To take part in the awe-inspiring mountain gorilla trekking experience, every visitor is required to possess a valid gorilla trekking permit. Uganda is a premier gorilla trekking destination, home to more than half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. These gentle giants are an endangered species found only in the dense rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The only way to protect mountain gorillas is through eco-tourism. The income generated by gorilla tours funds national parks and provides a financial incentive for local communities to safeguard gorillas. By purchasing a permit, you are directly contributing to the survival of the species. You will find all the information you need regarding Uganda Gorilla Permits below.

What Are Gorilla Permits, and how many are available?

A gorilla permit is an official authorisation document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). It grants guests access to trek inside the national parks and spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Permits also allow authorities to control the number of people visiting these endangered primates, thereby minimising stress and human impact. The trek can last 2 to 7 hours, depending on where the mountain gorillas are located on any given day.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Home to 21 habituated gorilla families and the most visited destination. It is also the only park in the world offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Home to one habituated gorilla family (the Nyakagezi group).

There are currently around 176 gorilla permits available per day in Uganda; these are split between the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (168) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (8).

How Do You Get A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit?

Uganda gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The most convenient and reliable way to book your permit is through a licensed tour operator. Typically, we, as a licensed tour operator, will secure the permit on your behalf as part of your overall Uganda gorilla safari package.

What Is A Gorilla Habituation Permit?

A Uganda Gorilla Habituation permit allows you to participate in the habituation process. This is the method through which wild gorillas are gradually trained to be comfortable in the presence of humans. Achieving the gorillas’ relaxed, nonchalant attitude takes significant time, money, and effort. By participating in this unique experience, you get to spend four hours with a gorilla family (as opposed to the standard one hour). While more expensive, the Habituation Experience offers a deeper, more fascinating insight into the behaviour of one of the world’s most endangered animals.

How Much Is a Uganda Gorilla Permit (2024–2026)?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has released the tariff for the period of 1^st July 2024 – 30^th June 2026

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit (1 hour with gorillas)

Visitor Category	Gorilla trekking permit price
Foreign Non-Resident	USD$ 800
Foreign Resident	USD$ 700
East African Citizen	UGX 300,000
Rest of Africa	USD$ 500

 Gorilla Habituation Permit (4 hours with gorillas)

Visitor Category	Gorilla habituation permit price
Foreign Non-Resident	USD$ 1500
Foreign Resident	USD$ 1000
East African Citizen	UGX 750,000
Rest of Africa	USD$ 1000

 

What Does The Uganda Gorilla Permit Cover?

It is important to note that the fee strictly covers the entry to the park, the guide, and the one hour (or four hours) with the gorillas. The permit excludes accommodation, air tickets, ground transportation, meals and other activity fees.

Why Is The Gorilla Permit Expensive?

Conservation is an expensive undertaking. There are currently only around 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the African rainforests. These primates are rare; they are found nowhere else on earth and cannot survive in zoos. Once on the verge of extinction, their survival is one of the greatest conservation success stories in Africa. However, this requires massive investment in protection, monitoring, and veterinary care. Revenue from permits enables national parks to raise the funds needed to protect these primates and their shrinking habitats.

While the permit is expensive, the experience is extraordinary. Once you are eye-to-eye with a giant silverback, the moment is priceless.

Understanding Bwindi Sectors

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector acts as a self-standing destination with its own habituated gorilla families and accommodation options. Crucial Note: When booking, you must select a specific sector. Permits are not transferable between regions.

• Example: If you buy a permit for Nkuringo but book a hotel in Buhoma (a 6-hour drive away), you will not be allowed to trek in Buhoma. You must trek in the sector where your permit is booked.

When Should You Book?

Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity. However, permits for the peak dry seasons (June to September and December to February) sell out very quickly.

• Recommendation: Book your permits 3 to 6 months in advance to guarantee your spot.
• Last Minute: While permits are easier to acquire during the low seasons (March–May and November), the limit of 8 visitors per group remains strictly enforced.

Expiration and Cancellation Policies

• What Happens When Your Permit Expires? Permits are issued for a specific date. If you miss your trek due to unforeseen issues, the permit is considered expired, and the fee is forfeited.
• Can You Reschedule? Yes. The permit holder (or their tour operator) can reschedule the permit to a new date up to one week before the tracking date. Rescheduling is not permitted once the date has passed.
• Can You Cancel a Permit? If you have only paid a deposit, you will generally not receive a refund. If you have paid in full, UWA applies the following cancellation penalties: 75% refund if cancelled 91 days or more before the trek, 50% refund if cancelled 46 to 90 days before the trek, 25% refund if cancelled 9 to 45 days before the trek and no refund if cancelled 0 to 8 days before the trek.

What If You Are Sick on the Day of the Trek?

If you wake up feeling unwell, do not trek. Even a common cold can be fatal to gorillas, as they share 98% of our DNA but have no immunity to human diseases. If you report your illness to the warden on-site, 50% of the permit fee may be refunded to you. This policy exists to encourage honesty and protect gorilla health.

What Happens If You Don’t Find the Gorillas?

The chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda are approximately 99%. Park rangers track the families daily. However, in the rare event that you trek all day and fail to find them:

1. The Executive Director may authorise rescheduling the permit to the following day (subject to availability).
2. If no slots are available, you may be authorised for a 50% refund upon confirmation by the Warden in Charge.

Are There Discounted Permits?

Currently, there are no discounted gorilla permits available in Uganda. The prices listed above are standard year-round.