How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda for 2025-2026
Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda for 2025 -2026 is an essential part of your Gorilla Trekking experience. Gorilla tracking is one of the most popular activities in Uganda, and people travel from all over the world to the Pearl of Africa to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas. However, before you embark on this unforgettable adventure, you must secure a Gorilla permit, also known as a Gorilla pass or Gorilla ticket.
Why do you need a Gorilla Permit?
The Mountain Gorilla is an endangered species, and they are only found in specific parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of their endangered status, it is important to manage and protect them carefully. One way Uganda does this is by requiring visitors to have a Gorilla permit for each day they wish to track the gorillas.
The Gorilla permit is not just a requirement for seeing these magnificent animals; it also helps fund conservation efforts to protect the Mountain Gorillas. The funds raised from selling Gorilla permits are used to protect the gorillas’ habitat, monitor their health, and support the local communities living near the forests.
How do you book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
To track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, you need to book a Gorilla permit through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the official government body responsible for issuing permits to tourists who want to track the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla permits are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. Therefore, it is important to plan and book your permit early to secure your spot. You can purchase your permit directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, but there are some challenges, especially if you’re planning your trip from outside Uganda. For example, permits are only sold locally and require payment in cash at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
How can you book a Gorilla Permit Early?
If you are planning to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda, you can avoid the challenges of buying a permit yourself by working with a reputable Ugandan safari company like Iconic Africa Safaris. By hiring us, you can let us handle the booking process for you, ensuring that your Gorilla permit is secured in advance.
At Iconic Africa Safaris, we have the experience and connections to book your Gorilla permit quickly and efficiently. Once you confirm your dates with us, we can check availability and pre-purchase your Gorilla permit for you. All we need is your passport details, which are required by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to print your permit.
By working with us, you do not need to worry about traveling to Kampala to buy the permit yourself. We will take care of everything for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure. Plus, we can help you plan a complete Gorilla trekking experience, including transport, accommodation, and park fees.
When should you book your Gorilla Permit?
Because Gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to book your permit as early as possible. The most popular times for Gorilla trekking are during the dry months, which are from June to September and December to February. During these months, many tourists from around the world visit Uganda to see the Mountain Gorillas.
To avoid missing out, it’s important to let Iconic Africa Safaris know your travel dates well in advance. We will check availability for the specific dates you want to track the gorillas and secure your permit as soon as possible. Gorilla permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking early is crucial.
How much does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
As of 2025-2026, the cost of a Gorilla permit in Uganda is USD 800 per person for a single day of tracking. This price allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them. The tracking experience itself can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the conditions of the trail.
Tracking the Mountain Gorillas requires a certain level of fitness. The terrain in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared for a hike through steep, muddy, and dense forest. However, the experience is worth the effort, as you get the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.
How to save money by booking through Rwanda?
If you are looking to save money on your Gorilla permit, consider booking a trip that combines Uganda and Rwanda. The cost of a Gorilla permit in Rwanda is currently USD 1,500, which is significantly more expensive than the cost of a permit in Uganda.
Iconic Africa Safaris offers a great solution for those wanting to save money. We can organize a Gorilla trekking trip that starts in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, and includes a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. This saves you both money and time.
The drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is much shorter (4-5 hours) compared to the long drive from Entebbe (9-10 hours). In addition to saving on the cost of the Gorilla permit, you also save time on the road. This is a great option for travelers who want to experience both Rwanda and Uganda without the long travel times between the two countries.
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Uganda’s most famous and beautiful parks, and it is home to the majority of the country’s Mountain Gorilla population. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers an area of 321 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters above sea level.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, not just for Mountain Gorillas but also for various bird species and other wildlife. The forest is home to over 350 species of birds, many of which are rare or endemic to the Albertine Rift. It is also a great place for other outdoor activities, including nature walks, community visits, and hiking to waterfalls.
There are several trailheads in Bwindi from which tourists can track the gorillas. These include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each trailhead offers different experiences, and the best one for you will depend on where you are staying and your physical fitness.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be accessed by road or air. The main trailhead, Buhoma, is located about 460 kilometers from Kampala. The most direct route to Buhoma is through Mbarara and Rukungiri, followed by a dirt road to Buhoma. The other trailheads, such as Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, can be accessed from the nearby towns of Kisoro and Kabale.
If you prefer to fly, there are domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro, which is close to the park. Once you arrive in Kisoro, you will need to arrange for a transfer to your lodge or the park.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be a physically demanding activity, so it’s important to pack properly. Some essential items to bring include:
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm clothing, especially for early mornings and evenings
- A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- A camera (but be careful not to disturb the gorillas)
