Updated 19 October 2026

You can book a Uganda gorilla permit directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), through its online booking system or its reservations office in Kamwokya, Kampala, or through a licensed tour operator. The permit price is the same either way: US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. Booking direct suits independent travellers who will arrange their own transport and lodges and are comfortable paying UWA in advance. An operator suits most visitors, because they check availability across sectors, buy the permit and build the lodge and transport plan around it.

Booking directly with UWA

Booking direct means you pay only the permit price and deal with the authority that issues it. You choose your date and sector, check availability, provide passport details for each trekker and pay in full; the permit is then issued in your name. The process can take more back-and-forth than travellers expect, payment methods can be limited, and if your preferred date or sector is full, you must look for alternatives yourself. Residents of Uganda, who pay reduced rates and can visit the office in person, often book this way.

The bigger challenge is everything around the permit. You still need a lodge in the same sector, transport to reach it the day before, and a plan if a flight is delayed. Self-drivers and travellers already in Uganda manage this well; first-time visitors arriving on a long-haul flight often find it simpler to use an operator. See our guide to booking a gorilla permit step by step.

Booking through a tour operator

Licensed Ugandan operators book permits every day. They can see which sectors have space on your dates, hold the permit while you confirm, and match it with a lodge, vehicle and driver-guide. If something changes, such as a flight delay or illness, they deal with UWA and the lodge on your behalf. Operators buy the permit at face value; you pay for their services as part of the overall trip price rather than as a markup on the permit. Ask for a copy of the permit in your name once it is bought.

Choose an operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, ideally a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, and pay into a company account. Be wary of anyone offering discounted permits or permits “outside the system”. Our guide to choosing a tour operator lists the checks to make.

Which is right for you?

Book direct if you live in or are already travelling in Uganda, are self-driving, or want to control every booking and are comfortable with some admin. Book through an operator if this is your first trip, you are combining gorillas with other parks, you are travelling in peak season, you need several permits for a group, or you want someone in Uganda to call if plans change. Many travellers who self-drive still ask an operator or their car-hire company to buy the permit, which saves time; see our guide to self-drive safaris in Uganda.

Rules that apply either way

Whoever books, the permit is for one person, one date and one sector, and you must be at least 15 years old. Cancellation refunds follow UWA’s policy, which depends on how far ahead you cancel, and date changes depend on availability. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended. Our main guide to the Uganda gorilla permit explains prices by residency and the refund terms.

Frequently asked questions