Booking a Gorilla Permit in Uganda: Everything You Need to Know

Booking a Gorilla Permit in Uganda Made Easy

Imagine standing just meters away from a giant silverback, its powerful gaze meeting yours in the misty depths of an ancient rainforest. Few wildlife encounters on Earth rival the intensity and emotion of gorilla trekking and it all begins with one essential step: booking a gorilla permit in Uganda.

Reserve your Permit for Free Now

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is the gateway to experiencing one of Africa’s most thrilling and soul-stirring adventures. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari or a short gorilla trekking tour, securing your gorilla permit early ensures you won’t miss the rare chance to meet endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Booking a Gorilla Permit in Uganda (2025): Secure Your Trekking Adventure

Uganda remains the most affordable and reliable destination for gorilla trekking in Africa, especially when compared to neighboring Rwanda. With more habituated gorilla families, flexible trekking options in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and lower permit fees, Uganda offers unbeatable value without compromising the experience.

At Nextgen Safaris, we make booking a gorilla permit in Uganda easy, fast, and stress-free. Whether you are booking months in advance or looking for last-minute options, our experienced team will handle the entire process from checking availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to confirming your preferred trek date and sector in a few minutes.

Because gorilla permits in Uganda are limited and in high demand, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February), booking a gorilla permit in Uganda as early as possible is highly recommended. This not only guarantees your spot but also gives you more flexibility in choosing the best location and timing for your trek.

So if you are dreaming of a close-up encounter with mountain gorillas, remember: booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is the most important step you can take right now to turn that dream into a reality.

👉 Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to check gorilla permit availability and let us help you plan your trek into the wild!

Tell us your dates

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda (2025 Rates)

The cost of booking a gorilla permit in Uganda depends on your residency status. Here are the official 2025 rates issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices – 2025

Category	Permit Price (Per Person)
Foreign Non-Residents (FNR)	$800
Foreign Residents (FR)	$700
East African Citizens (EAC)	UGX 300,000

These rates cover park entry, ranger guidance, and one full hour with a gorilla family. The cost of booking a gorilla permit in Uganda remains the most affordable option compared to neighboring destinations:

Rwanda charges $1,500 for all foreign nationals.
DR Congo charges $450, but permits are only available in select regions and security can be unpredictable.

For travelers seeking both value and security, booking a gorilla permit in Uganda offers the ideal balance premium wildlife experiences at a reasonable cost, within a stable and conservation-focused framework.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda

Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth Booking Process

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is a straightforward process when done correctly and early. Here’s how to go about it.

Step 1: Confirm Your Travel Dates

Gorilla permits are issued per day, so you must first confirm your travel schedule. Popular months such as June to September and December to February sell out early. Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda several months in advance is highly recommended.

Step 2: Choose Your Trekking Region

As explained above, your permit will be tied to a specific sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Before booking a gorilla permit in Uganda, select the region that best fits your itinerary, fitness level, and accommodation preferences.

Step 3: Book Through a Trusted Tour Operator

Permits can be purchased:

Directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) – often complex for international travelers due to communication delays and banking procedures.
Through a registered and licensed tour operator like Nextgen Safaris – we simplify the process, ensure timely confirmations, and help you choose the right region based on availability and experience level.

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda through a local expert also allows you to combine your permit with transportation, guided services, and full safari packages.

Step 4: Make Payment and Receive Confirmation

Once you choose your region and confirm availability, you’ll proceed to payment. After payment, you’ll receive your official UWA Gorilla Permit, which you must carry on the trekking day.

Book your permit now with us and avoid the stress of missed availability, payment issues, or logistical confusion.

Why Book with Nextgen Safaris?

We are a licensed Ugandan tour operator
We handle all communication with UWA on your behalf
We guide you on choosing the best trekking region and lodge
We offer flexible booking policies and transparent pricing
We offer same-day permit bookings if space is available

Book your permit now with us and get free itinerary consultation.

