Uganda Gorilla Permits Explained

A gorilla permit is the licence that allows you to trek to one habituated gorilla family on a specific day. It is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which limits the number of visitors per family each day to protect the animals. Because permits are limited and high-demand dates sell early, securing one is the first step in planning most Uganda safaris.

This guide explains how permits work in practice. For the trekking experience itself, see gorilla safari packages; for timing, see the best time to visit Uganda.

How Gorilla Permits Work

• Who issues them: the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which manages the national parks.
• What they cover: one trek, for one person, on one date, in one sector. They cannot normally be swapped between people.
• Group size: a small number of visitors per gorilla family each day.
• Time with the gorillas: one hour once the group is found.
• Age: the minimum age to trek is 15.

When to Book

Book as early as you can, particularly for June to August and December to February. For quieter months you may find availability closer to the date, but there is no guarantee. Once you confirm, we reserve the permit before you book flights, so your dates are protected. See how to book a Uganda safari.

Permit Prices

The authority sets the permit price and can change it, and prices differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens. The official rates are listed in the section on UWA permit rates and rules below. Compare against other costs in our safari cost guide.

Changes and Cancellations

Permit terms are set by the authority and can be strict, and the rules differ by situation. We explain the conditions before you pay, and we recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation.

Uganda or Rwanda?

Both countries issue gorilla permits, with different prices and systems. See Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking and Uganda and Rwanda combined.

How Permits Work

Gorilla permits are issued by the park authority for a specific date, park and gorilla family. Only a limited number of visitors can trek each day, and groups are capped at eight people per family. Permits are non-transferable and usually must be reserved before travel, so choose your dates early.

Booking Tips

• Book as soon as dates are known, especially for peak months.
• Be flexible about sector; see Bwindi sectors.
• Check refund and rescheduling terms.
• Consider habituation for longer time with gorillas.

Compare with Rwanda and Mgahinga. See how to book.

Official UWA Permit Rates and Rules

According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff for July 2024 to June 2026, a gorilla tracking permit for Bwindi or Mgahinga costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for citizens of the rest of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents and rest of Africa, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens.

UWA's letter of 26 February 2026 introduced low season rates of $600 (foreign non-residents) and $500 (foreign residents) for April, May and November, and states these permits cannot be rescheduled. Habituation rises to $1,800 and $1,600 from 1 January 2027, while standard tracking stays at $800 and $700. The 7-day payment-free reservation window was suspended from 1 March 2026, so permits must be paid in full at booking.

Rules: minimum age 15, a maximum of eight visitors per gorilla group, one hour with the gorillas and 10 metres distance. A late reschedule carries a fine of 25% of the permit and tracking in a different location 50%. See the price notice, tracking rules and the full tariff.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.