Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
It’s the most coveted hour in East Africa.
Sixty minutes. You and a family of wild mountain gorillas, deep in the green cathedral of Bwindi or the mist-draped slopes of Mgahinga. No crowds. No cages. Just breath, eye contact, and the quiet thrum of something ancient.
But none of it happens without a permit.
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First, What Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?
Think of it as your golden ticket—issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)—that grants you access to track and spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family in the wild.
No permit, no trek. It’s that simple. These permits are limited, non-transferable, and highly regulated for conservation reasons. Each one funds anti-poaching units, ranger salaries, veterinary care, and community development. Booking one isn’t just an entry fee. It’s a direct investment in the survival of a critically endangered species.
If you’re planning gorilla trekking in Uganda, this is your first—and most essential—step.
Where to Trek: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga
Uganda offers two trekking locations. Most permits (and gorilla families) are based in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site with four trekking regions—each hosting several gorilla families. Your assigned region (Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Ruhija) depends on permit availability, your fitness level, and your accommodation base.
The second option, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is smaller but more open. It has just one habituated family—Nyakagezi—but offers stunning volcanic landscapes and fewer crowds. Perfect if you want solitude with your silverbacks.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Visitor Type | 1-Hour Trek | 4-Hour Habituation Experience |
|---|---|---|
| International (Non-EAC) | $800 | $1,500 |
| Foreign Residents | $700 | $1,000 |
| Other African Nationals | $500 | $1,000 |
| East African Citizens | UGX 300,000 | UGX 750,000 |
The habituation trek—available in southern Bwindi—is pricier, but gives you up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group. For photographers, conservationists, or the simply gorilla-obsessed, it’s worth every extra dollar.
When Should You Book?
Now. That’s not sales talk—it’s reality. Permits can sell out 6–12 months in advance, especially during Uganda’s peak seasons: June to September and December to February. If you’re aiming for the best weather and trail conditions, these months are gold. (We break this down more fully here.)
Off-season permits are easier to find, but expect muddier trails and unpredictable weather. Uganda no longer offers discounted low-season permits, so the price remains the same year-round—but availability shifts dramatically.
How to Actually Book Your Permit
You can book directly through UWA, but you’ll need patience. Their system is functional—but not always responsive. You’ll also need to coordinate lodging, transport, guides, and briefing times yourself.
Or—you can just let us handle it.
At Dust & Echo, we arrange permits as part of our tailored itineraries. We check availability, match you with the right region, advise on trek difficulty, and coordinate everything from your lodge to the moment you step into the jungle. You tell us your dates. We make it happen.
And if you’re building a larger itinerary—say, pairing gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or a game drive in Queen Elizabeth—having everything under one roof makes your life easier.
What Info Do You Need to Book?
We’ll need a few basics:
Full name as it appears on your passport
Nationality
Passport number
Date of birth
Preferred trekking date(s)
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a scanned copy of your permit. The physical one stays in-country and is handed to you by your guide before the trek.
Note: Permits are non-transferable and tied to your ID. No swapping names. No showing up late. Gorilla rules are strict, and rightly so. You can read the full set of gorilla trekking rules if you want to be fully prepped.
What You Pack Matters
This isn’t a stroll. It’s a muddy, high-altitude hike through thick vegetation, often on steep slopes.
We’ve put together a no-nonsense guide on what to pack for gorilla trekking, but here’s the quick version:
- Waterproof boots
- Layers
- Gloves
- Insect repellent
- And if you’re not sure about your knees, hire a porter. Worth it ten times over.
Gorilla trekking isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a moment that rewires something in you.
So don’t leave it to chance. Book your permit early. Do it right. And let Dust & Echo curate a journey that’s more than a holiday—it’s a return to something wilder, older, and more meaningful.
Ready to begin? Talk to us and we’ll secure your permit, craft your route, and make sure your moment with the mountain gorillas is everything it should be.
