Planning a gorilla trek in Uganda is exciting—but sometimes life gets in the way. Whether it’s a delayed flight, illness, a family emergency, or a change in your travel schedule, you may need to reschedule your gorilla permit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s involved in rescheduling a gorilla permit in Uganda, what you should prepare, and how to ensure your booking process stays smooth with Entale African Safaris.
Why You Might Need to Reschedule Your Gorilla Permit
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are tied to specific dates and tracking groups. Common reasons travelers request a reschedule include:
• Flight delays or missed connections
• Changes to tour dates or travel itinerary
• Health-related issues before departure or an epidemic/pandemic.
• Weather/logistics adjustments
• Personal emergencies
Whatever the reason, the key is to act quickly and communicate early.
Can a Gorilla Permit Be Rescheduled?
Yes—in many cases, gorilla permits can be rescheduled, especially when the change is made before the original trekking date and while availability still exists.
However, the exact outcome depends on factors such as:
• How close your request is to the trekking date
• Whether the new date has permit availability
• The permit holder’s details and booking status
• Any adjustments required by the issuing authority and lodge operations
That’s why timing and documentation matter.
How the Rescheduling Process Works (What to Expect)
1. Contact Your Tour Operator Immediately
If you know you can’t travel on the scheduled date, reach out as soon as possible to Entale African Safaris. The earlier you notify us, the better our chances of securing an alternative date.
2. Share Your New Preferred Dates
We’ll ask you for:
• Your preferred new trekking date(s)
• Your current itinerary details
• Any constraints (e.g., you must trek before a certain day)
3. Check Availability for Alternative Dates
We confirm whether permits are available on your requested new dates. If not, we can suggest the closest possible alternatives.
4. Confirm Changes and Updated Details
Once we identify the best option, we confirm:
• The updated trekking date
• Any new schedule for briefing, tracking, or park timing
• Updated traveler information if required
5. Review Costs and Differences
Rescheduling may involve:
• Handling fees (if applicable)
• Any permit-related differences based on the new date
• Possible changes in accommodation or transport arrangements
At Entale African Safaris, we communicate all costs clearly before final confirmation.
GUIDELINES FROM UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY
1. A client may be allowed up to two reschedules for one specific permit. Under no circumstances will a reschedule be accepted beyond the second schedule.
2. A reschedule shall only be accepted subject to availability of space for the specific location and date requested.
3. Where reschedules have been permitted, the first reschedule shall be made at no cost, subject to availability.
4. The second reschedule will be subject to a surcharge of 25% of the total cost of the permit, subject to availability.
5. If a reschedule is done twice, the new tracking dates for all rescheduled permits shall not exceed twelve months for initial booked tracking date.
6. Where a permit has been rescheduled before, no refund shall be permitted against such a permit
7. In the event that the permit is rescheduled to a period with a higher price, a top up shall be made to cover the difference as per prevailing tariffs.
8. Requests for reschedules should be received no later than fourteen days before the tracking date. Any requests received less than fourteen days before the tracking date shall be accepted and processed based on availability of space on specific dates and respective sites, and shall attract a surcharge of 25% of the cost of the permit.
9. Permits purchased through promotional offers and those issued as complimentary shall not be rescheduled. Such permits shall be forfeited if not used on the provided dates and locations.
10. However, commission permits shall be eligible for reschedules to dates that fall within one year from the quarter for which they were issued. The rest of the reschedule guidelines will apply, including the surcharge at the second reschedule.
11. Reschedules of permits shall only apply within the same, conservation areas and for the same activity.
Note: This also applies to Chimpanzee Trekking Permits.
What You Should Prepare Before Rescheduling
To make everything faster, have these ready:
• Your passport name(s) exactly as written on the document
• Your permit booking reference (if available)
• Your original trek date
• Your preferred new dates
• Your contact details (email/phone/WhatsApp)
If you’re making the change due to an emergency, let us know—sometimes we can prioritize based on your situation.
Why Choose Entale African Safaris for Gorilla Permit Changes?
At Entale African Safaris, we understand that gorilla trekking is more than a tour—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s why we focus on:
• Quick communication and prompt action
• Clear guidance on available options
• Support with itinerary adjustments
• Professional handling of permit and logistics changes
Ready to Reschedule? Let’s Help
If you need to reschedule your Uganda gorilla permit, contact Entale African Safaris and share your current schedule and preferred dates. We’ll guide you through the process and help you get back on track for your gorilla trekking experience.