Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost – Booking & Availability
Trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Deep within the mist-covered forests of Uganda, travelers can come face to face with these gentle giants — an encounter that leaves an imprint on the heart forever. But before this once-in-a-lifetime adventure can begin, every traveler must secure a gorilla trekking permit. Understanding the cost, booking process, and availability of Uganda’s gorilla permits is essential for planning your safari smoothly and responsibly.
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla permit is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows you to trek into designated national parks and spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. The permit fee helps fund conservation efforts, support local communities, and ensure the protection of these endangered primates. Because gorillas live only in specific areas and in limited numbers, the number of daily permits is strictly controlled to reduce human impact on their environment.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking is conducted in two main parks:
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home to the majority of Uganda’s gorilla families.
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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – smaller but equally rewarding, offering a more private experience.
Both parks provide exceptional trekking opportunities, with well-trained rangers and guides ensuring safety and conservation at every step.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost 2025
As of 2025, the official gorilla trekking permit prices in Uganda are set as follows:
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Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person per trek
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Foreign Residents (with work/residence permits): USD 700 per person per trek
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East African Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan): UGX 300,000 per person per trek
These rates were adjusted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to reflect growing conservation investments and tourism value. The cost includes park entrance, ranger fees, and the one-hour gorilla encounter, but it does not cover transport, accommodation, or porter services.
Gorilla Habituation Experience – Extended Encounter
For those who want a deeper, more immersive experience, Uganda offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience — available only in Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Instead of one hour, trekkers spend up to four hours with a gorilla group still undergoing the habituation process.
The cost of this special permit is:
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Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500
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Foreign Residents: USD 1,000
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East African Citizens: UGX 750,000
This exclusive activity is limited to just four participants per day, making early booking essential.
How to Book a Gorilla Permit
There are two main ways to book your Uganda gorilla permit:
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Directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):
You can contact the UWA headquarters in Kampala by phone or email to check availability and reserve permits. However, this process can be slow and requires advance coordination, especially during peak seasons. -
Through a Licensed Tour Operator:
The easiest and most reliable option is to book through a registered Uganda tour operator or safari company. They handle the entire process — checking dates, securing permits, and arranging transportation and accommodation near the park. Reputable companies have direct communication with UWA, ensuring quick and accurate bookings.
Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and travelers must provide their passport details at the time of booking. Payment confirms the reservation, after which a permit receipt is issued — either digital or printed — to be presented at the park on the trekking day.
When to Book Your Gorilla Permit
Uganda’s gorilla permits are in high demand year-round, particularly during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February), when trekking conditions are best. To avoid disappointment, it’s strongly recommended to book your permit at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
For travelers planning to visit during the peak migration and holiday seasons, early reservations are crucial since Bwindi and Mgahinga host a limited number of trekkers daily.
If you’re traveling in the rainy seasons (March–May or October–November), you may find more flexible availability, and some lodges offer discounted accommodation rates — making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers.
Permit Availability and Sectors in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four major trekking sectors, each hosting multiple habituated gorilla families:
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Buhoma (North) – Famous for its historical significance as Uganda’s first gorilla trekking area.
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Ruhija (East) – Offers high-altitude trekking and scenic forest views.
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Rushaga (South) – Known for multiple gorilla groups and habituation experiences.
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Nkuringo (Southwest) – Offers challenging hikes but incredibly rewarding views and encounters.
Your gorilla permit indicates the specific sector where your trek will take place. Tour operators often select the sector based on your lodge location to reduce long morning transfers.
What’s Included in the Gorilla Permit
The permit fee covers:
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Park entry to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park
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UWA ranger and guide services
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Security and monitoring during the trek
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One full hour with a habituated gorilla family
Additional costs such as transportation, porter hire (recommended for carrying bags and navigating steep trails), accommodation, and meals are booked separately through your operator or lodge.
Why Gorilla Permits Are Expensive
Many travelers wonder why gorilla permits cost so much. The answer lies in conservation. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, with fewer than 1,100 individuals remaining worldwide. A large percentage of the permit fees goes toward:
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Protecting gorilla habitats from encroachment and poaching
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Funding ranger patrols and community education
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Supporting local communities living around the parks to reduce human-wildlife conflict
By purchasing a permit, travelers directly contribute to gorilla survival and the well-being of Uganda’s forest communities.
Refunds and Cancellation Policy
Uganda Wildlife Authority generally does not offer refunds for cancellations, except in special cases such as medical emergencies or unavoidable travel restrictions. However, rescheduling may be possible if requested early. Tour operators can assist in managing these adjustments depending on permit availability.
Final Thoughts – A Permit Worth Every Dollar
A gorilla trekking permit is more than just an entry ticket — it’s a contribution to conservation and an investment in one of life’s greatest adventures. The moment you stand just meters away from a silverback, watching him guard his family with calm authority, every effort and expense feels small in comparison.
Uganda remains the most affordable destination for gorilla trekking compared to Rwanda, offering the same breathtaking experience at nearly half the price. With careful planning and timely booking, your gorilla adventure in the Pearl of Africa will be seamless, unforgettable, and profoundly meaningful.