For the years 2024 to 2026, gorilla permits in Uganda can be directly booked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at a cost of US$00 per permit. If you are planning a gorilla safari trekking experience in any of these destinations, you can obtain the necessary permits directly from the respective wildlife authorities.
It is easy to book gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The numbers of gorilla permits available for gorilla trekking have increased to 200 passes available per day since there are 25 gorilla families that have been habituated for tourist visits.
Currently gorilla permits cost US$800 per permit including park including entry fee and are booked on first come first serve basis. Gorilla permits can be booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices in Kamwokya, Kampala or through local tour operators who get availability updates online from UWA. You can also book a fully inclusive tour with a gorilla permit from international and local tour operators.
There are 25 habituated mountain gorilla groups that are open to tourists and these groups can be visited from various sectors of the park; Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo sector, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
How to Check availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Are you planning and interested in trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda? Uganda is one of the three countries in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, the other countries being Rwanda and DR Congo. For you to be able to see the gorillas, you will need to have a gorilla permit which is recommended to be secured in advance. However, for you to book your gorilla safari, it is advised you first confirm availability of gorilla permits with your tour operator or with Uganda Wildlife Authority so that you are not frustrated by booking for sold out dates. It is easy to check availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda once you inform your tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority directly. You will be able to know which dates have permits available and then you can book your trek on those dates accordingly.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda
A Gorilla Permit costs USD700 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for East African Residents and USD70 for East African Citizens. There is also gorilla habituation permit which costs USD1500 and this allows stay with the gorillas for four hours as opposed to one hour allotted for gorilla tracking permit.
Procedure for Booking Gorilla Permits:
To book a gorilla permit by yourself, you have to contact Uganda Wildlife Authority offices through their website, email, or phone by calling where you will talk to one person in reservations who will then tell you if gorilla permits are available. They will provide you with a form which you need to fill and avail ways to make your payment. Please note that this applies to only Ugandans and Foreign Residents living in Uganda. Once they receive the money, they will then book your permit.
You have to go to visit the booking office in person with all your identifications to pick your gorilla permit.
Booking Office
- Booking for all gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga is done at UWA Headquarters in Kampala. For permit fee information please check on the tariffs section.
Permit Limits
- Permits not sold on the day the booking opens will be open for sale the following day with no limits on the number each tour operator would buy.
Refunds/Cancellation Guidelines
- UWA shall refund 50% tracking fee, if the visitor fails to track due to illness, this will be at recommendation of the Warden in Charge and this clause only applies to visitors who have already tracked BINP or MGNP.
- Visitors who fail to track the gorillas (MGNP) as a result of their movement to the neighboring country shall receive a full refund on their permits. However, those who would have tracked the whole day and failed to view the gorillas for one reason or another will be refunded 75% of the tracking fee. All refunds shall be effected through the Reservation Office at UWA Headquarters in Kampala.
- UWA will retain the following percentages upon cancellations;
0 – 8 days to tracking date – no refund
9 – 45 days to tracking date – 75% (25% refund to client)
46-90 days to tracking date – 50%
91 days and above to tracking date – 25% (75% refund to client)
- Any refund to be made on the 30% deposit shall be at the value of the permit.
- Permits must be sold at face value, whoever sells at higher value will be penalized.
- Primary sale of permits by individuals or tour companies anywhere is illegal. All permits MUST be sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority only.
- Payment for gorilla permits must be made directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Reschedules of Permit Reservations
Reschedules of Permit reservations are not permitted, except if it is more than 91 days to tracking date and is within (7) seven days of rescheduled date.
This will attract a reschedule fee of 20%. Any other charges of the date will be considered as a cancellation and a re-booking. A cancellation policy will therefore apply and re-booking a new date at the full cost of a permit.
Payment Terms:
The acceptable payment methods are:
- Cash (Uganda Shillings, US dollars, GB Pounds, Euros)
Time Limit
The tracking time is limited from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All visitors are expected back at the campground by 7:00 p.m
Gorilla permits Booking with tour operator
All international travelers must book gorilla permits though a local tour operator. This applies even to international tour operators.
To streamline the process of booking gorilla permits, we highly recommend seeking assistance from a registered tour operator. While operators typically charge a fee per permit or purchase it for you at no cost when you choose to travel with their company
Feel free to reach out to any register tour operator listed by Uganda Tourism Board for your gorilla and chimpanzee permit needs. We are available to provide guidance on when to book your gorilla permit. Generally, for low and high seasons, we recommend booking at least 5 months in advance. However, during low seasons, you can often book permits on short notice.
High gorilla trekking seasons in Uganda occur in June, July, August, September, early November, December, January, and February. Permits during these months are in high demand, and booking well in advance is advisable. When you book a gorilla safari holiday tour with us, we commit to securing your gorilla permit at no extra cost.
Why Should You book with an Authentic Tour Operator?
Booking your tour through a tour company will help you get advice on the booking process. The tour operator can easily find out availability, can easily design the itinerary, will advise on the best accommodation suitable for your travel, in case of any need to cancel, the tour company easily handles the cancellation or reschedule with Uganda wildlife Authority. You will as well be advised on different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that you can book including the gorilla permits and extending the tour to neighboring wildlife national parks for more safari.