Gorilla Trekking Permits on a Uganda Safari.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits: Uganda is the best country for gorilla trekking in Africa because it has the largest population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in two national parks, such as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, both situated in the southwestern part of Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hosts over 21 habituated gorilla families that can be tracked in 4 sectors: the Buhoma sector to the north, the Nkuringo sector along the south, the Ruhija sector located to the east and the Rushaga sector to the south.
Uganda also provides an exciting gorilla trekking adventure, as the wild mountain gorillas are habituated to human presence for trekking. Gorilla habituation in Uganda is conducted in the Rushaga sector, located in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and visitors who participate in the habituation experience will be permitted to stay with the mountain gorillas for four hours.
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking permits
On a Uganda safari, gorilla permits are essential for accessing the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The cost of the permit for non-resident foreigners is $800. Foreign nationals who reside in Uganda and hold valid residency status pay $700 and 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens. East African residents pay $500, and African citizens outside East Africa pay $500.
For Gorilla habituation experiences, done in Rushaga in Bwindi National Park, it costs $1500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $1000 for East African Residents and 700,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.
Tourists should be aware that these prices are valid until 30th June 2026, after which they may be subject to review and potential increase. The permits are in high demand, so access is limited to conserve these threatened animals. Gorilla viewing is limited to one hour per permit, and the maximum number of permits per person per day is one. And the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and the registered tour operators recommend getting permits well in advance. The income raised by these permits goes towards funding and maintaining programmes for gorillas and for the villages around them.
How to check the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda online?
When it comes to gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, the first step is to check the availability of gorilla permits for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. Importantly, always remember to begin by checking for permit availability before considering your travel plans. This is to ensure that it will be possible to get permits on the dates that you wish to travel to such popular sites as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; both offer gorilla trekking safaris.
Once you have your planned dates of travel, we will need you to send us an email so that we can check for you the availability of permits online. We will then access the official booking system managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which is only made available to authorised tour operators in Uganda. The system shows the current availability for permits, along with which dates have permits and which dates are sold out.
With the details you share, we let you know what dates are open for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, so you can book your permits and plan your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking tour.
Do I own the gorilla permit after purchasing it?
To book and purchase gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, first verify the availability of permits via a reliable tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). When you have it confirmed for the travel and the permit is on hand, you will go ahead and reserve them through your tour company, and the tour company will handle the purchase after your down payment.
Gorilla permits in Uganda are sold only at the UWA headquarters and must be booked in advance, preferably 2-3 months before your gorilla trekking safari, as they are sold out very fast. You may be able to reserve at the last minute, subject to availability.
What to bring for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda?
There are a few things that you should pack or bring along for your trekking safari in Uganda, including a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy hiking shoes, a pair of garden gloves, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, your camera, a warm sweater, binoculars, insect repellent, a few energy snacks and water to drink, a walking stick, a backpack and more.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months of January and February and from June to early September, as the weather makes it easier to travel to the park and also gives a clear view of gorillas, provided that the vegetation cover is not too overgrown.
Where to stay in Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
Top places to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are Majambere Iwak Camp, Volcano Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Bird’s Nest Bunyoni Resort, Bunyoni Overland Resort, Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Countryside Guest House, Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel, and more.
Top accommodations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are Mount Gahinga Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Lake Chahafi Resort, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mgahinga Rest Camp, Ntebeko River Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse and more.
Why book with Chopper Tours and Travel for your Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda
Chopper Tours and Travel will help you book your gorilla trekking permits for trekking in Uganda. Contact us, and we will advise you on the booking process. Also, we have a full selection of gorilla safari packages that we can arrange for you that include the gorilla permits from budget to mid-range to luxury. Also, we offer various Uganda gorilla trekking safari packages, from budget to mid-range to luxury, that we can book for you, including the gorilla permits. With us, you can be guaranteed a memorable Uganda gorilla safari holiday.
If you have any questions about how to check the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda, our outstanding team of safari consultants is always happy to assist you with your safari questions.
