Planning to see mountain gorillas in Uganda? One of the first things you need to arrange is a gorilla trekking permit. The permit gives you access to a guided gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can spend time observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural forest habitat.
Gorilla permits are limited because Uganda carefully controls the number of visitors entering the forest each day. This helps reduce pressure on the gorillas and their habitat while supporting conservation and communities around the national parks.
If you are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, understanding the permit price, booking process, payment requirements and cancellation or rescheduling rules will help you plan your trip properly.
What Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
A gorilla permit is an official authorization issued through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows a visitor to participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. UWA explains that a typical trek can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are located, followed by up to one hour observing the habituated gorilla family.
The permit is issued for a specific date and trekking location. This means that when booking your permit, you need to know when you want to trek and, for Bwindi, which trekking sector is most suitable for your itinerary.
The main Bwindi sectors are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
The standard gorilla trekking permit price for a Foreign Non-Resident is USD 800 per person.
UWA’s current tariff structure also distinguishes between different visitor categories:
| Visitor category | Gorilla tracking permit |
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 800 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 700 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 500 |
| East African Community citizens | UGX 300,000 |
These rates apply to gorilla tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga under the current tariff structure. UWA’s 2026 tariff communication confirms the USD 800 Foreign Non-Resident rate and the other applicable categories.
Low-season gorilla permit prices
There is also an important opportunity for travelers who can visit Uganda during the quieter months.
UWA introduced discounted low-season gorilla tracking permits for April, May and November:
| Visitor category | Low-season gorilla permit |
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 600 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 500 |
The low-season rates are specifically applicable during April, May and November, and UWA states that low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
For travelers who have flexibility with their dates, this can make a significant difference to the overall cost of a gorilla trekking safari.
What Does a Gorilla Permit Cover?
A gorilla permit is not the same as the total cost of a gorilla safari.
The permit covers the regulated gorilla tracking activity and includes the UWA guide, the park entrance fee for the day and the community development contribution.
Your permit does not normally cover other safari expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Transportation to and from Bwindi or Mgahinga
- Meals outside those included in your accommodation package
- Porter services
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional community and cultural experiences
This is why the price of a complete Uganda gorilla safari is considerably higher than the price of the permit alone.
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda has two national parks where visitors can track mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s main gorilla trekking destination and has several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
The different sectors offer different access points and trekking experiences. Your choice should therefore be based not only on permit availability but also on where you are staying and how the rest of your safari is arranged.
For example, travelers arriving from Kigali may find the southern Bwindi sectors convenient, while travelers approaching from other parts of Uganda may choose a different sector depending on their itinerary.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga is part of the larger Virunga mountain ecosystem and offers another opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda.
The park is particularly convenient for travelers combining Uganda with Rwanda because of its location near the Ugandan-Rwandan border.
UWA confirms that both Bwindi and Mgahinga offer gorilla trekking experiences.
How Do You Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Booking a gorilla permit is straightforward when handled through a licensed safari operator.
Step 1: Choose your preferred trekking date
Start by deciding when you want to trek.
It is better to have a few alternative dates if your travel plans allow it because permit availability can vary depending on demand.
If you want the low-season USD 600 Foreign Non-Resident rate, your trekking date needs to fall in April, May or November.
Step 2: Choose the trekking location
If you want to trek in Bwindi, you will also need to consider the trekking sector.
Your safari route, accommodation and transport should all work together with your chosen sector. This is one reason it is useful to arrange the permit as part of the wider safari rather than treating it as a separate booking.
Step 3: Provide your passport details
The booking requires accurate traveler information.
Your safari operator will normally request the details needed for the UWA booking, including your name, nationality and passport information.
Make sure these details are correct because the permit must correspond with the traveler’s identification documents.
Step 4: Confirm availability
Your safari operator checks the preferred trekking date and location and confirms whether permits are available.
Do not assume that a date is secured simply because you have discussed it with an operator. The permit needs to be properly booked and paid for through the official system.
