Uganda Gorilla trekking permit

Uganda Gorilla trekking permit : Uganda is the best gorilla trekking destination in the world with 2 gorilla destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

For travelers to participate in gorilla trekking experience on which they get a once- in – a life time opportunity of meeting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, you need to have a gorilla trekking permit.

A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows you to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda, the permit offers you a chance to spend one hour in company of one habituated mountain gorilla family.

Purchasing a gorilla permit is very important as it grants you access to the gorilla parks and also contributes to the conservation efforts of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Habituation Permits

In addition to the normal gorilla permits which allows to spend one hour with the gorillas, there is gorilla habituation experience which allows you to spend 4 hours in company gorillas and you will have to purchase “a gorilla habituation permit”.

Gorilla habituation is the process of acclimatizing wild gorillas to the presence of human, this is very essential for gorillas and allows guests to safely interact with these gentle giants. Gorilla habituation experience takes about 2 – 3 years.

To be part of the Gorilla Habituation process which is only done in Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park, you need to purchase a gorilla Habituation Permit costing US$ 1,500.

How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$ 700 per person per trek for 1 hour with the gorillas for Foreign – Non – Residents, 600 USD for Foreign Residents and UGX 250,000 for East African community (EAC) citizens.

A gorilla Habituation Permits costs US $ 1,500 per person per trek for 4 hours with the gorillas

How to purchase a gorilla permit

Gorilla permits in Uganda for both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority – a government agency which oversees tourism and wildlife conservation in the country.

With the new rules regarding obtaining a gorilla permit, a gorilla permit can only be purchased from a travel agency or tour company.

There are a few gorilla permits issued when compared to the demand, to guarantee availability for a gorilla permit, book at least six months in advance.

How do I cancel a gorilla permit? Any Refunds

Please note that the gorilla permit fees in Uganda are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority and if there is a cancellation, it’s the government to refund and not the tour operator or Safari Company. A travel agent can only refund if the government refunds the tour operator, therefore it is important to check your travel dates, flights etc before you can book your date for the trek.

Refund policy for a gorilla permit in Uganda is as below

In the event that you cancel and merely paid a deposit, you will not be entitled to any refund.
If you cancel 3 months before your trekking date, you will receive up to 75% refund.
If you cancel 1 and 1/2 months before your trekking, you will receive a 50% refund.
A month before your trekking, you will be refunded only 25% refund.
If you cancel within or just a week before your trekking expect no refund.

What does a gorilla permit cover?

Uganda gorilla permit covers the complete trek with armed guides from the time you enter into the forest, see the gorillas and back to the trekking point.

Other costs like accommodation, transport, porter, water, meals etc. are not included. It is important to discuss with tour operator if you will require a porter, trekking pole, rain jacket and other thing to carry when coming for a Uganda gorilla safari.

Please note: there are no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda as of 2023.