How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Uganda

Are you passionate about trekking gorillas while exploring Uganda, the Pearl of Africa? Here is your answer. We present a complete gorilla expedition that will stay in your memory for life.

Gorilla permits, which give you permission to spend one hour with these human-like creatures, are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). We advise you to check permit availability with your booking agent before you travel to Uganda or book your accommodation.

Where to buy gorilla permits in Uganda

Uganda has two gorilla parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi has 20 habituated gorilla groups, while Mgahinga has one.

Permits in Uganda cost USD 800 per person per day and do not include transport, accommodation, air tickets, tipping, or porter fees.

Uganda also offers a “Gorilla Habituation Experience” for USD 1500 per person, allowing you to spend four hours with the gorillas under the guidance of trackers, researchers, and rangers.

Permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority at their offices in Kampala or online. UWA issues 168 permits each day for Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Travelers can book directly with UWA, but using a trusted tour operator is more convenient. Bwindi permits are issued by trekking region: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, or Rushaga.

Rushaga has the highest number of gorilla groups, so more permits are available there.

Cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda

Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda costs USD 800 per person. This may seem expensive, but the experience is worth it. This fee includes park entry, ranger fees, government taxes, and conservation fees, with part of the money supporting local communities near the parks.

A gorilla permit is required for anyone planning to trek gorillas in Uganda. It is a legal document used by the government to track the number of visitors to the parks.

To reduce disturbance to the gorillas, a maximum of eight people trek each habituated gorilla group per day. Trekking can take from thirty minutes to eight hours depending on the location and movement of the gorilla group.

Uganda issues around 160 permits daily. Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla families across four sectors, with eight permits available daily for each group.

Bwindi also has two habituation families in the southern sector, while Mgahinga has one gorilla family with eight permits issued daily.

During the dry months of June to October and December to February, competition for permits is high. While gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year, it is best to book your permit about ten months in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Why Uganda gorilla permits are in high demand

Uganda offers around 160 permits daily and is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Bwindi has the highest concentration of mountain gorillas, with four trekking sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains near the western rift valley. It is about a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala, a 3-4 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, or a 1-hour flight from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport.

Reason 1: High permit costs in Rwanda make Uganda more attractive

While Rwanda is a popular gorilla trekking destination, its high permit cost leads many travelers to choose Uganda, which offers a more affordable and safe alternative.

Uganda also has budget-friendly accommodation and transport options, and visitors can reach the trekking sites with a 3-4 hour drive from Kigali or a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala.

Reason 2: Better security in Uganda compared to D.R. Congo

Although D.R. Congo has lower permit costs, security concerns make Uganda a safer choice for many travelers who wish to enjoy gorilla trekking and return safely.

To secure your gorilla permit on time, it is best to book at least three months in advance through a tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala.

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