Looking to check availability or book Uganda gorilla permits? Uganda is home to more than half of the mountain gorillas left in the world. To visit these gorillas in their natural home, you must have a Uganda gorilla permit.
These permits are printed on paper and contain your personal details.
When you arrive at the park, this information is scanned by the system. If your dates are correct, you will be confirmed and given a gorilla family to trek.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 per person throughout the year. In the past, there was a low-season discount where permits cost $450 during November, April, and May. However, this offer was removed after Rwanda increased its permit prices.
If you want to spend more time with gorillas, you can choose gorilla habituation, which allows you to stay for four hours. This permit costs $1,500 and gives you a chance to learn how gorillas get used to people.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors where gorilla trekking takes place.
When booking a permit, it’s important to choose one in or near the area where you plan to stay. For example, you can book a permit for Nkuringo and stay in Rushaga, or the other way around. The same applies to Buhoma and Ruhija.
Because Uganda permits are more affordable, many travelers choose to fly into Kigali and then drive to Bwindi to meet gorillas. This helps reduce both the cost and travel time.
How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Permit availability will affect how you plan your trip.
At the moment, there is no online system for booking Uganda gorilla permits.
You can book your permit through a trusted tour operator or go through the longer process of booking directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you choose the second option, you’ll also need to arrange your own accommodation.
Some tour operators, including us, can reserve the permit for you and hand it over when you arrive.
Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day. Each group gets one full hour to spend with the gorillas. This is the perfect time to take pictures and videos of them in the wild.
Eighty percent of the money from gorilla permits goes toward protecting gorillas and helping their numbers grow. It also helps to stop poaching.
By buying a permit, you are not just paying for the experience. You are also helping to protect these animals and support conservation work.
Before you go trekking, you should pack the right gear and follow all the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking.
Checking Uganda Gorilla Permit Availability Online
The best way to check availability is to contact a tour company like ours or call the Uganda Wildlife Authority directly.
Please note that it can be difficult to get real-time information, as permits are booked and canceled often.
You must pay the full price of the permit to secure your booking.
If your preferred dates are not available, it is a good idea to wait a few weeks and check again. If you still don’t get the dates you want, consider changing your travel dates.
You can also book Uganda Wildlife Authority permits directly through our agency.
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