Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits 2025: How to Apply, Costs & Insider Tips

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit, Uganda is one of the best places in the world to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With more than half of the world’s remaining gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
But here’s the thing — you can’t just show up and expect to trek. You need a gorilla trekking permit, and they are strictly limited. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting one in 2025, including costs, where to buy, and tips to secure your preferred dates.

1. What is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits, a gorilla trekking permit is an official authorization issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants you the rare opportunity to join a guided trek and observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These permits are highly regulated to protect the gorillas and their fragile environment. Only eight permits are issued per gorilla family each day, ensuring minimal human impact and a more intimate wildlife experience. Permits are issued for a specific park and date, and they are non-transferable. Beyond granting access, the fee you pay contributes directly to vital conservation projects and supports the local communities living near gorilla habitats.

2. Current Gorilla Permit Prices (2025)-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

As of 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has set the following permit prices:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD per person, per trek

• Foreign Residents (with a valid work permit): $700 USD per person, per trek

• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person, per trek

💡 Tip: These rates are reviewed annually, and there is always the possibility of future increases due to rising conservation costs and demand. Booking your permit as early as possible helps you secure the current rate and avoid paying more later.

3. Where to Get Your Gorilla Trekking Permit-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

There are two main ways to secure a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda:

A) Directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
You can contact UWA through the email or phone numbers listed on their official website. Payment can be made via bank transfer or in person at their head office in Kampala. This method is best for independent travelers who are confident in arranging their own transport, accommodation, and guiding services separately.

B) Through a Licensed Tour Operator
Most visitors choose to book through a licensed tour operator for convenience and peace of mind. The operator handles the entire process—securing your permit, booking your accommodation, organizing transport, and providing experienced guides. This is especially beneficial during the busy peak season (June–September and December–February), when permits and quality lodges can sell out months in advance.

4. When to Book Your Permit

Gorilla permits are in high demand year-round, but especially during Uganda’s peak tourist season. If you’re planning to trek between June and September or December to February, aim to book your permit 6–12 months in advance. For the shoulder months—March to May and October to November—you might find availability 3–4 months ahead, but booking early is still the safest approach.

Peak season dates sell out quickly because the dry weather makes trekking conditions easier and wildlife sightings more predictable. Lodges also operate at full capacity during this time, which means waiting too long could limit both your permit and accommodation options.

5. Choosing Your Gorilla Trekking Location

Uganda offers two incredible destinations for gorilla trekking:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the majority of Uganda’s habituated gorilla families, spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. When you book your permit, it is allocated to a specific sector, so your choice of accommodation should be near that area to avoid long travel times on trekking day.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Smaller and less visited, Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family but offers an equally rewarding experience. The park is set against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic scenery and tends to have fewer crowds, making it ideal for travelers seeking solitude.

6. How the Gorilla Trekking Experience Works

On the morning of your trek, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing. UWA rangers will explain trekking etiquette, safety protocols, and gorilla conservation guidelines. Your trek can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family that day.

Once you locate the gorillas, you are allowed a maximum of one hour with them—time you’ll spend quietly observing as they feed, play, and interact. This close encounter is led by professional guides and armed rangers who ensure safety for both visitors and the gorillas. The trek itself is an adventure, taking you through dense forest, steep hills, and lush vegetation.

7. Important Permit Rules

The UWA has strict regulations to protect both gorillas and visitors:

• You must be 15 years or older to participate.

• If you show symptoms of illness, such as a cold or flu, you will not be allowed to trek to prevent disease transmission.

• Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas—though curious individuals may sometimes approach you.

Following these rules ensures the well-being of the gorillas and helps sustain the future of gorilla trekking in Uganda.

8. Insider Tips for Securing Your Permit

• Be flexible with your travel dates and location – This increases your chances of finding available permits.

• Book through a reputable tour operator – Many operators have pre-reserved allocations, especially for peak season.

• Avoid last-minute bookings – Unless you’re traveling in the low season, chances are slim you’ll get a permit without advance planning.

• Consider the low season – While it may be wetter, you’ll enjoy quieter trekking experiences and often lower accommodation rates.

Final Thoughts

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth — but it’s also one of the most sought-after. With strict permit limits and high demand in 2025, booking early is the only way to guarantee your spot.

By securing your permit months in advance, you not only lock in the current price but also get the freedom to choose your preferred trekking sector, accommodation, and travel dates. Once you’re standing a few meters from a silverback in the misty jungle, you’ll know it was worth every bit of the planning.