Are Gorilla & Chimp Permits Refundable in Uganda?

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) allows cancellations and refunds for gorilla and chimpanzee permits under specific conditions. Visitors or tour operators must follow a set procedure to request a refund. The Executive Director holds the authority to approve or reject refund requests based on outlined terms.

Visitors who track gorillas or chimpanzees but fail to see them may reschedule for the next day. If rescheduling is impossible, they receive a 60% refund after confirmation from the Chief Warden. This refund excludes incidental costs like taxes and bank charges.

A visitor showing signs of illness before tracking cannot proceed. They must visit the nearest health facility for medical assessment at their expense. If declared unfit, they qualify for a 50% refund, excluding incidental costs. This policy applies only to visitors already in the park before tracking begins.

If a visitor suffers an accident in the park before tracking, they qualify for a 50% refund. The refund excludes incidental costs already incurred by UWA.

In case of double payment, UWA authorizes a full refund if the visitor presents valid proof. This policy ensures fair handling of payments.

For other cancellations, refunds depend on the request date. Requests made within 14 days of tracking do not qualify for a refund. Cancellations made 15 to 45 days before the tracking date qualify for a 25% refund, excluding incidental costs. Requests made 46 to 60 days before tracking qualify for a 50% refund. Visitors who cancel 61 or more days before the tracking date receive a 75% refund, excluding incidental costs.

Advance payments for entrance and other park activities do not qualify for rescheduling or refunds. This rule applies to all activities except gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.

Payments to UWA accounts must follow official assessments and invoices. Unauthorized bank transfers without UWA invoices are non-refundable. Visitors cannot transfer payments made for one activity to another.

The Executive Director considers the date of request receipt as the official cancellation date. This date determines the refund amount according to UWA policy. Visitors should follow these procedures to ensure that refunds for gorilla and chimpanzee permits process goes on smoothly.

Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has the highest number of mountain gorillas in Uganda. It has thick forests and rugged terrain. Tourists track habituated gorilla families here. The park has four trekking regions. These include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique experiences. Guides help visitors locate gorillas. Treks last from two to six hours. Seeing gorillas in their habitat is thrilling. Permits cost $800 for foreign tourists. Bwindi also supports local communities. Tourists visit cultural sites after trekking. The park lies in southwestern Uganda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is smaller than Bwindi but has gorillas. It sits at the border with Rwanda and Congo. The park has one habituated gorilla group. Hikers also see golden monkeys here. The park features three volcanic mountains. Trekking requires moderate fitness. The Batwa cultural experience enriches visits. Mgahinga’s gorillas move across borders. Permits cost the same as in Bwindi. The park’s scenic beauty amazes visitors. Rangers ensure safe trekking experiences. The location suits tourists coming from Rwanda.

Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations in Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale is the best place for chimpanzee trekking. The park holds over 1,500 chimpanzees. It has tropical rainforests with rich biodiversity. Chimpanzee treks happen twice daily. Visitors see primates up close. The experience lasts two to four hours. Guides explain chimpanzee behaviors. Kibale offers the habituation experience. This activity allows tourists to stay longer. Permits for normal trekking cost $250. Kibale connects to other parks easily. The park also has other primates.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is in Murchison Falls National Park. It has over 700 chimpanzees. The forest has both trekking and habituation. Chimpanzee trekking takes place in Kaniyo Pabidi. The experience lasts three to four hours. The forest also has birds and trees. Tourists enjoy guided nature walks here. The permit price is lower than Kibale. Researchers study primates in this area. Murchison Falls provides additional safari activities.

Kyambura Gorge

Kyambura Gorge lies in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It has a small chimpanzee population. The trek is more challenging here. The gorge has steep slopes and thick vegetation. Chimpanzees move often, making tracking harder. Visitors enjoy scenic landscapes. The experience takes around three hours. The park offers other wildlife safaris. Hippos and elephants live in the area. Tourists combine chimp trekking with game drives.