Are you dreaming of an unforgettable adventure in the wild? A gorilla trekking experience in Uganda might be exactly what you’re looking for. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered primates on the planet.
These incredible creatures share around 98% of our DNA and are known for their gentle nature. To visit them, you’ll need to buy a gorilla trekking permit, which also supports vital conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost for 2025, so you can prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
A gorilla trekking permit is a pass that grants you permission to trek through Uganda’s lush national parks to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
These permits help limit the number of visitors each day, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas and their environment. With each permit, you’re granted one hour of awe-inspiring, face-to-face time with the gorillas—though the trek itself may take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are available for two key national parks:
Understanding the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda for these parks is essential when planning your trip.
Here’s the breakdown for the Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost in 2025:
Compared to neighboring countries, Uganda offers one of the most affordable options for gorilla trekking. For instance, in Rwanda, a similar permit costs $1,500, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it’s just $400 (Congo currently has security issue).
Uganda’s prices make it a great option for anyone looking to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure without breaking the bank.
For those who want a more immersive experience, consider the gorilla habituation permit. This special permit allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, compared to the usual one hour. It’s priced at $1,500, which is more expensive than the regular permit, but it provides a rare opportunity to participate in the habituation process—helping to acclimate wild gorillas to human presence.
Booking your Uganda gorilla trekking permit is easy. You can either book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or, for a more seamless experience, go through a tour operator. Many tour companies include the cost of the permit in their overall safari packages, making the process smoother for you.
Tips for Booking Your Gorilla Permit
Each habituated gorilla group allows just 8 trekkers per day, so availability is limited. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers over 200 permits each day, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only 8 permits daily. This means if you’re visiting during peak season, securing your permit early is crucial
Your Uganda gorilla trekking permit includes:
However, it doesn’t cover additional costs like:
Make sure to budget for these extra expenses as you plan your trip.
Plans change, and sometimes you need to cancel. Here’s the refund policy for Uganda gorilla trekking permits:
In case of illness (verified on-site), you might be eligible for a 50% refund. This policy encourages honesty to protect the gorillas from potential diseases.
Yes, there is an age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, and it’s important to be aware of it.
If you’re traveling with children or elderly family members who aren’t able to participate in the trek, there are other activities available nearby, such as cultural tours or scenic walks.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on the season:
Each season has its charm, so pick the one that suits your preferences and availability.
With all the details about the Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost and planning tips, you’re now ready to book your unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re trekking through Bwindi or Mgahinga, you’re in for an experience like no other. Don’t forget to check out our tailored tours or contact us to start planning your dream gorilla trekking trip today!
Since 2016 Greenway Nature Tours Africa have been offering 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Read more..
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer optimal weather for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking. Rainfall is lower, making travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Since 2016 Greenway Nature Tours Africa have been offering 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
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