Bwindi Gorilla Permits

A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory for every visitor who wishes to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The permit grants you access to one gorilla family for one hour and is the single most important item to secure when planning your trip. This guide covers current prices, how to book, availability tips, and the cancellation policy.

Current Permit Prices

These prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are subject to change. The permit fee includes park entrance, ranger-guided trekking, and one hour with a habituated gorilla family. It does not include transport, accommodation, or porter fees.

What the Permit Includes

• Entry to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the trekking day
• A guided trek led by experienced UWA rangers and trackers
• One hour with a habituated gorilla family
• Pre-trek briefing on gorilla behaviour and trekking rules

The permit does not cover porter fees (approximately $15, optional but recommended), tips for rangers and trackers, meals, accommodation, or transport to and from the park gate.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

There are two main ways to book:

1. Directly Through UWA

The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages all gorilla permits. You can book through their online reservation system or by contacting their Kampala head office by email. Payment is made by bank transfer. The process is straightforward but can involve back-and-forth communication, especially during peak season when availability changes quickly.

2. Through a Licensed Tour Operator

Most visitors book their permits through a licensed Ugandan tour operator. Operators maintain allocations with UWA and can often secure permits more quickly, especially for last-minute bookings. They handle the paperwork and payment, and many bundle the permit into an all-inclusive gorilla trekking package that includes accommodation, transfers, and meals. There is usually a service fee on top of the permit cost.

Availability and Best Time to Book

Bwindi issues a limited number of permits per day — eight trekkers per habituated gorilla family. With over 20 habituated families, the park can accommodate a significant number of trekkers daily across its four sectors. However, popular sectors (especially Buhoma) and peak-season dates sell out well in advance.

• Peak season (June–September, December–February): Book 3 to 6 months ahead. Popular dates can sell out 6 months or more in advance for Buhoma sector.
• Shoulder season: Book 1 to 3 months ahead. Good availability in most sectors.
• Wet season (March–May, October–November): Permits are usually available with shorter notice, sometimes just a few weeks ahead. Rushaga sector has the most families and therefore the most permit availability year-round.

Choosing Your Sector

Your permit is tied to a specific sector and gorilla family. You cannot change sectors on the day of the trek. Consider the following when choosing:

• Buhoma — Most accessible, moderate treks, widest lodge range.
• Rushaga — Most gorilla families, best availability, close to Lake Bunyonyi.
• Nkuringo — Dramatic views, challenging terrain, community-owned lodges.
• Ruhija — Highest altitude, fewest visitors, excellent birding.

Match your accommodation to your permit sector to minimise morning travel. See our best lodges guide.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

UWA's cancellation policy is important to understand before booking:

• Date changes: Permit dates can usually be changed subject to availability. Contact UWA or your tour operator as early as possible.
• Cancellations: Refund policies vary. Generally, cancellations made well in advance may receive a partial refund, while last-minute cancellations may not be refunded. Check current UWA terms at the time of booking.
• Illness on trek day: If you show symptoms of cold, flu, or other transmissible illness, rangers may ask you not to trek to protect the gorillas. A medical certificate can help support a date change or refund claim.
• Failed encounters: In the extremely rare event that your group does not find gorillas (this almost never happens), UWA may offer a permit for the following day at no extra charge, subject to availability.

Tips for Securing Your Permit

1. Book as early as possible for peak-season dates. Six months ahead is not too early.
2. Be flexible on sector. If Buhoma is sold out, Rushaga often has availability and offers an equally rewarding experience.
3. Be flexible on dates. Midweek permits (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be less in demand than weekends.
4. Use a reputable tour operator. Good operators maintain permit allocations and can navigate the booking system efficiently.
5. Consider travel insurance. A policy that covers trip cancellation can protect your permit investment if unexpected circumstances arise.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

The Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE) is a premium alternative to the standard gorilla trek. Instead of spending one hour with an already-habituated family, you join a UWA habituation team working with a semi-wild gorilla group that is still being accustomed to human presence. The experience lasts up to four hours, offering far more time in the presence of gorillas and a rare glimpse into the habituation process itself.

The GHE is currently available only in the Rushaga sector with two groups: Bikingi and Bushaho. Permits are limited to four people per group per day. Book well in advance — GHE slots sell out quickly due to limited availability and high demand from repeat gorilla trekkers and wildlife photographers.

• Duration: Up to four hours with the gorilla group (vs. one hour for a standard trek).
• Group size: Maximum four visitors (vs. eight for a standard trek).
• Location: Rushaga sector only.
• What makes it special: You observe both the gorillas and the habituation team at work, experiencing a side of conservation rarely seen by tourists. The gorillas behave more freely and naturally than in a fully habituated group.

Frequently Asked Questions