A Complete Guide by Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd
Uganda is one of the best places in the world to meet endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda.
One of the most common questions travellers ask is: Do gorilla permit prices change between the high season and low season?
The simple answer is that Uganda normally has a fixed gorilla permit price throughout the year. Unlike accommodation rates, which may rise or fall according to the travel season, the official gorilla trekking permit fee generally remains the same in both busy and quieter months.
Current Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices
The standard Uganda gorilla trekking permit rates are:
| Visitor category | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Foreign non-resident | USD 800 |
| Foreign resident | USD 700 |
| Rest of Africa citizen | USD 500 |
| East African citizen | UGX 300,000 |
The East African citizen rate normally applies to eligible citizens of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, subject to the identification requirements of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Each permit is issued for a particular trekking date and location and allows the visitor to spend up to one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family after the group has been located.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit Prices
Travellers who want more time with the gorillas can consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
| Visitor category | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Foreign non-resident | USD 1,500 |
| Foreign resident | USD 1,000 |
| Rest of Africa citizen | USD 1,000 |
| East African citizen | UGX 750,000 |
The habituation experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family, once it has been located. Availability is much more limited than for ordinary gorilla trekking, so early booking is strongly recommended.
High-Season Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda
Uganda’s main high seasons are generally:
- June to September
- December to February
These months are popular because they often have drier trekking conditions and coincide with international holiday periods. The standard foreign non-resident gorilla trekking permit still costs USD 800 per person during the high season.
Although the permit price is normally unchanged, availability becomes much tighter. Popular trekking dates and sectors of Bwindi may sell out several months in advance. Lodges, domestic flights and private safari vehicles may also be in greater demand.
For high-season travel, Ngoni Safaris recommends booking at least six to twelve months in advance, especially for families, private groups and travellers with fixed holiday dates.
Low-Season Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda
The quieter or wetter travel periods are generally:
- March to May
- October to November
The normal foreign non-resident permit price remains USD 800 per person in these months. However, travellers may find better-value accommodation offers, fewer visitors on safari routes and more flexibility when selecting lodges.
The forests remain green and beautiful throughout the year. Rain can occur at any time in Bwindi and Mgahinga, but the wetter months may bring muddier and more slippery trails. Proper hiking shoes, rain protection, gloves and the assistance of a local porter can make the trek more comfortable.
Are Discounted Gorilla Permits Available in the Low Season?
Uganda does not have a permanent low-season gorilla permit tariff. From time to time, the Uganda Wildlife Authority may introduce a limited promotional offer for specified dates or visitor categories. Such promotions should never be assumed to apply automatically.
Before advertising or booking a discounted permit, travellers should confirm:
- The exact trekking dates covered by the promotion
- The visitor categories that qualify
- The parks or activities included
- The booking and payment deadline
- Whether the offer applies to new bookings only
Ngoni Safaris can check current permit availability and any officially announced promotion before preparing your final safari quotation.
What Is Included in a Gorilla Permit?
A standard gorilla trekking permit includes:
- Entry for the scheduled gorilla trekking activity
- A pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters
- Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides
- Tracking a designated habituated gorilla family
- Up to one hour with the gorillas after locating them
- Conservation support through the official permit fee
The permit does not normally include accommodation, transport to the park, meals, visas, travel insurance, porter services, tips or personal expenses unless these items are included separately in your Ngoni Safaris package.
Bwindi or Mgahinga: Does the Permit Price Change?
No. The official permit price is normally the same whether the trek takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi has several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The sector shown on your booking determines where you must report on the trekking morning. Because driving between some sectors can take several hours, it is important to reserve accommodation close to the correct starting point.
Ngoni Safaris coordinates the permit, lodge and transport arrangements so that guests stay in the most convenient area for their confirmed trek.
How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit
To secure a permit, travellers should provide:
- Preferred trekking date or a range of possible dates
- Full names as shown in the passport
- Passport nationality and visitor category
- Number of travellers
- A clear passport copy when required
- Full payment for the permit
Gorilla permits are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. A verbal request does not secure a space. The permit must be confirmed through the official booking system and paid for within the required period.
Permit payments are generally non-refundable, and date changes are subject to Uganda Wildlife Authority rules and availability. Travellers should therefore confirm their dates carefully and obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is normally 15 years. Passport details may be checked when the permit is booked and again at the park headquarters.
Best Season for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
There is no single best season for every traveller.
Choose June to September or December to February if you prefer generally drier conditions and do not mind booking early or paying high-season lodge rates.
Choose March to May or October to November if you prefer greener scenery, fewer visitors and possible accommodation savings. You should, however, be prepared for rain and muddier trails.
The gorillas live in the forest throughout the year, and trekking is available in every season, subject to permit availability and park conditions.
Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari with Ngoni Safaris
Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd can arrange your complete gorilla trekking journey, including:
- Gorilla permit reservation
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
- Accommodation near the correct trekking sector
- Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali transfers
- Domestic flights where requested
- Porter arrangements and trekking advice
- Extensions to Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo or Rwanda
Whether you travel in the high season or low season, we shall design a private safari that matches your dates, comfort level and budget.
Contact Ngoni Safaris Uganda Ltd today to check gorilla permit availability and begin planning your unforgettable Uganda gorilla trekking adventure.
Important: Permit tariffs, eligibility rules and booking conditions can be changed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. All prices and availability should be reconfirmed at the time of booking.
