A gorilla trekking permit is the single most important booking you will make for a Uganda safari — and getting it right requires advance planning, the correct booking channel, and a clear understanding of how the permit system works. Uganda is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Demand for permits consistently outstrips supply during peak season — and once your permit is confirmed, arranging the right 4×4 car hire to get you to the park on time becomes your most important logistical decision. This guide covers everything you need to know about booking a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.
How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda?
Uganda Gorilla Permit Price 2025
The current gorilla trekking permit fee in Uganda is $800 USD per person per trek. This fee is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and covers one gorilla trekking experience — assignment to a specific habituated gorilla family for one hour in the forest.
The $800 fee includes:
- Park entry for the trekking day
- Ranger guide fees for the duration of the trek
- One hour with the gorilla family
- UWA conservation levy
The fee does not include accommodation, transport, meals, or porter hire.
Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Permit Comparison
| Country | Permit cost | Park |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $800 USD | Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga |
| Rwanda | $1,500 USD | Volcanoes National Park |
Uganda offers the most affordable gorilla trekking permit in the world. Many travellers combine both countries on a cross-border one-way car hire itinerary — trekking in Uganda then crossing into Rwanda for a second encounter, or vice versa.
Where to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
H3: Uganda Wildlife Authority — Official Booking Channel
All gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are issued exclusively by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The official booking channels are:
- Online: ugandawildlife.org — the UWA online booking portal accepts credit card payments
- In person: UWA headquarters in Kampala at Plot 7 Kira Road, Kamwokya
- By email: reservations@ugandawildlife.org
Book directly with UWA to guarantee you are getting a genuine permit at the official price. Third-party tour operators and agents can also book permits on your behalf but add a service fee — booking directly saves money if you are arranging your own transport.
Can You Book Through a Tour Operator?
Yes — many travellers book gorilla permits through Uganda tour operators as part of a wider safari package. This is convenient if you want accommodation, transport, and permits all arranged together. If you are doing a self-drive gorilla trekking safari, booking directly with UWA and arranging your own 4×4 car hire is the most cost-effective approach.
How Far in Advance to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit
Peak Season — Book 3 to 6 Months Ahead
During peak season — June to September and December to February — gorilla trekking permits at popular sectors like Buhoma sell out months in advance. For July and August visits, booking 6 months ahead is strongly recommended. Christmas and New Year period permits are typically fully booked by September of the same year.
Low Season — Book 1 to 2 Months Ahead
During the rainy seasons of March to May and October to November, permits are easier to obtain — sometimes available with just 2 to 4 weeks notice. However roads into Bwindi are most challenging during the rains and a Land Cruiser V8 is essential for the approach roads in these conditions.
Last-Minute Permits
Occasional last-minute cancellations do free up permits — it is worth contacting UWA directly if you are flexible on dates. However do not book transport or accommodation based on the assumption that a last-minute permit will be available.
Choosing Your Gorilla Trekking Sector at Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors — each with different gorilla families, access points, and road conditions. Your permit is assigned to a specific sector.
Buhoma Sector
The most established and most visited sector — located in the northern part of Bwindi, approximately 6 to 7 hours from Entebbe Airport via Mbarara. Most accommodation options and best infrastructure. Approach road manageable in a Land Cruiser Prado in dry season.
Ruhija Sector
High altitude, remote, and less visited than Buhoma. Located in the eastern part of Bwindi — approximately 1.5 hours from Kabale town on steep mountain roads. Excellent birding en route. A Land Cruiser Prado or V8 recommended.
Rushaga Sector
Located in the southern part of Bwindi, Rushaga has the most gorilla families of any sector — giving the best permit availability. Popular with travellers combining Bwindi with Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha. Land Cruiser V8 strongly recommended for approach roads.
Nkuringo Sector
The most remote and most scenic sector — perched on a ridge overlooking the Congo border. Nkuringo has the most dramatic approach road of all four sectors — steep, narrow, and rocky. A Land Cruiser V8 is essential. The trekking experience is considered by many visitors to be the most spectacular of all four sectors.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga in the far southwest corner of Uganda near the Rwanda and DRC borders is Uganda’s smaller gorilla park — only one habituated gorilla family. Permits are rarer but availability fluctuates as the family sometimes crosses into Rwanda. The scenery around the Virunga volcanoes is extraordinary.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Trek
Briefing and Departure
All gorilla treks begin with a morning briefing at the sector headquarters — typically at 7am to 8am. Rangers explain the rules of the trek, assign groups to specific gorilla families, and introduce your guide. Groups are a maximum of 8 visitors per family per day.
The Trek Itself
Trek duration varies from 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved overnight. The average trek is 2 to 4 hours of walking each way. Once the family is located you spend exactly one hour with them — no exceptions, regardless of how long the trek took to reach them.
Rules During the Gorilla Encounter
- Minimum distance of 7 metres from the gorillas at all times
- Face mask required within the 7-metre zone
- No flash photography
- Keep voices low and movements slow
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas
- If a gorilla charges — crouch, look away, and remain still
Porter Hire
Porters are available at all Bwindi sectors for a fee of approximately $15 to $20 USD. On steep tracks — particularly Nkuringo and Rushaga — hiring a porter is strongly recommended. Porters carry your daypack, assist with steep sections, and provide a walking stick. The fee contributes directly to local community income.
Combining Your Gorilla Permit with the Right Car Hire
Your gorilla trekking permit is your most important booking — your car hire is your second most important. Getting to Bwindi on time for your permit requires the right vehicle and an early departure from Entebbe or Kampala.
Recommended Booking Sequence
- Book your gorilla trekking permit through UWA — confirm your date and sector
- Book your Uganda car hire around your confirmed permit date
- Book accommodation near your specific Bwindi sector for the nights around your trek
- Plan your departure time from Entebbe — no later than 7am for a same-day arrival at Bwindi Buhoma
Browse our 4×4 fleet, choose self-drive or with a professional driver, and contact us with your permit date and Entebbe arrival details.
