Mountain gorillas are the largest primates in the world, weighing up to 200 kg (441 lbs). They are also among the most endangered animals on the planet, with only about 1,060 left in the wild as of 2025.
Uganda is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the best place to see them in their natural forest habitat. The rest live in neighboring Rwanda and the DR Congo. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not just an unforgettable experience—it also helps protect these incredible animals.
Money from trekking permits supports national parks and provides income for local communities, giving them strong reasons to keep gorillas safe. To see the gorillas, you must buy a trekking permit in advance. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about booking a gorilla permit in Uganda—how to get one, when to go, and how to make the most of your trek.
To see mountain gorillas in the wild, you need a gorilla trekking permit. This is a special ticket from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that lets you hike with a guide to find a gorilla family in the forest. The permit helps keep gorillas safe.
It limits how many people visit them each day, so the gorillas stay healthy and calm. The money from the permits is also used to protect the forests and support local communities who help take care of the gorillas.
Each gorilla trekking permit in Uganda grants you:
- Access to one trek, led by trained guides and park rangers
- One hour of close-up viewing time with a habituated gorilla group
- A chance to learn about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and the surrounding ecosystem
The length of a gorilla trek can vary from just 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are on that day, as they move freely through the forest.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are available for two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the most popular option, with over 25 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking areas; and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a smaller and quieter park with one habituated family.
The number of habituated gorilla families can change over time, as groups may split or merge. Each permit is linked to a specific gorilla family, and only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla family per day to reduce stress on the gorillas and minimize human impact.
How Much Does A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?
As of 2025, a mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 for foreign non-resident visitors. Foreign residents in Uganda pay US$700. East African citizens pay around US$80.
And other African passport holders pay US$500. In comparison, Rwanda has the highest permit prices. A permit there costs US$1,500 for foreign non-residents. Discounts are offered to East African citizens, who pay US$200, and African passport holders and foreign residents, who pay US$500.
What Is A Gorilla Habituation Permit And How Much Does It Cost?
A Uganda gorilla habituation permit lets you take part in a special experience—helping wild gorillas get used to seeing people. This process, called habituation, is important because it makes safe and respectful gorilla trekking tourism possible.
With this permit, you get to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family in the forest—much longer than the one hour allowed on a standard trek. Only four visitors are allowed per day, making it a rare and personal adventure, perfect for those who want a closer connection with these gentle giants.
The permit costs US$1,500 per person, which is higher than a regular trekking permit, but it gives you more time and a chance to watch the gorillas’ natural behavior as they slowly learn to trust humans.
How Book A Gorilla Permit Safely?
All official bookings for gorilla permits in Uganda are handled either by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters or through a reputable tour operator approved by the Uganda Tourism Board.
At Choose Uganda Safaris, most of our gorilla safari packages include the cost of the gorilla trekking permit, making the booking process easier for you.
During peak travel seasons (June to August and December to February), it’s strongly recommended to book at least six months in advance, as permits often sell out quickly. In quieter months, there’s a better chance of finding permits closer to your travel date, but availability is not guaranteed.
To book your gorilla permit with us, we kindly ask for the full names as shown on each traveler’s passport, your preferred trekking dates and park, and the number of people in your group.
Once we receive these details, we’ll check availability and secure your permits as part of your safari package. If you are only booking the permit and not purchasing a full tour package with us, a service fee of USD 35 per permit will apply to cover administrative costs.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available In Uganda Every Day?
In Uganda, each habituated gorilla family can be visited by a maximum of eight people per day.
Bwindi currently has 26 habituated gorilla families, which means there are 208 permits available each day in Bwindi alone (26 groups × 8 visitors).
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated gorilla group, allowing for 8 permits per day. This brings the total number of gorilla trekking permits available daily in Uganda to 216.
What Does A Uganda Gorilla Permit Cover?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda gives you access to one guided trek in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family once they are located during the trek. If you booked the habituation experience, you spend four hours.
However, the permit only covers the cost of the trek and park entry. It does not include other expenses such as accommodation, transportation, meals, tips, or any extra activities. These additional services are usually arranged separately or included in a full tour package if you book through a tour operator.
Can I Cancel A Permit?
If you have only paid a deposit, please note that it is non-refundable in case of cancellation. If you have paid the full amount for your gorilla permit, the following refund rules apply:
- 75% refund if you cancel 91 days or more before your trekking date
- 50% refund if you cancel 46 to 90 days before
- 25% refund if you cancel 9 to 45 days before
- No refund if you cancel 0 to 8 days before the trek
If you are unable to trek due to illness (as confirmed by park staff on site), you may receive a 50% refund of the permit fee. This policy is in place to encourage honesty about health conditions, as even a simple cold can pose a serious threat to the gorillas. Protecting the health of these endangered animals is a top priority.
