How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda?

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda? This is one of the most common and crucial questions travelers ask when planning their gorilla trekking safaris with Ovacado Adventures. As a key element of your wildlife journey, the permit cost not only gives you access to the protected mountain gorilla habitat but also directly supports conservation efforts and local communities. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime 1-hour gorilla trekking safari, a luxury gorilla trekking fly-in safari, or a customized Uganda gorilla trekking tour, knowing the cost structure helps you plan better and appreciate the value behind your experience.

As of 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set the gorilla trekking permit price at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. This cost allows you to spend one unforgettable hour in the presence of a habituated mountain gorilla family, either in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These fees may seem steep at first glance, but the value they deliver in terms of conservation, ranger operations, tourism infrastructure, and local empowerment cannot be overstated.

At Ovacado Adventures, we don’t just sell permits—we curate unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris experiences that combine Uganda gorilla trekking fly-in safaris, cultural immersion, expert guides, and sustainable travel principles. Our commitment to transparency, trustworthiness, and quality means that we help you understand every aspect of your trek—starting with the permit cost.

What Is Included in the Gorilla Trekking Permit Fee?

Breaking Down the Value of a Gorilla Trekking Permit

If you’re still asking, “How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda, and what do I get for the price?”, it’s important to look beyond the number and focus on the holistic experience that this permit unlocks. A gorilla trekking permit grants you access to one of the rarest and most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on the planet. The price includes:

• A guided gorilla trek led by professional UWA rangers and trackers.
• One full hour with a habituated gorilla family—this is the regulated timeframe to minimize stress to the animals and maximize visitor experience.
• Park entry fees for either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Security and safety assurance, including ranger escorts and emergency response infrastructure.
• Community support and conservation contributions that fund local schools, health centers, and wildlife protection.

In addition to these inclusions, when you book a Uganda gorilla trekking safari with Ovacado Adventures, we go beyond the basics. We provide seamless logistics, from lodging and meals to transfers and cultural add-ons, including visits to Batwa communities, local homesteads, and craft markets. Our packages can be customized to combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi with wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, or even a fly-in safari for those with limited time.

So, while the gorilla permit itself is a fixed cost, the true value lies in how your experience is curated—and that’s where Ovacado Adventures delivers unmatched expertise and hospitality.

Why Does the Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost So Much?

Conservation, Community, and Sustainability in Gorilla Trekking Safaris

A natural follow-up to “How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?” is “Why is it so expensive?” The answer lies in the complex, high-cost process of protecting one of the world’s most endangered primates—the mountain gorilla. There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they only live in a few specific regions in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

The majority of the funds from gorilla permits go into:

• Protecting the gorillas from poachers, disease, and habitat loss.
• Training and employing rangers, trackers, and veterinarians who monitor gorilla health and safety.
• Habituating gorilla families—a process that takes years to carefully prepare a wild group for safe human interaction.
• Supporting local communities who live around the gorilla parks through tourism revenue sharing.
• Maintaining tourism infrastructure, including park offices, trails, signage, and emergency systems.

This makes your Uganda gorilla trekking experience not just a luxury trip but a direct contribution to wildlife conservation and ethical tourism. By choosing to trek with Ovacado Adventures, you ensure that your investment supports both nature and people. Plus, we offer expert-led gorilla trekking tours that explain these conservation elements in real-time, giving you a deeper connection to the place and its people.

Choosing Between Bwindi and Mgahinga: Does the Permit Cost Differ?

Which Destination Offers the Best Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?

Another question closely related to “How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?” is “Does it matter whether I trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga?” In terms of cost, the permit price remains the same for both parks—USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. But the experience in each destination can vary, and that’s where Ovacado Adventures provides expert guidance to help you choose what best suits your travel goals.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the more popular of the two, home to over 22 habituated gorilla families and four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It offers a rich Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari experience with excellent accommodation options and more flexible itineraries.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts just one habituated family—the Nyakagezi group—but offers a quieter, more intimate trek. Mgahinga also allows you to combine gorilla trekking safaris with golden monkey tracking and hiking the Virunga volcanoes.

Whether you’re leaning toward gorilla trekking in Bwindi or seeking the serenity of Mgahinga, we recommend considering a combo safari that includes both parks, especially if you plan to spend more time in southwestern Uganda. And yes, we also offer Uganda gorilla trekking fly-in safari packages to either destination for your convenience.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking with Other Uganda Safari Experiences?

Making the Most of Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Absolutely. At Ovacado Adventures, we specialize in designing multi-experience safari packages that go beyond the gorilla trek. Travelers frequently ask, “How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda, and what else can I do while I’m there?” We’re proud to say the options are limitless—and incredibly rewarding.

Some of our most popular add-ons include:

• Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Kidepo Valley National Parks.
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest or Budongo Forest.
• Cultural experiences such as visiting the Batwa pygmies, Ankole homesteads, or Buganda Kingdom heritage sites.
• Relaxation and adventure at Lake Bunyonyi, Ssese Islands, or Sipi Falls.
• Cross-border tours combining Uganda gorilla trekking with Rwanda safaris or DR Congo volcano hikes.

Each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to suit your interests, travel duration, and budget. Whether you’re an eco-traveler, a family, a photographer, or a honeymoon couple, our personalized Uganda gorilla trekking tours offer the flexibility and depth you won’t find anywhere else.

Final Thoughts: Why Book With Ovacado Adventures?

Transparency, Expertise, and Your Trusted Source for Gorilla Trekking Information

To wrap it all up—how much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda? The fixed price is USD 800 for international visitors, but the real value lies in the experience, conservation impact, and personalized journey that comes with it. When you book through Ovacado Adventures, you’re not just purchasing a permit—you’re entering a world of expert-guided safaris, deep cultural connections, and sustainable tourism values.

With a team that lives, works, and explores Uganda every day, Ovacado Adventures has built its reputation on trust, local expertise, and global hospitality standards. We operate with full transparency, helping our guests understand permit availability, trekking logistics, and all-inclusive pricing. Our mission is to help you experience the best Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, whether through budget-friendly options or exclusive fly-in tours.

Our content, like this article, reflects our field knowledge and passion for Africa. With consistent updates, destination guides, and insightful safari advice, Ovacado Adventures stands as a reliable source for Africa tourism content, optimized for both travelers and Google Search.

Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour Today with Ovacado Adventures

Let us help you plan your dream gorilla trekking safari. Reach out for current permit availability, exclusive Uganda gorilla trekking fly-in safari packages, or tailor-made itineraries that match your expectations. Your next life-changing encounter with mountain gorillas begins here.