New gorilla permit prices for Uganda

New gorilla permit prices for Uganda:Uganda is home to mountain gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These two national parks host the highest population of mountain gorillas in the whole world, with more than half of the world’s population living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These mountain gorillas are habituated, and others are still going through habituation before being fully open for trekking to tourists who come from different parts of the world to see the closest relatives to human beings.

Trekking or habituating mountain gorillas of Uganda requires one to have a gorilla permit. This is a document issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority to allow tourists above the age of 15 years to trek the mountain gorillas. Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the prices for these permits and makes changes after a period of 2 years. In March 2026, this government agency announced the new process for gorilla permits in 2027.

The new prices for gorilla permits in Uganda.

While gorilla trekking prices never changed, the gorilla habituation for 2027 was changed, and this was announced by Uganda Wildlife Authority in March 2026. Gorilla trekking remains $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa, and UGX250,000 for Citizens of East African member states.  Gorilla habituation permits cost $1800 for foreign non-residents, $1600 for foreign residents, $1000 for the rest of Africa, and UGX750,000 for citizens of East African member states.

Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced the low-season permits, which are not rescheduled in case of travel changes. These were introduced to increase the number of travelers during the low season and also help every traveler to afford the trekking activity. These permits work in April, May, and October, and the cost $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and the rest of Africa, while Citizens of East African Members States pay UGX250,000.

When is the best time to purchase gorilla permits for Uganda

Tourists are advised to buy their gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in advance. Tourists should purchase gorilla permits 6 months or even more in advance. This should be done to avoid last-minute disappointments and missing out on trekking on favorite dates, as the permits sell out quickly.

When is the best time to see the mountain gorillas of Uganda?

Mountain gorillas of Uganda can be visited at any time of the year; however, there are months that are better than others. The driest months of the year, June to September and December to February, are the best to see mountain gorillas. They are characterized by little or no rainfall, which keeps the trekking trails dry and easier to walk through. The vegetation is also short with a clear view of the mountain gorillas and other forest attractions.

Tourists may still use the low season to travel to Uganda to see the mountain gorillas; however, March, April, May, October, and November are rainy season months. They are characterized by plenty of rainfall and little sunshine, which keeps the trekking trails muddy and slippery. Vegetation is also tall, with unclear views of the mountain gorillas and other forest attractions. Tourists will, however, use low-season permits, which are always on a discount, discounted accommodation, and tour packages.

Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the only place in the world where tourists can carry out gorilla habituation. A maximum of 4 people carry out gorilla habituation, and these need the permits, which they present to the park wardens a day before the activity. Trekkers are briefed a day before the activity, and this is because habituation starts as early as 6 pm when the gorillas are still sleeping.

Early in the morning, trekkers are led by armed ranger guides who already know the trails to use and locate the mountain gorillas that are still going through habituation. The mountain gorillas are located before they start their day, and trekkers get an opportunity to be with them for the next 4 hours. These hours come with trekkers getting involved in activities that make the mountain gorillas get used to human presence around them.

Trekkers get so close to the mountain gorillas with the help of armed ranger guides, doctors, and researchers. They watch them carry out activities like nesting, hunting, breastfeeding, playing, and much more. Trekkers get an opportunity to learn about the gorillas’ habits, take photos, and record videos.

During gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, trekkers get an opportunity to meet the forest attractions, among which include the primates, mammals, birds, water sources, and unique vegetation cover, among others. After gorilla habituation, the trekkers are awarded a trek for participation and being part of the gorilla conservation.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda starts in the morning at the park headquarters, where all trekkers of the day gather. Trekkers submit their gorilla trekking certificates at the sectors where they are checked by the wardens. Trekkers are later briefed about the rules and regulations of the activity for the safety of the gorilla and trekkers while in the jungle.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park is carried out in groups not exceeding 8 people. These are led by armed ranger guides who know the right trails to use and locate the mountain gorillas. While searching, there are opportunities to meet forest attractions like the mammals, primates, and birds.

When the mountain gorillas are spotted, trekkers are given 1 hour to be around the mountain gorillas while keeping a distance. They are able to watch the members carry out daily activities like nesting, hunting, breastfeeding, mating, and much more. After a successful trek, trekkers get out of the jungle and get awarded gorilla trekking certificates.