Why Gorilla Permits Are Required in Uganda

Seeing endangered mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters in Africa and it’s carefully protected. That’s why booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is mandatory for anyone wishing to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Booking a Gorilla Permit in Uganda: Everything You Need to Know

Each gorilla family in Uganda is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day. This strict limitation is enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to protect the gorillas’ health, habitat, and natural behavior. With only around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, controlled tourism ensures that every visitor encounter is low-impact and respectful.

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda helps support conservation and ensures a well-regulated tourism experience. Your permit fee directly funds anti-poaching efforts, park ranger salaries, veterinary care, gorilla monitoring, and local community initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking policy is a model of responsible ecotourism. By securing your permit, you’re not just planning an unforgettable journey you’re actively contributing to the survival of an endangered species.

Where to Trek – Bwindi vs. Mgahinga

When booking a gorilla permit in Uganda, one of the most important decisions is choosing where to trek. Uganda offers two unique gorilla trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each offers a different experience, and understanding the options helps you make the right choice before you secure your permit.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Forest is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda and is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four major trekking sectors:

Buhoma: The original sector, known for its accessibility and stunning forest trails.
Rushaga: Popular for its many gorilla families and also offers gorilla habituation experiences.
Ruhija: Less crowded and rich in birdlife, offering a serene and wild trekking environment.
Nkuringo: Known for steeper trails and breathtaking views, perfect for adventurous travelers.

Before booking a gorilla permit in Uganda, it’s essential to choose your preferred trekking region within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Permit availability is limited and tied to specific sectors, so your choice will directly affect your travel logistics, lodge options, and trek difficulty level.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller but equally captivating. It’s part of the Virunga Volcanoes chain and home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its stable location within the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is ideal for travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes, or easier access from Kigali, Rwanda.

While Bwindi offers more permit availability and multiple trekking groups, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is perfect for a quieter and more intimate experience. However, due to its single gorilla family, permits here are more limited.

👉 Tip: Before booking a gorilla permit in Uganda, consider your overall travel route, accommodation preferences, and desired level of challenge in the trek. Our team at Nextgen Safaris will help you match the perfect region to your expectations.

Planning a safari? Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is your first step to an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Book your permit now with us and let the experts handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda should ideally be done 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to trek during peak seasons (June–September and December–February). Permits are limited to protect the gorillas and often sell out quickly. Early booking a gorilla permit in Uganda ensures you secure your preferred dates and trekking region.

Q2: Can I book a gorilla permit in Uganda without a full tour?
Yes, you can book a gorilla permit in Uganda without purchasing a full tour. However, many travelers prefer to book through a trusted tour operator like Nextgen Safaris, which handles transportation, accommodation, and logistics to ensure a seamless experience.

Q3: What documents do I need for booking a gorilla permit in Uganda?
To book a gorilla permit in Uganda, you’ll need:

A valid passport copy
Your preferred trekking dates
Desired location (Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
Once confirmed, your tour operator or UWA will issue a permit with your name and trekking details.

Q4: What if I need to cancel or reschedule my gorilla permit?
Gorilla permits in Uganda are non-refundable once booked. However, rescheduling may be possible depending on availability and UWA policy, usually with a notice of at least 30 days. When booking a gorilla permit in Uganda, it’s important to confirm your dates and travel plans before payment.

Booking Options – Permits Only or Full Packages

At Nextgen Safaris, we offer flexible booking options tailored to your travel style and budget. Whether you need a permit alone or a complete tour package, we’re here to help.

Option 1: Booking Gorilla Permits Only

You can simply secure your gorilla permit through us without booking a full itinerary. This is ideal for self-drive travelers or those combining safaris with other experiences.

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda through us is fast, secure, and comes with expert guidance helping you avoid mistakes and last-minute surprises.

Option 2: Full Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages

Let us handle everything for you from your permit to accommodation, guides, and transportation. Below are some handpicked sample tours that include gorilla permits:

Each tour comes with a guaranteed gorilla permit, professional guide, and an unforgettable experience.

Ready to Book Your Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

Don’t miss the chance to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas up close! Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is the first step to your unforgettable trekking adventure.

Let our experienced safari planners handle everything from securing your permit to crafting the perfect itinerary in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

👉 Contact Us to Reserve Your Gorilla Permit for Free Today
Fast response
Guaranteed permit booking
Expert support