In announcing the new policy, the UWA said that if trackers fail to encounter the habituated gorilla family, each individual fee of US$360 will be refunded, or a permit for another day will be issued.
"Although non-sightings rarely occur, UWA wanted to provide an extra incentive to prospective visitors to further encourage their interaction with the world's most endangered ape," noted James Bahinguza, Director of Tourism Uganda. "These magnificent primates are only found in forests of Southwest Uganda, Northwestern Rwanda and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and number about 700, of which approximately 350 are in Uganda," he added.
Bahinguza pointed out that permit fees contribute to the conservation of the species and are used to generate funds for the management of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks as well as to improve local community resources.
To protect the gorillas, he noted that a maximum number of daily trackers has been set and strict rules govern their visits, including minimum distance separation (20 feet) to protect against human disease transmission, prohibition of flash photography and rubbish conservation. "All trackers are accompanied by professional guides and porters to care for the well-being of the visitors as well as the protection of our fragile gorilla families," Bahinguza said.
Uganda has a number of comfortable lodges in the Gorilla National Parks owned by such leading safari outfitters as Volcanoes Safaris, Mantana and A & K. While these accommodations appeal to the luxury-end of the market, Bahinguza noted that more budget-conscious options are also available.