Step 5: Make payment
One of the important changes introduced by UWA in 2026 is the suspension of the previous seven-day reservation window.
From 1 March 2026, UWA suspended the system that allowed operators to hold permits for up to seven days without payment. Permits are now secured through payment at the time of booking.
This makes it especially important to be ready to pay once your preferred permit has been confirmed.
Step 6: Receive your booking confirmation
Once the booking and payment have been completed, your safari operator will provide confirmation of the gorilla permit and include it in your safari documentation.
Keep your passport details consistent with the information used during booking.
Can You Buy a Gorilla Permit Directly From UWA?
This depends on your visitor category.
UWA’s current guidelines state that Foreign Non-Residents must purchase gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits through a tour operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). UWA also operates an automated system for managing gorilla and chimpanzee permit sales.
Foreign residents and East African Community citizens have different purchasing provisions under UWA’s guidelines.
For international visitors, working with a licensed Ugandan safari company can make the process much easier because the operator can coordinate the permit, transport, accommodation and trekking arrangements as one itinerary.
When Should You Book Your Gorilla Permit?
There is no advantage in waiting until the last minute if your travel dates are already known.
We recommend arranging your gorilla permit as early as possible, particularly if you:
- Have fixed travel dates
- Are travelling during popular periods
- Want a specific Bwindi sector
- Are travelling as a group
- Need accommodation close to the trekking starting point
- Want to combine gorilla trekking with a longer Uganda safari
The earlier you plan, the more flexibility you have when choosing your preferred date and trekking location.
For a safari that involves flights, accommodation and several national parks, it is particularly important to secure the gorilla trekking date before finalizing the rest of the itinerary.
What Is the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
This age restriction is important when planning a family safari. If you are travelling with children younger than 15, they cannot participate in the gorilla trekking activity, so the safari itinerary needs to include alternative activities for them.
Can a Gorilla Permit Be Rescheduled?
UWA’s gorilla and chimpanzee tracking guidelines allow a permit to be rescheduled subject to availability.
A permit can generally be rescheduled up to two times. The first reschedule may be made at no additional cost, while the second attracts a surcharge of 25% of the permit price. UWA also states that rescheduling is subject to availability and that requests should normally be made no later than 14 days before the tracking date, although requests made later can still be considered depending on availability.
A permit that has already been rescheduled is not eligible for a refund under those guidelines.
There is an important exception for the discounted low-season permits. UWA specifically states that April, May and November low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
Because UWA rules can change, travelers should confirm the applicable terms at the time of booking.
Can You Get a Refund for a Gorilla Permit?
The cancellation and refund arrangements should be confirmed at the time your permit is booked.
The older policy sometimes published online with fixed refund percentages based on whether a cancellation was made 8, 45 or 46 days before trekking should not be presented as the current UWA rule without verification.
What UWA’s current guidelines clearly address is rescheduling, including the conditions and charges described above.
For this reason, if you need to cancel or change your trip, contact your safari operator as early as possible rather than assuming that a particular percentage of the permit price will automatically be refunded.
What Should You Carry for Gorilla Trekking?
Once your permit is booked, the next step is preparing for the trek.
We recommend carrying:
Sturdy hiking shoes: Bwindi’s forest trails can be steep, muddy and slippery.
Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt: These are practical for walking through dense vegetation.
A waterproof jacket: Rain can occur at any time in the forest.
A small backpack: Keep your personal items to a minimum.
Drinking water and snacks: The length of a trek can vary considerably.
Gloves: Useful when holding vegetation or moving through sections of the forest.
Insect repellent: Helpful in a forest environment.
A walking stick: These can usually be obtained locally and can be useful on steep sections.
A camera: Bring one if you want photographs, while following the instructions given by your guides around the gorillas.
Why Do You Need a Gorilla Permit?
Gorilla permits are not simply entry tickets.
The limited number of visitors helps regulate tourism around the gorillas and reduce unnecessary pressure on the animals and their habitat.
