Updated
Uganda gorilla permits are non-refundable. Once Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has issued your permit, cancelling, falling ill or missing the trek does not get the money back. A date change may be possible at UWA’s discretion if there is space on another day. That is why it pays to book only when your dates are firm, and to have travel insurance that covers the permit. Here is what the rule means in practice.
What non-refundable means
The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. The permit is issued for one person, one date and one sector, with the holder’s passport details, so it cannot simply be resold or passed to a friend. If you cancel for any reason, including illness, a family emergency, a missed flight or a change of plans, the permit cost is lost unless your insurance covers it. Be wary of any website that promises a refund table or a guaranteed refund; that does not reflect how the permit works.
Changing the date instead
If your plans change, ask about moving the date as early as possible rather than cancelling. A change is at UWA’s discretion and depends on there being free permits for the same sector on the new date, which is hardest in the June to September and December to February peaks. If you booked through an operator, they request the change for you. Check permit availability before you propose a new date.
Illness on trek day
Mountain gorillas catch human colds, flu and other respiratory infections, so rangers can stop anyone with a cough, cold or fever from trekking on the morning of the visit. If that happens, the permit is not refunded. Tell your guide honestly how you feel; it protects the gorillas. Health problems before the trip, such as injury or trekking while pregnant, are treated like any other cancellation, which is where insurance helps.
If the gorillas are not found, or a park closes
Failed treks are rare because trackers locate each family every morning. If your group cannot reach the gorillas, any second attempt is at UWA’s discretion and depends on space; read what happens if you do not see the gorillas. Occasionally UWA suspends trekking for a family or an area, for example after a disease outbreak or for security reasons. In such cases UWA has allowed affected visitors to move their permits to later dates, so stay in touch with your operator if news suggests disruption.
Your operator’s terms
Lodges, vehicles and domestic flights booked through a tour operator have their own cancellation terms, separate from the permit. Read them before you pay, including what happens to your deposit; see deposits and payment. A clear quote shows the permit as a separate, non-refundable line, so you know exactly what is at risk.
How to protect yourself
Book the permit once your dates are fixed, build a spare day into the itinerary if you can, and buy travel insurance for gorilla trekking with cancellation cover high enough to include the permit, lodges and flights. Check that the policy covers illness, family emergencies and travel disruption. When you are ready, our Uganda gorilla permit guide and guide on how to book a permit explain the process.
Frequently asked questions
No. Once issued, Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits are non-refundable.
Sometimes, at UWA’s discretion and only if permits are available for the new date. Ask as early as possible.
Rangers can stop you from trekking to protect the gorillas, and the permit is not refunded.
Book once your dates are firm and buy travel insurance with cancellation cover that includes the permit.
