In order to see the gorillas in the wild, it is a requirement to Book Gorilla Trekking Permit. A gorilla permit is a permission that is given to all those interested in trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or DRC. The gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park are sold and issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to the registered tour operators
Gorilla Permit Price In Uganda
Currently, Book Gorilla Trekking Permit at USD 800 per person, and this fee grants you the opportunity to spend a full hour observing mountain gorillas deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—one of the world’s most famous and biologically rich primate habitats. Bwindi is home to nearly half of all remaining mountain gorillas, making it the most reliable and rewarding destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
When you hold a valid gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi, you gain access to one of the park’s habituated gorilla families, guided by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers who lead you through the dense rainforest in search of these incredible primates. The experience is truly unmatched, offering a rare chance to watch gorillas feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural environment.
For travelers planning Uganda gorilla tours, Bwindi remains the top choice due to its high gorilla population, diverse trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), and the breathtaking scenery surrounding the park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sets a uniform price for all Bwindi gorilla permits—USD 800 per person—and these permits are non-transferable.
Booking a Bwindi gorilla permit is simple and can be done directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala, or more conveniently, through a trusted local tour operator who can secure the permit on your behalf, along with accommodation and transport arrangements. Because permits are limited and demand is high, especially in peak seasons, early booking is highly recommended.
What Is Included on Booked Gorilla Trekking Permit
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit covers several essential components that ensure your trek is safe, guided, and well-coordinated. The permit includes:
One full hour with a mountain gorilla family after locating them. This is the highlight of your trek and allows time for observation, photography, and learning their behavior.
Park entry fees for the day. You do not pay any additional conservation or gate fees—everything is covered by the permit cost.
Guided trekking with certified Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. These include armed rangers, trackers, and guides who lead you safely through the forest.
Security and mountain patrol services. The permit contributes to the safety measures put in place to protect both visitors and gorillas.
Gorilla conservation fees. A significant portion goes directly to gorilla protection, veterinary care, and gorilla habitat conservation.
Support for local communities living around the parks. A percentage of the permit fee is allocated to community projects such as schools, clinics, and tourism development.
How many permits are available for bwindi a day
The number of permits available per day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) depends on how many habituated gorilla families are open for trekking at the time — and the rule that only eight people per gorilla group are allowed each day. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has got only one habituated gorilla family i.e the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family that is composed of 9 members. This means that one each day, there are only 8 permits are available. Therefore this means that those interested in tracking gorillas in Mgahinga should book their permits in advance to reduce on chances of losing out. We recommend that you check for availability and book within a time frame of at least three months in advance, in case you contact us, we can check with them the availability at Uganda Wildlife Authority, just send us an email so that we can help you check for availability.
The Process Of Book Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
Most of the tour companies do speed up the reservation process of the gorilla permits and this makes it very easy for you to confirm the gorilla permit very fast than you might have expected or sought to do the reservation process. Indeed the activity has been made very fast by the tour operators who do operate within the country. You are required to consider the following when you are booking for your gorilla safari in Uganda.
- Fast and foremost, you will need to inform you’re the tour operator about the dates for your tour. This will involve specifying the date for the expedition of gorilla trekking that is the real day you will carry the activity of gorilla trekking.
- In response to the above, you will be informed about the dates which are readily available for trekking and also temporarily book for them because if you do not do so, then some other person, client might book before you do so.
- You will then be sent a bank account so that you can be able to transfer the money for the gorilla permits. You may also opt to pay by a credit card in case you so wish.
- An acknowledgement email will be sent to your email which will then enable you to transfer money. You should be in position to tell your bank to deduct the bank charges for the transaction from your account. The bank in most will not ask for any extra money to be paid for gorilla permits. The management of the safari will inform you via telephone about any additional costs that will be incurred by you when acquiring the permit.
- The next step will be sending a copy of your passport. This passport must be very valid and should be availing the details which should be readily in position to register for your permit. Your full names, the nationality and the passport number are required to avail you with a genuine gorilla permit.
- The names provided by you in your passports will then be registered then a gorilla permit will be acquired for you.
In Uganda, the tour operators have a joint organization called Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and this normally buys 80 percent of the permits for a time of up to two years. This is to the intended date of the activity of gorilla trekking. As a member agent and these ate the tour agents, you can buy as many as 20 permits in a one months. This however excludes persons and companies which are not under AUTO umbrellas. The gorilla permits are not sold on the opening of the booking days.