Uganda Gorilla Permit Booking Guide – How to Get Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Planning to see mountain gorillas in Uganda? To go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need a Uganda gorilla permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This page provides everything international travellers from the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, and around the world need to know about acquiring gorilla permits, including prices, booking process, cancellation policy, and more.

What is a Uganda Gorilla Permit?

A Uganda gorilla permit is an official document that allows tourists to visit and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is carefully regulated to support wildlife conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism.

Uganda gorilla permits grant you one hour with a gorilla family, while gorilla habituation permits offer up to four hours of interaction with a group undergoing the habituation process.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices (2025 Rates)

These fees support conservation, park maintenance, and local communities.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Locations

Uganda has two premier destinations for gorilla trekking:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, ideal for both trekking and habituation.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Smaller park with scenic volcanic backdrops and one habituated gorilla group.

Both offer world-class gorilla encounters and unique experiences.

How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit

You can book a gorilla permit in two ways:

1. Directly via the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

2. Through a licensed tour operator like Msafiri Tours, who can handle the entire process for you.

Why book with Msafiri Tours?

We simplify the process by:

• Checking availability

• Handling your payment securely

• Securing your permit in advance

• Organising full tour packages (transport, accommodation, meals)

This ensures a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Gorilla Permit Cancellations & Refund Policy

Gorilla permit payments are made directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In the event of cancellation:

• UWA handles all refunds, not the tour operator.

• Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable close to the tracking date.

We recommend:

• Confirming all travel logistics (flights, visas, etc.) before booking.

• Purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations.

What’s Included in a Gorilla Permit?

A Uganda gorilla permit covers:

• Entry to the national park

• One hour with a gorilla group (or 4 hours for habituation)

• Armed ranger guides and trackers

Not included:

• Transport to/from the park

• Accommodation & meals

• Porters, tips, water, trekking gear

Let Msafiri Tours help you arrange these essential extras.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Daily?

Uganda issues a limited number of gorilla permits each day:

• 8 habituation permits per day (Bwindi only)

• Up to 160 trekking permits daily across Bwindi and Mgahinga

Permits sell out months in advance, especially during the peak seasons (June–October, December–February). Book your gorilla safari at least 6–10 months in advance.

Who Can Join a Gorilla Trek?

• Minimum age: 15 years

• Maximum age: No official limit — sedan chairs are available for older or less mobile travellers (extra fee: $400–$500)

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons:

• January–February

• June–September

Trails are drier and gorilla visibility is higher due to less vegetation.

What Does a Typical Gorilla Trek Involve?

Here’s what to expect on your gorilla tracking day:

1. Early morning briefing at the park headquarters

2. Trek through dense jungle terrain (2–8 hours depending on location)

3. One magical hour observing gorillas in the wild

4. Return trek and reflection

Be prepared for a physically demanding but deeply rewarding experience.

Choosing Between Bwindi and Mgahinga

How to Get Started – Book with Msafiri Tours

We make it easy to plan your Uganda gorilla safari. Whether you’re coming from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, or beyond, Msafiri Tours will:

• Secure your permits

• Arrange accommodation & transport

• Provide customised gorilla trekking packages

Contact us today to check permit availability and begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla adventure.

Keywords optimized for SEO:
Uganda gorilla permit booking, how to get a gorilla permit Uganda, gorilla trekking Uganda, Uganda gorilla tour, Bwindi gorilla permit, Mgahinga gorilla tracking, Uganda safari permits, Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits, gorilla habituation Uganda, Africa gorilla trekking tours.