The New Gorilla Permit Cost in Uganda 2026

The New Gorilla Permit Cost in Uganda 2026, are you planning to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda? Here is information you should be aware of. Commencing on 1st July 2024 and concluding on 30th June 2026, the Pearl of Africa will implement new gorilla permit costs for any visitors intending to engage closely with these majestic apes.

The revised Gorilla Permit Cost in Uganda impacts all visitor categories: Foreign Non-Residents must now pay $800 per person, an increase from the previous $700 per person per trek; Foreign Residents will pay $700 per person, up from $600; and East African Community Citizens will be charged Shs. 300,000, rising from Shs. 250,000 per person per trek. The new gorilla permit fee includes a distinct charge for visitors from the Rest of Africa, amounting to $500 per person. RESERVE IMMEDIATELY

Tourism is the primary source of foreign cash in Uganda, with gorilla tourism being the foremost revenue generator within the sector. Uganda boasts two prominent gorilla trekking sites: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, which collectively house 21 habituated gorilla families, each accessible to a maximum of 8 tourists. The Uganda Wildlife Authority allocates approximately 168 gorilla permits daily. Mountain gorillas are often vulnerable beings that share 98.2% of their DNA with humans, rendering them susceptible to several human diseases such as influenza, cough, tuberculosis, and measles, among others. To ensure their protection, numerous criteria are established that regulate all gorilla treks. These guidelines stipulate adherence to a minimum age requirement of 15 years, refraining from visiting the mountain gorillas while ill (with flu or cough), maintaining a minimum distance of 7 meters during observation and photography of the Giant Apes, and limiting the duration of presence with the mountain gorillas to one hour.

When to book for Gorilla permits in Uganda.

Due to the significant demand for gorilla permits, it is advisable to secure them at least six months prior to the planned gorilla trekking date to prevent last-minute disappointment. Gorilla permits are exclusively provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and tourists must make reservations through a reputable Tour Operator or Tour Company. Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safaris Company is recognized as one of the premier Gorilla Safari companies in Uganda and Rwanda.

In addition to gorilla tracking, various other park activities have been impacted by the current conservation tariff, including chimpanzee tracking, which now costs $250 per person for Foreign Non-Residents, an increase from $200, and $200 per person for Foreign Residents, up from $150. The fee of Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale, previously $250, is now $300 per person for foreign non-residents. The new chimpanzee fees pertain to Kibale Forest National Park. The fee for Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park) has risen to $100 per person from $50 per person for Foreign Non-Residents.

How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be reserved through  a reputable travel operator. Please provide us with the desired date, month, year, and gorilla location for your visit. Upon your inquiry, we will verify permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and if permits are accessible, you will be required to submit a deposit. Upon receipt of payment, we will procure the gorilla trekking permit on your behalf and provide you with a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is feasible year-round; however, the optimal period is during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. During these months, rainfall is minimal, resulting in accessible roads and trekking trails, thereby facilitating easier trekking compared to the rainy season, when trails become muddy and treacherous.

Essential items to pack for your gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda

When embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, travelers should pack essential items such as insect repellent, hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, garden gloves, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, energy snacks, drinking water, a camera with extra batteries, face masks, a warm sweater, binoculars, a walking stick, a hat, sunglasses, and a backpack, among others.

Accommodations for your gorilla trekking expedition

A diverse array of lodging options exists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your safari stay. The accommodations include budget, midrange, and luxury options such as Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Closeup Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Rafiki Safari Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Silverback Lodge, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Bwindi View Lodge, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Engagi Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, and Bweza Lodge, among others.

How to get to the gorilla trekking destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be reached via air travel. One may reserve charter or scheduled domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, followed by a road transfer to either park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be reached by road, traveling from Kampala or Entebbe through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale to the park headquarters, which requires a 9 to 10-hour trip in a safari vehicle.

Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also available from Kigali, Rwanda. Travelers will fly into Kigali International Airport and subsequently connect to the parks via the Katuna border in Kabale or the Cyanika border in Kisoro, which requires an approximate driving time of 4 to 5 hours.