The moment you lock eyes with a wild mountain gorilla, something unspoken happens — a primal connection that reaches across time, species, and instinct. That encounter is more than an experience; it’s a transformation. But before you lace up your hiking boots or pack your camera, there’s one thing that must be in place: your Uganda gorilla trekking permit.

This small document is far more than just a ticket. It’s your key to one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on Earth — and your personal investment in the protection of a critically endangered species. From how much it costs to where to get one and when to book, here is everything you need to know about Uganda’s gorilla permits.

What Is a Gorilla Permit and Why Do You Need One?

A gorilla permit is an official license issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants you access to spend up to one unforgettable hour with a habituated family of mountain gorillas. It includes the park entry fee, the services of professional guides and armed rangers, and the actual trekking experience itself.

This permit is mandatory for any visitor intending to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the only two places in Uganda where gorilla tracking is officially permitted.

Because of conservation ethics and strict guidelines, each gorilla family can only be visited by eight tourists per day — making permits incredibly limited, highly regulated, and very much in demand.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices.

Here are the current prices confirmed by UWA:

• $800 USD – International tourists
• $700 USD – Foreign residents (living in East Africa with valid permits)
• UGX 300,000 – East African citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi)

This fee gives you access to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that typically involves several hours of hiking through rainforest before locating the gorilla family. The trekking experience can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on gorilla movements and terrain.

Where Can You Use Your Gorilla Permit?

Uganda offers two official gorilla trekking destinations:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and more than 20 habituated families spread across four trekking sectors:
Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where a single family — the Nyakagezi group — offers a quieter, more exclusive experience in a beautifully volcanic landscape.

Your permit is sector-specific. That means when you book, you must choose or be assigned a sector. Your accommodation and transport must then match this location, since the sectors are separated by several hours of travel.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda

You have two main options:

1. Booking Through a Tour Operator

This is by far the most seamless and stress-free method. A reputable Uganda-based tour company will:

1. Reserve your permit directly with UWA
2. Ensure your trek matches your lodge’s location
3. Bundle it into a full safari package including transport, meals, and accommodation

For most international travelers, this is the safest and most convenient way to secure a spot. Tour operators often have access to real-time availability and can act quickly — which is crucial in peak seasons.

2. Booking Directly with UWA

If you’re an independent traveler, you can book directly by contacting the Uganda Wildlife Authority via phone or email. Payment is made in full via bank transfer or in-person at UWA headquarters in Kampala.

However, this process is more hands-on and less flexible. Permits are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and must be booked well in advance. Unless you’re highly organized and experienced, it’s usually better to work through a tour company.

When Should You Book Your Permit?

The golden rule is simple: book early. Ideally, at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during the dry seasons of June to September or December to February.

Popular sectors like Buhoma and Rushaga often sell out far in advance. If you’re flying into Kigali or traveling on a tight schedule, early booking ensures you’ll get a trekking location near your accommodation and avoid unnecessary travel complications.

In Uganda, your gorilla permit dictates your itinerary — not the other way around. Secure your permit first, then build your route, accommodation, and safari plan around it.

Important Travel Tips for Gorilla Permit Holders

To make the most of your gorilla experience, here are key things to remember:

Choose the Right Sector

Bwindi’s four sectors are far apart. If your permit is for Nkuringo, don’t book a lodge in Ruhija. You’ll lose time and possibly miss the trek briefing. Your sector determines everything: where you sleep, how long you drive, and even how strenuous your hike will be.

Arrive Early — Stay the Night Before

Trekkers must be at the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for registration and briefing. Always arrive the day before to avoid delays and fatigue.

Bring Your Passport

On trek day, your identity will be checked against your permit. No ID, no trekking.

Hire a Porter

It’s not a luxury — it’s practical. Porters carry your gear, help navigate slippery trails, and often come from local communities or are ex-poachers turned conservation stewards. Hiring one directly supports the local economy and gives you a better trek.

Dress Like You Mean It

The forest is dense, wet, and unpredictable. Wear long trousers, long sleeves, strong hiking boots, gloves, and a light rain jacket. Even during the dry season, conditions can turn muddy and slippery.