A Uganda gorilla permit is your ticket to one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It costs about half of Rwanda's permit, which is why many travellers starting in Kigali look across the border. This guide sets out the official prices from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as of October 2026, the changes coming in January 2027, how booking works and the rules for changes.
Kigali Safaris does not sell permits. We help you plan and connect you with operators who can book the permit and the trip from Kigali. For Rwanda's permit, see our Rwanda gorilla permit guide.
Uganda gorilla permit prices as of October 2026
| Visitor category | Gorilla permit | Low season (April, May, November) | Gorilla habituation experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign non-residents | US$800 | US$600 | US$1,500 |
| Foreign residents | US$700 | US$500 | US$1,000 |
| Rest of Africa | US$500 | No low season rate published | US$1,000 |
| East African citizens | UGX 300,000 | No low season rate published | UGX 750,000 |
Source: UWA conservation tariff for July 2024 onwards, and UWA's letter of 26 February 2026 introducing the low season rates. Low season rates apply only in April, May and November, and low season permits cannot be rescheduled.
UWA asks every visitor to show valid identification proving their resident status. If you live in Kigali, ask the operator which category your documents qualify for before you pay: Rwandan and other East African citizens pay the East African rate, while foreign residents should check whether a residence permit from outside Uganda is accepted.
What changes on 1 January 2027
UWA has published a revised conservation tariff for January 2027 to June 2028. For gorilla tracking:
| Visitor category | Gorilla permit from January 2027 | Gorilla habituation from January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign non-residents | US$800 | US$1,800 |
| Foreign residents | US$700 | US$1,500 or US$1,600 |
| Rest of Africa | US$500 | US$1,000 |
| East African citizens | UGX 300,000 | UGX 750,000 |
The standard permit does not change. The habituation experience rises for foreign non-residents and foreign residents. For foreign residents, UWA's tariff booklet shows US$1,500 and its February 2026 letter shows US$1,600, so confirm with your operator. The low season rates of US$600 and US$500 continue in the 2027 tariff, for April, May and November.
What the permit includes
According to UWA, the gorilla permit rate includes:
- the guide fee;
- park entrance for the day;
- a community development contribution to the people living around the parks.
Each permit holder also gets a free day's entrance to Mount Elgon National Park and Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, to be used within one month before or after tracking. That covers entry only, not activities there.
Not included: transport, accommodation, porters, tips and anything else on the day. Ask operators to show the permit as its own line on the quote.
How to book
- Choose your park and sector. Bwindi's sectors are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. From Kigali, Rushaga and Nkuringo are the easiest to reach. Mgahinga, near Kisoro, has one group and about eight permits a day. Our Bwindi from Kigali guide helps you choose.
- Book through a licensed operator. UWA's tariff says all gorilla and chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents and the rest of Africa can only be booked through tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), which publishes its list of licensed operators.
- Pay in full. Since 1 March 2026, UWA has suspended its seven-day reservation window, so operators can only secure permits by paying the full fee at the time of booking.
- Get the permit details in writing: your name as on your passport, the date, the park and the sector.
Rescheduling, fines and refunds
UWA's tariff sets these penalties for gorilla permits:
| Situation | What UWA charges |
|---|---|
| Late reschedule (gorilla and chimpanzee permits) | 25% of the permit fee |
| Tracking in a different location from the permit | 50% of the permit fee |
| Low season permit (April, May, November) | Cannot be rescheduled |
UWA's published tariff does not set out refund rules for cancelled gorilla permits, so ask the operator how cancellations are handled before you pay, and consider travel insurance that covers non-refundable costs.
Rules on the day
- Minimum age 15. Younger children cannot join the trek.
- Good health. Gorillas catch human colds and flu. Tell the rangers if you are unwell.
- One hour with the gorillas. Once your group reaches the family, the visit is limited to one hour.
- Moderate fitness. UWA says treks can last two to seven hours.
- Bring your passport for the permit and identity check.
Uganda permit or Rwanda permit?
The Uganda permit is US$800 against Rwanda's US$1,500 for international visitors, and US$600 in the Ugandan low season. From Kigali, Uganda usually needs a longer drive and an extra night, so compare complete quotes. Our Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking comparison sets out the differences, and the Rwanda safari cost guide shows how a Rwanda trip adds up.
Get help with your permit
Tell us your dates, the number of trekkers and your nationality or residence through the form. We will help you choose a park and sector, and connect you with licensed operators who can book the permit, transport and lodging, with the permit shown separately on the quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
As of October 2026, UWA charges US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents, US$500 for citizens of the rest of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. In April, May and November, the rate drops to US$600 for foreign non-residents and US$500 for foreign residents.
Will Uganda's gorilla permit price change in 2027?
UWA's revised conservation tariff takes effect on 1 January 2027. It keeps the standard gorilla permit at US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents, US$500 for the rest of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. The gorilla habituation experience rises from US$1,500 to US$1,800 for foreign non-residents.
Can I buy a Uganda gorilla permit myself?
Not as an international visitor. UWA's tariff states that all gorilla and chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents and citizens of the rest of Africa can only be booked through tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, which publishes the list of licensed operators.
Can I reserve a permit and pay later?
No. UWA suspended its seven-day reservation window on 1 March 2026. Operators can now secure permits only by paying in full at the time of booking. If an operator asks you for the full permit fee upfront, that is why, but check the operator's licence before you pay.
Can I change the date of my Uganda gorilla permit?
Standard permits can be rescheduled, but UWA charges a fine of 25% of the permit fee for a late reschedule. Low season permits, sold at the reduced April, May and November rate, cannot be rescheduled. Tracking in a different location from the one on your permit costs 50% of the permit fee.
What does the Uganda gorilla permit include?
UWA says the rate includes the guide fee, park entrance for the day and a community development contribution. Each permit holder also gets a free day's entrance to Mount Elgon National Park and Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, used within a month before or after tracking. Activities there are extra.
How many gorilla permits does Uganda issue?
UWA says Mgahinga issues about eight permits a day for its one habituated group. Bwindi has more groups, spread across its four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Popular dates fill early, so book the permit as soon as your dates are fixed.