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Uganda Gorilla Permits - All You Need To Know

Mountain gorillas are found only around the Virunga Mountain Ranges which consists of Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda.

To see mountain gorillas, you must first obtain a tracking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda. A gorilla permit is a primary requirement for anyone who intends to trek these gentle giants in the wild.

Table of Contents.

What is a gorilla permit?
What is a habituation permit?
How can I buy a gorilla permit?
Gorilla Permit Cancellation
How many gorilla permits are sold daily in Uganda?
When do I need to purchase a gorilla permit?
For how long is a gorilla permit valid?
Tracking Time Limit
Visitor’s Passport Information

What is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit is a document or card that allows an individual or visitor to track gorillas and is acquired after paying a certain fee.

What is a habituation permit?

Gorilla habituation permit allows visitors to take part in the habitation process. Habituation is a gradual process involving encouraging untamed gorillas to get used to the presence of humans, which is essential for tourism. Habituation permits are more expensive than the regular trekking permits because visitors spend four hours with the gorillas rather than just one.

How can I buy a gorilla permit?

It is imperative that you reserve your gorilla permit in advance of your actual tracking day in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Parks because they frequently sell out rapidly. A local tour operator is the most convenient source to use when purchasing a gorilla permit. Local tour operators act on the visitor’s behalf to acquire or reserve gorilla permits since they must be done before the date of the trekking excursion. There are two options through which you can obtain your gorilla permit and observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Below are two options on how to successfully obtain a gorilla permit.

Option One

Through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) – Uganda’s tourism governing body.

Gorilla Trekking Fees 2023/2024

Country

Foreign Non-Resident

Foreign Resident

East African Citizen

Uganda

$700

$600

UGX 250,000

Gorilla Habituation Experience Fees 2023/2024

Country

Foreign Non-Resident

Foreign Resident

East African Citizen

Uganda

$1,500 USD

$1,000 USD

UGX 750,000

No persons under 15 years of age may trek Gorillas
Gorilla tracking begins at 8.30. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to this for registration.
Rates do include park fee, guide fee a certificate of trekking and community levy.
Visitors will not be allowed to meet with the gorillas should they have contracted a highly contagious or airborne disease like flue.
Wearing a facemask is a must.

Option Two

Booking through a local tour operator in Uganda is a reliable option of obtaining a gorilla permit.

Note: It’s highly recommended to reserve your permit well in advance of the date you intend to go gorilla trekking because getting permits tends to be competitive. Today Uganda is receiving so many visitors coming in for gorilla trekking. It’s best to book early to guarantee your permit for convenience purposes.

Each Gorilla Permit in Uganda costs $700 per person and Stingers Africa Safaris’ processing fee is $30 per tracking permit. Gorilla Permits cannot be guaranteed until we receive a full deposit of $700 per permit separate from your main tour cost. All bookings we make with the wildlife authority must be supported with payment in cash at the time of making the reservation. This deposit allows us pay for the permits in time.

We are able to purchase permits on your behalf for up to 2 years from the month of tracking if you prefer avoiding bureaucracy and delays associated with it.

Stingers Africa Safaris help many visitors to obtain permits for the Bushasho, Nkuringo, Nshongi, MIshaya, Bweza Kahungye or Busingye groups on the south side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or gorilla families/groups on the Buhoma sector of Bwindi where there is availability. We also process your Rwanda gorilla permit on your behalf. Please contact us should you require this service.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation (Separate from our booking terms and conditions)

Gorilla Permit will be guaranteed ONLY upon receipt of the full amount (i.e. $700) in 2023 to enable us immediately clear with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure the permits.

Cancellations received on full payment;

More than 90 days before the tracking date, 25% cancellation fee
89 to 46 days before the tracking date, 50% cancellation fee
45 to 9 days before the tracking date, 75% cancellation fee
8 to 0 days before the tracking date, 100% cancellation fee

Percentages are based on the current permit price.

How many gorilla permits are sold daily in Uganda?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the government body in charge of issuing gorilla permits is capable of selling 160 permits distributed amongst Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

When do I need to purchase a gorilla permit?

Only a limited number of permits are issued per day due to strict gorilla conservation regulations. In order to avoid last-minute disappointment, last-minute reservations are typically discouraged. Normally, we recommend visitors book permits at least six months to a year in advance to ensure greater assurance and adequate planning. This is why it is important for them to work hand in hand with local tour operators to help them secure the gorilla permits.

For how long is a gorilla permit valid?

Gorilla permits are only valid for a single trekking trip per person and; they cannot be transferred. However, it is acceptable and typical to purchase multiple gorilla permits for various trekking dates. Keep in mind that the gorilla permit is only valid from the date it is issued until the day you actually go trekking; after that, it is just like used toilet paper.

Tracking Time Limit

Visitors are expected to assemble for a briefing session from an assigned park ranger at the headquarters at 7:30 am. The excursion starts at 8:00 am and normal tracking limit is 6:30 pm – when all visitors are expected back at the campground.

Visitor’s Passport Information

The passport information of the trackers will be needed at the UWA head office to enable writing out the gorilla permits after the booking has been fully confirmed. Please be sure to provide the right names, complete passport numbers, and the country of issuance.