Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a bucket-list adventure, offering a rare chance to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This guide, brought to you by Gentle Giants Safaris, provides everything you need to know about securing gorilla trekking permits in Uganda for 2026, including costs, booking tips, and insider advice to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These lush, misty forests in southwestern Uganda provide a stunning backdrop for one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the planet. Trekking contributes to conservation efforts, as permit fees fund park management, anti-poaching patrols, and community development projects.

Understanding Gorilla Trekking Permits

A gorilla trekking permit is a government-issued document required to trek and observe mountain gorillas. Issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), it regulates the number of visitors to minimize environmental impact and protect these endangered primates. Each permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by expert guides and trackers.

Permit Costs for 2026

As of July 2024, the UWA updated gorilla permit prices for the 2024-2026 period. Here’s the breakdown for 2026:

• Foreign Non-Residents: US$800 per person
• Foreign Residents: US$700 per person
• African Nationals (non-East African Community): US$500 per person
• East African Community Citizens: UGX 300,000 (approximately US$80)

These prices apply to both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with no low-season discounts. The permit includes park entry fees, one hour with the gorillas, and services of guides and rangers. Compared to Rwanda’s US$1,500 permits, Uganda remains a more budget-friendly option.

Where to Trek: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Why Choose Bwindi? Home to over 25 habituated gorilla groups across four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo), Bwindi offers more than 200 permits daily, increasing availability. Its dense rainforest and rich biodiversity make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Trekking Experience: Treks vary from 2 to 7 hours, depending on gorilla locations. The terrain can be steep and muddy, requiring moderate fitness.
• Accommodation: Options range from budget lodges to luxury camps like Sanctuary Retreats Gorilla Forest Camp. Booking with a tour operator ensures your lodging is near your assigned trekking sector.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Why Choose Mgahinga? Smaller and more secluded, Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagezi), with only eight permits issued daily. It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter experience and offers golden monkey trekking and volcano hiking.
• Trekking Experience: Treks are often less strenuous due to the park’s smaller size and bamboo forest terrain.
• Accommodation: Fewer options than Bwindi, but cozy lodges are available near Kisoro.

How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Booking Through a Tour Operator

The easiest and most reliable way to secure a permit is through a reputable tour operator like Gentle Giants Safaris. Here’s why:

• Convenience: We handle availability checks, payments, and logistics, ensuring your permit matches your itinerary and accommodation.
• Expertise: Our local knowledge ensures you’re assigned to a gorilla family and sector that suits your fitness level and preferences.
• Additional Services: We offer all-inclusive packages, including transport, lodging, and other activities like wildlife safaris or cultural tours.

Booking Process with Gentle Giants Safaris:

1. Contact us via email or WhatsApp with your preferred dates, park, and number of permits.
2. We check permit availability with UWA and confirm your trekking sector.
3. Make a deposit to secure the permit (full payment required closer to the trekking date).
4. Receive a scanned receipt as confirmation, with the physical permit provided upon arrival.

Booking Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

International visitors can book directly through the UWA, but this can be cumbersome due to bureaucratic processes. You’ll need to:

• Contact UWA via their website.
• Provide passport details, preferred dates, and park.
• Pay via bank transfer and send confirmation to UWA.
• Note: Only Ugandans and foreign residents can book directly; international tourists must use a tour operator.

When to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit

• Peak Seasons (June–August, December–February): Book 6–12 months in advance, as permits sell out quickly.
• Low Seasons (March–May, October–November): Last-minute bookings may be possible, but 3–6 months in advance is recommended for guaranteed availability.

What’s Included in a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

Your permit covers:

• One hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Services of an experienced park guide and trackers.
• Armed rangers for safety.
• Park entrance fees for Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Transport: Driving from Kampala to Bwindi takes 8–10 hours (US$85/day for car hire). Chartered flights cost ~US$600.
• Accommodation: Budget lodges start at US$40/day; luxury options can exceed US$500/night.
• Porters: US$15–20 per person (optional but recommended to support local communities).
• Tips: US$15–20 per group for guides and trackers is customary.
• Visa: An East African tourist visa costs US$100, covering Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Gorilla Trekking Tips for 2026

1. Choose the Right Season:

   • Dry Seasons (June–August, December–February): Better trekking conditions, but busier and pricier.

   • Rainy Seasons (March–May, October–November): Fewer tourists, lush scenery, and potentially shorter treks as gorillas may stay at lower altitudes.

2. Prepare for the Trek:

   • Fitness: Treks can be physically demanding. Moderate fitness is required for Bwindi’s steep terrain.

   • Gear: Pack sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long pants, and gloves for navigating dense vegetation. A zoom lens is useful for photography.

   • Health: You must be free of illness to avoid transmitting diseases to gorillas. The minimum trekking age is 15.

3. Maximize Your Experience:

   • Consider purchasing two permits to visit different gorilla families or combine with a habituation experience (US$1,500 for 4 hours with gorillas).

   • Combine your trek with other Ugandan adventures, such as safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park or birdwatching in Bwindi (over 300 bird species).

4. Support Conservation:

   • Permit fees fund gorilla conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. Your trek directly contributes to the survival of these incredible primates.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

Gorilla permits are generally non-refundable. However:

• Full Refund: If you’re unable to trek due to illness (verified by park authorities) or if gorillas cross into Rwanda/DRC from Mgahinga.
• Partial Refund (75%): If you trek all day but fail to see gorillas (rare, with a 95% success rate due to daily tracking by rangers).

• Rescheduling: Contact your tour operator or UWA at least two weeks before your trek to reschedule.

Why Choose Gentle Giants Safaris?

At Gentle Giants Safaris, we specialize in crafting seamless, personalized gorilla trekking experiences. Our all-inclusive packages cover permits, transport, accommodation, and additional adventures, ensuring a hassle-free journey. We’re committed to sustainable tourism that supports local communities and gorilla conservation.

Ready to Book? Contact us today at +256-701012667 or via email to check permit availability and plan your 2026 gorilla trekking adventure. Don’t miss your chance to witness the gentle giants of Uganda’s forests!

Conclusion

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is a transformative experience, blending adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion. With permit prices starting at US$800 and expert guidance from Gentle Giants Safaris, 2026 is the perfect year to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Book early, pack smart, and prepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with mountain gorillas in the heart of Africa.

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