Uganda gorilla permits: price, rules and how to book
A morning with mountain gorillas is the reason many people come to Uganda. It is also the part of the trip that needs the most planning, because permits are limited and sell out in busy months. Here is what you need to know.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Uganda Wildlife Authority's published tariff lists the gorilla trekking permit at US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents and US$500 for other African passport holders. That is roughly half the price of a permit in Rwanda, which is why Uganda is the most popular place to see mountain gorillas.
For a longer visit, the gorilla habituation experience costs US$1,500 per person. You join researchers and rangers with a family that is still getting used to people, and you spend longer in the forest.
Uganda Wildlife Authority reviews its prices from time to time and has offered low-season discounts, so your agency confirms the exact price when it books.
Where do you trek?
Uganda's mountain gorillas live in two parks in the far south-west:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to most of Uganda's habituated gorilla families, with treks starting from several sectors around the forest.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes next to Rwanda and Congo.
Your agency chooses the sector that fits your route and your lodge, so you don't start the day with a long drive.
The rules on trekking day
The rules protect the gorillas, who can catch human illnesses:
Trekkers must be 15 years or older.
A maximum of eight visitors is allowed per gorilla family each day.
You spend one hour with the family once you find them.
Keep about 10 metres away, keep your voice low and never use flash.
Stay behind if you have a cold, flu or another infectious illness.
The day starts with a briefing at the park office, usually around 7:30. Treks can take from two to seven hours, depending on where the family is. A local porter can carry your bag for a small fee and help on the steep slopes.
How do you book a permit?
Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla and chimpanzee permits for international visitors through licensed tour operators. That is exactly how Riftvoya works: you tell us your dates, and a Riftvoya Verified agency books your permit and confirms it in writing before you travel.
Book early. For June to September and December to February, three to six months ahead is sensible, and longer for big groups.
Ready to plan?
See our gorillas and chimpanzees trip or read what to pack for gorilla trekking.
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