How Do I Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit, and How Much Does It Cost?

Introduction: Beginning Your Uganda and Rwanda Safari Journey

For wildlife lovers and adventurers, few encounters rival the thrill of Uganda Gorilla Trekking — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand eye-to-eye with a mountain gorilla family. At Tubale Safaris, travelers often ask: “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?” This guide provides a clear, detailed breakdown of the permit application process, current pricing, and expert tips for combining your trek with other captivating activities like Chimpanzee Tracking, wildlife safari, and Murchison Falls Tours. We also highlight how you can add a Rwanda Tour and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda extension for an even richer safari experience.

Understanding the Gorilla Trekking Permit

What Is This Permit For?

A gorilla trekking permit grants you the privilege to visit habituated gorilla families in Uganda’s protected forests — specifically Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) strictly limits permits to preserve these fragile ecosystems and ensure gorilla safety. With each permit, you get one hour of guided observation time with a gorilla group alongside expert rangers who monitor your conduct and ensure your experience is both safe and memorable.

Why Early Application Is Key

Peak demand—especially from June to September and December to February—means permits sell out quickly. To secure your spot, Tubale Safaris recommends booking 3–6 months in advance. Early booking also ensures access to prime gorilla families and allows for seamless coordination of transport, accommodation, and logistics. In off-peak months (March to May, October to November), permits may still be available, and some lodges offer attractive low-season rates. However, packing accordingly for mud and rainy conditions is essential.

How to Obtain Your Permit

Booking via Tubale Safaris

The easiest and most reliable way is through a licensed operator like Tubale Safaris. We handle every detail — from checking availability to securing the permit, lodging, ground transfers, and coordinating with UWA. This guarantees a hassle-free experience and allows you to focus on anticipating the encounter rather than the paperwork.

Securing Permits Through UWA

Permits may be purchased directly via UWA’s offices or its online portal. While this can cut out operator fees, the system fills up fast, and logistical challenges—especially for travelers unfamiliar with Uganda’s administrative processes—can make it stressful. We advise working with Tubale Safaris to ensure everything is handled professionally, with no surprises.

How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?

Permit Prices for Uganda Gorilla Trekking

• Foreign non-residents: US$800 per person
• Foreign residents: US$700 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person

This fee covers forest entry, ranger guides, and the essential one-hour gorilla viewing time.

Comparing to Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, permits are priced at US$1,500 per person. Though more expensive, Rwanda is ideal for shorter, focused gorilla expeditions. In contrast, Uganda offers excellent value and flexibility — making it a smart choice for travelers looking to combine wildlife safari , Chimpanzee Tracking, and Murchison Falls Tours.

What Your Permit Fee Supports

Every gorilla trekking permit contributes meaningfully to:

• Gorilla conservation and health care
• Anti-poaching operations
• Ranger salaries and infrastructure
• Community initiatives around national parks

Thus, the permit cost is not merely an entrance fee — it’s a direct investment in protecting a critically endangered species and supporting local Ugandan communities.

Ideal Payment Timing

To guarantee availability, Tubale Safaris advises paying for your permit 3–6 months before travel during peak season. Permits can be secured within 24–48 hours when travel dates are flexible. Always confirm your permit purchase and dates in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Combining Your Permit with Other Safari Adventures

Gorilla Trekking + Chimpanzee Tracking

Uganda is one of the few places where you can combine Gorilla Trekking with Chimpanzee Tracking in the same trip — typically in Kibale Forest National Park. With advanced planning, permits for both activities are included in an integrated itinerary arranged by Tubale Safaris.

Adding a Classic Wildlife Safari

Extend your gorilla trek to include a wildlife safari in parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, or Kidepo Valley. These safaris offer Big Five sightings, boat cruises, and birdwatching opportunities. Your gorilla permit becomes part of a broader Uganda safari package that blends rainforest treks with savannah panoramas.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Extension

Enhance your trip with a Rwanda safari extension. After exploring Uganda, cross into Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, capitalizing on border proximity and proven itineraries. Tubale Safaris seamlessly integrates the permit process, transport, and lodging for both countries, making this combination a smooth journey.

Cultural Experiences to Include

A gorilla permit alone opens the primate encounter — but a holistic safari includes cultural immersion:

• Visit Batwa pygmy communities near Bwindi to learn ancient rainforest traditions
• Interact with Karamojong warriors in the northeast
• Discover Katwe salt miners near Queen Elizabeth with lakefront community visits
• Shop local crafts and hear folklore from elders in lakeside villages

Each cultural activity adds depth and context, making your gorilla permit more than a forest pass — but a gateway to Uganda’s rich heritage.

Sample 10‑Day Itinerary Featuring Your Gorilla Permit

Day 1–2: Arrive in Entebbe → Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives + Nile boat cruise
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest, engage in Chimpanzee Tracking
Day 4–5: Journey to Bwindi National Park, enjoy Gorilla Trekking with your permit
Day 6: Travel to Queen Elizabeth, game drives + Kazinga Channel boat safari
Day 7: Cultural village visit + optional hiking
Day 8: Cross-border transfer to Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking (optional third permit)
Day 9–10: Game drives in Volcanoes NP or return via Uganda

Travel Logistics & Health Requirements

Important considerations:

• Yellow fever vaccination is a must for entry into Uganda and Rwanda
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended
• Passport must match permit documentation exactly
• Porters can be hired in Bwindi to assist treks and offer community income

Final Takeaway: Permit Prep & Investment

To summarize:

1. Gorilla trekking permits cost US$800 in Uganda and US$1,500 in Rwanda.
2. Secure yours early through Tubale Safaris to bundle logistics and optimize experience.
3. Combine your permit with diverse activities — wildlife drives, primate tracking, and cultural visits — to fully explore Uganda’s safari offerings.
4. Your permit fees directly support conservation, ranger work, and local communities.

Book your permit and personalized safari with Tubale Safaris today — and embark on an unforgettable adventure that marries Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, a classic wildlife safari, and vibrant cultural experiences across East Africa.