A gorilla permit is your entry ticket to one of the world''s greatest wildlife encounters. Here''s exactly how to get one — and why you need to book early.
Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can trek mountain gorillas in the wild — alongside Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And to do so, you need a gorilla permit.
Here is everything you need to know about getting one.
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla permit is an official pass issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants you access to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Without a permit, no visitor is allowed into the gorilla trekking zones.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
- Standard gorilla trekking permit: USD 600 per person
- Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) permit: USD 1,500 per person
All our tour packages include the permit in the quoted price.
How Do I Book a Gorilla Permit?
There are two ways to obtain a gorilla permit:
1. Directly Through Uganda Wildlife Authority
You can book directly through the UWA website or by visiting their offices in Kampala. Payment is made in US dollars. This option works well if you are an experienced traveller comfortable managing your own logistics.
2. Through a Licensed Local Tour Operator
Booking through a local operator like us is the most convenient option for most visitors. We handle the permit acquisition on your behalf, manage any changes or complications, and combine the permit with transport, accommodation, and guiding services into a complete package.
This is particularly valuable if you are visiting from abroad and unfamiliar with the booking process, or if you want to combine gorilla trekking with other activities such as chimpanzee tracking or a safari.
When Should I Book?
As early as possible. Gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand and sell out months in advance — particularly during peak season from June to September, when permits for popular gorilla families can be fully booked six months or more ahead.
Even outside peak season, we recommend booking at least three months in advance to guarantee your preferred date and gorilla family. Last-minute permits are occasionally available, but relying on this is a significant risk.
Which Park Should I Choose?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is home to roughly half the world's mountain gorilla population and offers trekking from four different entry points: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. With multiple habituated gorilla families, it offers the widest choice of trekking experiences and is the most visited gorilla trekking destination in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga sits on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes in south-western Uganda and is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family. It receives fewer visitors than Bwindi, giving the experience a more remote and wild feel. Permits here are also limited and should be booked well in advance.
What Happens After I Book?
Once your permit is confirmed, we will send you a booking confirmation with all the details of your trek — which gorilla family you will visit, which park entry point to use, what time to arrive, and what to bring.
On the morning of your trek, you will attend a briefing at park headquarters before setting off into the forest with your ranger guide. The gorillas are out there every day — your permit guarantees you the chance to find them.
Get in touch with us to check current availability and begin the booking process.
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Written by
Moses Kanyamunyu
Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.
