Uganda travel guide
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda: a complete guide
How to book a gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi or Mgahinga, what it costs, what to pack and what to expect on trek day.
Updated 24 October 2026
Prices checked October 2026. Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can change — confirm with your tour operator or UWA when you book.
Uganda is home to around half of the world's mountain gorillas. You can trek to see them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the south-west.
How much does a permit cost?
| Visitor | Standard permit | Low season (April, May, November) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign non-residents | USD 800 | USD 600 |
| Foreign residents of Uganda | USD 700 | USD 500 |
| Citizens of the rest of Africa | USD 500 | — |
| East African citizens | UGX 300,000 | — |
Low-season permits can't be rescheduled. The permit covers that day's park entry, your trek with UWA rangers and one hour with a habituated gorilla family. It does not include transport, accommodation or porters.
How to book
- Choose your park and sector — Bwindi has four: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
- Book your permit. Foreign non-residents and citizens of the rest of Africa must book through a licensed tour operator; foreign residents and East African citizens can also book directly with UWA.
- Pay in full when you book — UWA no longer holds unpaid reservations. Book 3–6 months ahead for June–September and December–February.
- Carry your passport on trek day — it must match the name on your permit.
Gorilla habituation experience
In the Rushaga sector of Bwindi you can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is still getting used to people. Places are very limited. For foreign non-residents it costs USD 1,500, rising to USD 1,800 from 1 January 2027 (foreign residents USD 1,000, rising to USD 1,600).
Rules on the trek
- You must be at least 15 years old.
- Stay at least 7 metres from the gorillas.
- Don't trek if you have a cold or flu — gorillas can catch human illnesses.
- No flash photography, eating or drinking near the gorillas.
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots and rain jacket
- Long trousers and long sleeves
- Garden gloves for holding vines
- Water, snacks and a packed lunch
- Hiring a local porter is encouraged — it supports nearby communities and makes steep trails easier.
Where to stay
Base yourself near your trekking sector the night before. Find lodges and guesthouses in Kabale and Kisoro on Waynari.