H1: How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda (2025 Guide)
Uganda’s mountain gorillas are among the rarest and most majestic creatures on Earth — and trekking through the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable or the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga to witness them is a life-changing adventure. But before you take your first step on the trail, there’s one critical document you must secure: a gorilla trekking permit.
In this complete 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know about gorilla permits in Uganda — from updated pricing to how and when to book, availability tips, and what your permit actually includes. Whether you’re traveling independently or through a tour operator, this is your essential briefing for a successful gorilla trekking safari.
H2: What Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit and Why Do You Need One?
A gorilla trekking permit is an official authorization issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows you to track a specific family of mountain gorillas. It grants you access to one of the designated gorilla trekking sectors — such as Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo (in Bwindi), or Nyakagezi (in Mgahinga) — and permits you one unforgettable hour in the presence of these endangered primates.
The permit is not just a paper pass. It is your passport into a protected world, where strict conservation measures limit human contact to ensure the health and safety of both gorillas and trekkers. Because of their endangered status and the intimate nature of the experience, gorilla permits are limited and highly sought after — particularly in peak seasons.
H2: Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda for 2025
As of 2025, the official Uganda Wildlife Authority pricing for gorilla trekking permits is:
$800 USD for foreign non-residents
$700 USD for foreign residents
UGX 300,000 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)
This fee includes park entry, a ranger guide, trackers, and one hour with a habituated gorilla family. It does not cover transportation, accommodation, porter services, or tips.
Although the price may seem steep, it directly supports conservation efforts, community projects, and gorilla protection programs that ensure the survival of these great apes for generations to come.
H2: How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permit
You can book your permit in two main ways:
1. Through a Licensed Tour Operator
This is the most convenient and reliable method. If you’re booking a full safari package with a company, they will typically handle the permit process for you. They know which trekking sectors suit your itinerary, and they secure your date based on availability, often months in advance. Tour operators often have pre-booked allocations for high-demand months, which helps secure hard-to-get permits.
2. Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
You can also book a permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or via their official email or phone contacts. However, this requires more coordination and follow-up on your part. Payment is made via bank transfer, and you’ll receive a confirmation printout that you must present on the day of your trek.
Because gorilla permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, be sure your travel dates are firm before booking.
H2: When Should You Book Your Permit?
Gorilla permits sell out fast — especially during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, when trail conditions are more favorable. If you’re planning to trek in these peak months, it’s highly recommended to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
Shoulder and wet seasons (March–May, October–November) tend to have better availability, and lodges often offer discounts during these quieter months. However, trails can be muddier, and visibility may be affected by mist and rain.
For 2025, it’s wise to secure your permit as soon as your travel dates are fixed, especially if you’re hoping to trek around public holidays or during the summer season.
H2: Choosing Between Bwindi and Mgahinga – Which Sector Is Best?
Uganda has two main gorilla trekking destinations:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to over 20 habituated families spread across four sectors. Ideal for variety, flexibility, and greater permit availability.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Home to one habituated family, Nyakagezi. Offers a more tranquil, scenic experience near the border with Rwanda.
If you’re unsure which park or sector to choose, your tour operator can help you select the best one based on your fitness level, interests, and accommodation options.
H2: What to Expect on the Day of the Trek
On the day of your trek, you’ll report to the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing. Here, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track based on your physical fitness and preferences. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
Once you find them, you’ll be allowed to spend one magical hour observing and photographing them. A team of experienced rangers will guide you throughout, ensuring safety and adherence to gorilla interaction rules.
Trekking groups are capped at 8 people per gorilla family per day — another reason permits are so limited.
