excellent option. Unlike the standard gorilla trekking permit that allows only one hour of interaction, the gorilla habituation experience permit grants visitors up to four hours with mountain gorillas still undergoing habituation. Currently, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has two gorilla families in the southern part of Bwindi reserved for this experience.

As part of this experience, visitors receive a certificate recognizing their participation in gorilla trekking. The cost of the gorilla permit also contributes to the conservation of mountain gorillas. It also supports the staff of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Additionally, part of the fee is allocated to community development projects such as schools, hospitals, and job creation, benefiting the local communities around Bwindi.

While the gorilla permit covers these aspects, it does not include accommodation or transport to and from Bwindi. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free summer holiday gorilla trekking experience, Beyond Travel Africa offers complete arrangements for accommodation and transport services.

Where to Stay for Your Gorilla Safari

Beyond Travel Africa partners with carefully selected lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay during your summer holiday gorilla trip. Based on your budget, we can recommend suitable accommodation options ranging from budget, deluxe, to luxury lodges.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. In each of these regions, we offer at least two accommodation choices for each category. We therefore ensure that you have the best possible lodging experience tailored to your preferences. Whether you seek affordable comfort, mid-range elegance, or luxurious indulgence, we will help you find the perfect place to stay during your gorilla trekking adventure. so as to make your Safari more enjoyable.