Uganda Gorilla Permit Guide

What Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 per person for foreign non-residents. East African residents pay a reduced rate of UGX 300,000, and foreign residents pay $600. These prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and apply to both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The permit fee includes access to the national park, a ranger guide, a pre-trek briefing, and one hour of observation time with a habituated gorilla family. No additional park entry fee is required on trekking day.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

There are two main ways to book a gorilla permit:

• Directly through UWA: You can contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority by email or visit their offices in Kampala. Payment is typically by bank transfer. This requires some back-and-forth and planning ahead.
• Through a tour operator: Most travellers book through a licensed Uganda tour operator. The operator handles the permit application, payment, and logistics. This is simpler, especially if you are also booking accommodation and transport.

Either way, the permit price is the same. Tour operators do not mark up the permit itself — they earn through the overall trip package. Using an operator is particularly recommended if you need help coordinating lodges, transfers, and other activities.

Availability and Booking Timeline

Each habituated gorilla family can be visited by a maximum of 8 people per day. With around 20 habituated families in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, roughly 170 permits are available daily. That sounds like a lot, but peak-season demand regularly exceeds supply.

For the dry seasons — June to August and December to February — book your permit three to six months in advance. During the shoulder and wet seasons (March–May, September–November), permits are typically available on shorter notice, sometimes even a few weeks ahead.

What Is Included in the Permit

Age and Fitness Requirements

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. There is no upper age limit, but you should be honest about your physical fitness. Treks can last anywhere from two to six hours, sometimes longer, over steep, uneven terrain at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,600 metres.

If you have mobility concerns, let your tour operator know when booking. UWA can assign you to a gorilla family that lives at a lower altitude with a shorter approach. Porters are available at the park entrance for a small fee and are highly recommended — they carry your daypack and help you on difficult sections.

What to Bring on the Trek

Cancellation Policy

UWA's cancellation policy allows you to reschedule or cancel your permit, but terms are strict. Cancellations made well in advance may receive a partial refund, while last-minute cancellations typically forfeit the full fee. If the trek is cancelled by UWA due to extreme weather or safety concerns, a reschedule is offered.

Travel insurance that covers trip interruption is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy specifically covers gorilla trekking, as some standard policies exclude adventure activities.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Permit Price Comparison

Uganda's gorilla permit costs $700, while Rwanda charges $1,500 per person. The core experience is similar — both countries are home to mountain gorillas in protected forests. Uganda offers a more affordable option, and the ability to combine gorilla trekking with diverse wildlife safaris in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.

For a detailed comparison, see our Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking guide.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking

Most gorilla trekking in Uganda departs from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own selection of lodges, from luxury to budget.

Browse our complete lodge directory to find accommodation near your trekking sector.