Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit – Price, Booking & What to Expect (2025)
Uganda is home to some of the richest biodiversity and the world’s rare mountain gorillas. The two main gorilla trekking parks are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To see these magnificent creatures, you need a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience is famous for its lush, dense forest trails, abundant wildlife, and welcoming local communities. Here’s a detailed guide to Uganda’s gorilla permits, including costs, booking tips, and what your permit covers.
Gorilla Permit Price in Uganda (2025)
Uganda offers one of the best-value gorilla permits in Africa. The current prices are
- $800 USD per person for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- $800 USD per person for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
These fees include park entry, trekking, conservation efforts, and support for local communities. Compared to Rwanda’s $1,500 and Congo’s $450, Uganda strikes a balance between affordability and quality.
What Does the Permit Include?
Your Uganda gorilla permit covers:
- Access to trek one habituated gorilla family for one hour
- A professional, experienced ranger guide to lead your trek
- Park entry fees to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park
- Conservation and community development contributions
The permit does not cover other costs such as transport, accommodation, or porter fees, but it guarantees your legal and responsible gorilla encounter.
Booking a Uganda Gorilla Permit
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): The official body responsible for issuing permits. You can book permits online via UWA’s official website or at their offices in Kampala.
- Licensed Tour Operators: Most travelers prefer to book permits through reputable tour operators who arrange permits, accommodation, transport, and guides in one package. This simplifies your planning.
Booking Early Is Critical. Gorilla permits in Uganda sell out fast, especially during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance increases your chances of securing the preferred trekking date.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and What to Expect
Uganda’s parks enforce strict rules to protect both visitors and gorillas:
- Minimum age for trekking is 15 years old.
- Groups are limited to 8 trekkers per gorilla family to minimize disturbance.
- Trekking duration is capped at one hour with the gorillas.
- Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters to avoid disease transmission.
- Flash photography is not allowed during the trek.
- You must be physically prepared to hike through steep, muddy, and often slippery forest trails.
Additional Tips for Your Uganda Gorilla Trek
- Hire a porter if you expect to need assistance carrying your backpack or walking stick.
- Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking boots. The forest can be cold and wet.
- Carry water, snacks, insect repellent, and a rain jacket.
- Respect all guidelines given by your ranger and follow instructions strictly.
- Remember that gorilla trekking is a privilege that supports conservation and local livelihoods—treat it with care.
Final Thought: Plan Your Safari
Uganda offers a rewarding gorilla trekking experience with permits priced fairly and services geared toward unforgettable memories. Its rich biodiversity, scenic forest, and dedicated conservation efforts make Uganda a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Book your permit early, prepare for the trek, and look forward to an extraordinary encounter with the mountain gorillas.
