How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda today? Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced new gorilla permit prices as part of the changes made in the conservation tariffs for the period July 2024 to June 2026. The new gorilla permit prices are part of the updated conservation tariff made as the previous period (2022-2024) ended.
As per the 2024-2026 updates, the new gorilla permits in Uganda now cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents. This is an increase of about $100 from the previous $700. Foreign residents on the Uganda gorilla tour can now obtain gorilla permits in Uganda at USD 700 per person.
East African Community citizens can have their gorilla permits booked today at UGX 300,000 per person. The new conservation tariffs currently cater to the Rest of the African travelers like those from South Africa, etc. Visitors who fall under this category can obtain gorilla permits in Uganda at USD 500 per person.
Gorilla habituation permits in Uganda 2024-2026
The new gorilla permit prices in Uganda haven’t affected tariffs for mountain gorilla habituation. Gorilla habituation permits currently cost USD 1500 per person for foreign non-residents, and USD 1000 for foreign residents while shs. 750,000 applies to all East African Community citizens which include Ugandans.
The new gorilla permit prices in Uganda apply to all primate enthusiasts in need to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What do New Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda Include?
The cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga include charges/fees for park ranger guides, park entry fees for the day, and community development contribution.
What is excluded from the cost of gorilla permits?
The cost of gorilla permits excludes all the expenses of a personal nature. These range from extra activities, laundry services, tipping (tips for porters, waiters/waitresses, driver guide, etc), cigarettes, and telephone calls. The cost also excludes travel insurance expenses, souvenirs, visas, passports, airfares, and others.
Why do you need a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit is an essential tool for you to legally engage in mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Obtaining a gorilla permit offers you a great chance to visit the already habituated gorilla family group and in the case of Uganda, this can be done in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Obtaining valid gorilla permits in Uganda also means you have contributed towards mountain gorilla conservation by 100%. The largest source of financial support for gorilla conservation is derived from gorilla permits or when you book a gorilla safari in Uganda. It is expensive to protect mountain gorillas and your visit to see them plays a critical role.
How many gorilla permits are available in Uganda today?
About 25 gorilla families are open for gorilla tourism in Uganda and they translate to about 200 gorilla permits. Each visitor on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is entitled to only one permit which is valid for only a single gorilla trek. Each habituated family of mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga is visited by a maximum of eight (8) visitors each day. Note, that gorilla trekking is done only once a day!
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and its gorilla permits
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is set in far Southwestern Uganda and is where largest population of mountain gorillas reside. Over 459 mountain gorillas call Bwindi their home with up to 24 habituated gorilla family groups all distributed in the four regions or sectors.
The gorilla permits can be booked according to the sector or region that you plan to go for gorilla trekking. In Bwindi for instance, 4 sectors to consider include Ruhija (in the East), Buhoma (to the North) then Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the Southern sector.
Gorilla permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Only one gorilla group is open for trekking in Mgahinga and this represents 8 gorilla permits. Like Bwindi gorilla trekking, permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be booked with ease through the local tour operator.
When should you book gorilla permits in Uganda?
The demand for gorilla permits is always high and we encourage all our guests to book their permits at least 2-6 months earlier. This should be done before the actual visit to any of Uganda’s stunning trek mountain gorillas.
What is interesting is that you can book gorilla permits even a year or 2 years before the actual date of traveling for gorilla trekking adventures. This can save you, especially if you plan to visit Uganda to see mountain gorillas around the peak dry months.
How to book gorilla permits in Uganda
It takes a process to have a valid gorilla permit in Uganda or other destinations booked. This includes choosing the destination or location to go for gorilla trekking, picking up the date for visiting gorillas in Uganda, and identifying the gorilla safari company to deal with.
When booking a gorilla permit, first, you will need to send an inquiry to the tour company with your favorite dates on which you plan to travel for gorilla trekking.
The tour operator then goes to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to check the availability of dates you prefer to go gorilla trekking.
If he finds that the dates are available, the permit is reserved. The reservation team gets back to you letting know of the availability.
Essentials for booking a gorilla permit include details of your passport and you will send us a copy of the passport.
You will also be required to make payment for the permit to be booked. All payments should be sent to the active accounts shared with you by the company.
Confirmation of the gorilla permit booking will be sent to you by email.
Other than gorilla permits, you also need to book accommodation and transportation plus other things to make your gorilla tour complete.
In summary, the new gorilla permit prices in Uganda cater to all visitors on gorilla trips to Bwindi and Mgahinga. Book your gorilla permits now and be rest assured of an unforgettable trek adventure in the African jungle.
