Gorilla permits are key identifications issued to clients in the form of cards or documents, allowing visitors above 15 years to track mountain gorillas and enjoy one hour face-to-face with these large apes in their natural environment. A gorilla permit confirms a visitor’s authorization to visit a National Park for gorilla trekking. In Uganda, you can travel to see endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How to Obtain Uganda Gorilla Permits?
There are two ways to obtain valid Uganda gorilla permits. You can contact licensed tour operators or immediately visit the reservation office of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their headquarters in Kampala. A valid passport is required as evidence of nationality and age verification (15 years and above). All visitor records are maintained at UWA, and due to high demand, permits must be secured well in advance and not left until the last minute.
Gorilla permits in Uganda, like Rwanda’s gorilla permits, are competitive, and it is recommended to secure yours at least 2-5 months before visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga to see the gorillas, especially during peak seasons (June to September and December to February).
The second option for obtaining Uganda gorilla permits is to deal with a reliable tour operator on the ground. Over 80% of Uganda gorilla permits are issued by local tour operators, with the remaining 20% managed by UWA. Planning your gorilla tour with a safari company or tour operator increases your chances of securing a permit.
How Many Gorilla Permits Does Uganda Have?
Each gorilla trekking family is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, translating to 8 gorilla permits per family. Uganda is home to over half of the 1063 mountain gorillas in its two parks, with up to 22 habituated gorilla families, totaling over 176 available gorilla permits for booking. This abundance provides ample opportunities for guests to visit gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are 5 sites for tracking mountain gorillas: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo sectors, and Mgahinga National Park.
How Much is a Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2023-2024?
A single valid Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 350,000 for Ugandan or East African citizens. Note that Uganda gorilla permits are valid for single use only.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda
The one-hour encounter during a normal gorilla trek may not be sufficient for some visitors who want more time with these rare apes. In such cases, undertaking a guided gorilla habituation experience is recommended. This experience is available only in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro in southwestern Uganda. During the gorilla habituation tour, visitors have a guaranteed 4 hours to enjoy up-close encounters with these unique primates.
How Much are Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permits?
Each Uganda gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens. Similar to normal gorilla trekking permits, gorilla habituation permits must be booked well in advance.
Where to Find Gorillas in Uganda?
Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks are the only places where endangered mountain gorillas reside in Uganda. These protected areas host half of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas, with 22 families available for visits during any Uganda gorilla safari tour. Some notable gorilla families include Bitukura, Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe, Christmas, Nkuringo, Oruzogo, Rushegura, Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, and more.
