Gorilla Permit Uganda 2025 – Everything You Need to Know.

About half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas live in Uganda; the other half are divided between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). One method of protecting these creatures is through ecotourism.

The money made by gorilla trekking excursions supports national parks and gives residents a financial incentive to protect gorillas. To see the mountain gorillas, each visitor needs a permission. Everything you need to know about Uganda’s gorilla permit is covered here.

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

A permission is required if you wish to view gorillas in their natural habitat. This makes it possible for the appropriate conservation authorities to regulate the number of visitors to gorillas. Additionally, it makes it possible for national parks to raise the funds required to save these endangered primates. Access to one walk, which includes an hour with the gorillas, is granted with a permission. Depending on the gorillas’ location on any given day, the trek’s duration may change.

Gorilla permits are granted for two parks in Uganda. With around 25 habituated gorilla groups, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most well-known of these. at comparison, there is only one habituated group at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, because gorilla groups frequently split (and, less commonly, combine), these numbers could alter.

What Is the Price of a Gorilla Permit?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies by nation. A regular gorilla permit in Uganda now costs US$800 for foreign nonresidents as of 2025. Foreign residents (US$700), holders of other African passports (US$500), and East African citizens (around US$80) pay lower costs.

Permits are the most expensive in Rwanda at US$1,500, however they drop to US$200 for East African nationals or US$500 for foreign residents and holders of other African passports. At US$400, the DRC offers the most affordable permits for foreign tourists.

How Much Does a Habituation Permit Cost and What Is It?

You can participate in the habituation process if you have a habituation permission. To do this, wild gorillas must be progressively made to feel at ease among people, which is crucial for tourism. You can spend up to four hours (rather than just one) with the gorillas with a habituation permit, which costs US$1,500 per person and is more expensive than a regular permit.

How Can I Obtain a Permit to Gorilla?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government agency that oversees tourism and wildlife conservation, is responsible for issuing gorilla permits in Uganda. Although UWA offers direct permit booking, using a reputable tour operator is the most practical option.

A gorilla permit is typically included in the total cost of a gorilla safari with most tour providers. To guarantee availability during the busiest vacation seasons (June to August and December to February), reservations must typically be made at least six months in advance. There is a reasonable possibility of last-minute availability during slower periods of the year.

In Uganda, how many gorilla permits are available?

For any habituated gorilla group, a maximum of eight permits are granted each day. This indicates that eight permits are available for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and more than 200 are available for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park each day.

What Is Covered by Uganda’s Gorilla Permit?

Keep in mind that a permit only allows for one hour with the gorillas and a guided trek. Other expenses like lodging, transportation, and food are not covered.

Can a Permit Be Cancelled?

When you cancel, you won’t get your money back if you just paid a deposit. The following cancellation guidelines are applicable if you have fully paid for your permit:

If you cancel your permit 91 days or more prior to your trek, you will receive a 75% refund.
50% of your money back if you cancel 46–90 days in advance.
25% off if you cancel between nine and forty-five days in advance.
No reimbursement for cancellations made 0–8 days in advance.
However, 50% of the permit price can be reimbursed if you are unable to trek because of illness (this will be determined on the spot). This is to keep the gorillas from getting sick and to urge people to be more open about feeling ill (because even a common cold can kill a gorilla).