The money generated through gorilla tourism also contributes to conservation and communities around protected areas. UWA states that it shares park revenue with communities and that a portion of gorilla permit revenue supports communities around Bwindi.
This makes gorilla trekking an important part of Uganda’s wider conservation and tourism system.
How Much Does a Full Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost?
The permit is only one part of the total safari price.
A complete gorilla trekking safari may include:
Gorilla permit: From USD 600 during the applicable low season for Foreign Non-Residents, or USD 800 under the standard rate.
Accommodation: Depending on whether you choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation.
Transportation: Usually a 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide.
Meals: Depending on your accommodation and safari package.
Park and activity fees: Where applicable for activities included in your itinerary.
Airport transfers: If included in your package.
Guide and safari services: Depending on the safari arrangement.
Optional activities: Such as cultural experiences, Batwa community visits, nature walks or boat trips.
This is why it is best to compare the complete safari itinerary and inclusions, rather than comparing tour companies based only on the advertised gorilla permit price.
Can Nturo Safaris Arrange a Gorilla Permit?
Yes. Nturo Safaris can arrange your Uganda gorilla trekking permit as part of a complete safari itinerary.
As a Uganda-based safari company, we can help coordinate your permit, accommodation, transportation and trekking arrangements so that everything works together.
Whether you are travelling from Kampala, Entebbe, Kigali or another destination in the region, we can build the itinerary around your preferred travel dates and budget.
We offer Uganda gorilla trekking experiences ranging from shorter trips to longer Uganda and Rwanda safari combinations.
If you already know your preferred trekking date, contact us early so we can check availability and start planning your safari.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Gorilla Permits
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
A standard gorilla trekking permit for a Foreign Non-Resident is USD 800 per person. Foreign Residents pay USD 700, Rest of Africa visitors pay USD 500, and East African Community citizens pay UGX 300,000. UWA also introduced a discounted USD 600 Foreign Non-Resident rate for April, May and November.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in April, May and November?
The low-season Foreign Non-Resident gorilla permit is USD 600, while the Foreign Resident rate is USD 500. UWA states that these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.
Can I book a gorilla permit directly from UWA?
Foreign Non-Residents are required to purchase gorilla tracking permits through a tour operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit?
It is advisable to book as early as possible once your travel dates are known, particularly if you want a specific trekking date or Bwindi sector. Availability can change quickly, especially during popular travel periods.
What does the Uganda gorilla permit include?
The permit covers the regulated gorilla tracking activity, including the UWA guide, park entrance for the day and community development contribution. It does not cover accommodation, transportation, porter services and other personal safari expenses.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
Can I change my gorilla trekking date?
UWA’s guidelines allow rescheduling subject to availability. The first reschedule can be made at no cost, while a second reschedule attracts a 25% surcharge. Low-season permits for April, May and November cannot be rescheduled.
Can I trek gorillas in both Bwindi and Mgahinga?
Yes. Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Can I book a gorilla permit without booking a safari?
The booking requirements depend on your visitor category. Foreign Non-Residents must use a UTB-licensed tour operator to purchase their permit, so international travelers will generally arrange the permit through a licensed operator.
Is the gorilla permit refundable?
Do not rely on older online refund schedules without checking the current terms. If you need to cancel or change your booking, contact your safari operator as early as possible to confirm what options apply to your specific permit.
Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
A gorilla trek is easier to enjoy when the permit, accommodation, transport and trekking location are planned together.
At Nturo Safaris, we help travelers arrange gorilla trekking in Uganda and combine it with wildlife safaris, cultural experiences and other destinations across Uganda and the region.
Whether you are looking for a short gorilla trekking trip from Kigali, a Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, or a longer Uganda and Rwanda itinerary, we can help you plan the journey around your preferred dates and budget.
Ready to plan your gorilla trek in Uganda? Contact Nturo Safaris to check permit availability and start planning your safari.
