A gorilla permit in Uganda is the official authorization issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows a visitor to participate in gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Under UWA’s 2024–2026 conservation tariff, the standard gorilla trekking permit costs:
- Foreign Non-Residents (FNR): US$800 per person
- Foreign Residents (FR): US$700 per person
- East African Community citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
The permit fees cover/include; the gorilla tracking activity, ranger guide fee, park entrance fee for the day and a community development contribution.
Important: UWA has introduced a revised tariff for 2026–2027, so travelers should confirm the applicable rate for their trekking date before making payment.
Where Can one Use a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two locations; Bwindi, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is Uganda’s most popular gorilla trekking location. The park has four (04) designated gorilla trekking locations or sectors:
- Buhoma Sector.
- Ruhija Sector.
- Rushaga Sector.
- Nkuringo Sector.
The sector you are allocated a permit for determines where should stay and also trek.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located in Uganda’s Virunga Mountains – shared between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National park provides an alternative gorilla trekking experience to Bwindi. The park has a more limited number of daily permits. There is only 08 permits available on a daily. Mgahinga Gorilla National park is the perfect go-to destination for person looking to enjoy a more exclusive gorilla trekking experience – We have in the past had clients pay for all the 08 permits so they can get to trek privately without any
How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Foreign non-resident visitors must purchase gorilla permits through a tour operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). UWA’s permit management guidelines specifically state that foreign non-resident permits are to be purchased through UTB-licensed tour operators like Tata Africa Safaris.
We at Tata Africa Safaris will help you:
- Check permit availability for your preferred date.
- Select the appropriate Bwindi sector.
- Reserve and pay for the permit.
- Arrange accommodation and transportation.
- Organize the complete gorilla trekking safari.
How Far in Advance Should i Book My Uganda Gorilla Permit(s)?
Gorilla permits are limited because only a controlled number of visitors are allowed to trek each day. For this reason, early booking is strongly recommended, particularly for peak travel periods such as June to September and December to February.
Booking early also gives you a better chance of securing your preferred trekking date and sector.