Going to see endangered mountain gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks is one of the wonderful experiences that visitors to Uganda enjoy. If you are planning to visit these gentle giants, you will need a gorilla permit.
A gorilla permit is a document that grants you access to one of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Without a gorilla permit, you cannot go gorilla trekking in Uganda. This payment contributes to the conservation, research, and protection of gorillas and their ecosystem.
Therefore, it is important to know the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda and plan your budget accordingly. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy your gorilla safari without any worries or regrets.
Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure where you hike through dense jungles to spend one hour with habituated mountain gorillas. With the permit, you will be able to track in a specific part or sector or either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda depends on the nationality of the visitor. The price of a Uganda gorilla trekking permit for the various groups of visitors is as follows:
| # | Visitor Type | Price per person @ trek |
| 1. | Foreign Non-residents | 700 USD |
| 2. | Foreign residents (foreigners working in Uganda) | 600 USD |
| 3. | Ugandans & Citizens of the East African Community | 250,000 UGX |
Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit
If you want to spend more time with the gorillas and participate in the process of habituating them to human presence, you can opt for a gorilla habituation experience permit.
This permit allows you to join a team of researchers and trackers who are working on habituating new gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will spend four hours with the gorillas instead of one, and you will have a more intimate and interactive experience.
The gorilla habituation experience permits are only available in two sectors of Bwindi: Rushaga and Nkuringo. There are only four habituated groups that can be visited by tourists, so the number of permits available per day is limited to 16.
The price of a Uganda gorilla habituation permit for various groups of visitors is as follows:
| # | Visitor Type | Price per person @ trek |
| 1 | Foreign Non-residents | 1,500 USD |
| 2 | Foreign residents (foreigners working in Uganda) | 1,500 USD |
| 3 | Ugandans & Citizens of the East African Community | 750,000 UGX |
These prices are subject to change depending on the policies and regulations of UWA and the government of Uganda.
Gorilla permits are a very hot item, especially in the high season when many travelers come to visit Uganda. Therefore, it is advisable to book your gorilla permit in advance through a reputable tour operator like us or directly with UWA to avoid any inconveniences or disappointments.
What does the gorilla permit cover?
The gorilla permit covers one trek and one hour with the gorillas. The trek may last from 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are on any given day.
The one hour with the gorillas is strictly enforced to minimize disturbance and stress to the animals. The gorilla permit also includes park entrance fees, ranger guides, and trackers.
The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda does not include other expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, guide fees, porter fees, tips, and other activities. Therefore, you should budget accordingly for your gorilla safari and make sure you have enough money to cover all your needs and enjoy your trip.
How to book a Uganda gorilla permit
Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The best way to book a Uganda gorilla permit is through a reputable tour operator like us who can arrange your safari itinerary and secure your permit in advance.
We include the cost of the gorilla permit in our package prices, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra fees or dealing with the booking process yourself.
However, if you want to book your Uganda gorilla permit directly with UWA, you can do so by contacting their reservation office in Kampala or online via the UWA website. This option is not recommended unless you are very familiar with the process as it may be more complicated and time-consuming, especially if you are not based in Uganda.
How far in advance should I book my Uganda gorilla permit?
You should book your Uganda gorilla permit as soon as possible or at least six months before your travel date. This is because the demand for gorilla permits is very high, especially during the peak season (June to September and December to February), and they tend to sell out quickly.
Booking early will ensure that you get your preferred date, sector, and group, and avoid disappointment.
However, if you are traveling during the low season (March to May and October to November), you may be able to find some last-minute permits available.
Any arrangements to change the locations of tracking should be made ahead of time. We can help and guide you with this to make sure that your experience on safari is a memorable and wonderful one.
Overall, gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures. By purchasing a gorilla permit, you are also contributing to their conservation and supporting the local communities that live around the park where the gorillas live.
Therefore, it is worth every penny you spend on it. If you have any questions or need any assistance with booking your gorilla permit or planning your gorilla safari, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Any arrangements to change such locations should be made ahead of time and as tour operators, we can help and guide you. It is our job to make sure that your experience on safari is a memorable and wonderful one.
If you are interested in seeing gorillas in the wild, talk to us and we can start the process of organizing everything such that your trip to Uganda’s gorillas is one you won’t be able to forget to match.
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- Interesting facts about mountain gorillas
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