How Do I Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit, and How Much Does It Cost?

When planning Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, one of the most important questions travelers ask is, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?” This is not just a matter of logistics—it’s the essential gateway to one of the most captivating wildlife encounters on Earth. At Ovacado Adventures, we specialize in designing seamless and personalized Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris that begin with securing your permit and culminate in a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with a mountain gorilla family in the wild.

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit, as of 2025, costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and grant travelers access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s two exceptional gorilla trekking destinations. Booking your permit well in advance—typically 3 to 6 months—is highly recommended, especially during the peak trekking months of June through September and December through February.

At Ovacado Adventures, our extensive experience with Uganda safaris ensures you not only secure your gorilla trekking permit with ease, but also enjoy an expertly crafted itinerary that may include Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Game Drives Safaris, cultural excursions, and Walking Safaris. From your very first inquiry to your final farewell, we offer support, insight, and an authentic connection to Africa.

What is Included in a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit?

Understanding the Full Value of Your Gorilla Safari Experience

When travelers ask, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?”, it’s crucial to understand exactly what the permit covers. This isn’t just a ticket—it’s your access pass to an immersive and highly regulated conservation activity designed to protect endangered mountain gorillas while offering guests an intimate experience.

Your Uganda Gorilla Safari permit includes:

• One guided trek with a UWA ranger and trackers
• One full hour of interaction with a habituated gorilla family
• Park entry fees to Bwindi or Mgahinga
• Ranger protection and professional briefing

Conservation and community development contributions

With Ovacado Adventures, we go a step further to provide full logistical support, including accommodation bookings near the trekking point, 4×4 safari vehicle transfers, porter arrangements, and cultural add-ons like the Batwa Community Experience or village walks.

Choosing the right tour operator is essential. With over a decade of orchestrating memorable Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda, we understand the nuances of trekking zones, permit allocation, and the terrain involved. Our guides are not only experienced but also committed to making your trek safe, educational, and inspiring.

Want to combine your Uganda gorilla trekking experience with a wildlife adventure? Our safari planners can tailor your tour to include Uganda Game Drives Safaris in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Kidepo Valley National Park, maximizing your chances of seeing the Big Five, chimps, birds, and other iconic species.

When and How Should I Book My Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit?

Timing and Strategy for Securing a Lifetime Experience

One of the most frequent inquiries from our travelers is: “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?” But equally important is when and how to book this permit to avoid disappointment.

Due to limited availability—only 152 permits are issued per day in Uganda across Bwindi’s four trekking sectors and Mgahinga—it’s vital to plan ahead. We at Ovacado Adventures strongly recommend booking your permit 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during the dry high seasons. These are typically:

June to September: Best for Uganda Wildlife Safari combinations and gorilla trekking due to dry trails and clear views.

December to February: A great window for combining Gorilla Safaris with Walking Safaris and bird watching.

To secure your permit, travelers can go through an authorized Ugandan tour operator like Ovacado Adventures, which is a registered member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and works directly with UWA. Alternatively, permits can be booked through UWA directly, but this is recommended only for those familiar with Uganda’s terrain and planning independently.

We make the process easier by:

• Checking daily availability
• Matching trekking zones to preferred accommodation
• Offering payment protection and documentation
• Providing customized itineraries that combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with cultural encounters, game drives, or nature walks

If you’re wondering whether to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga, we guide you based on your fitness level, location preferences, and desired experiences. Mgahinga offers one gorilla family but easier terrain, while Bwindi features over 20 families and multiple trailheads, each offering a unique trekking challenge.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda With Other Safari Experiences?

Yes – And You Absolutely Should

If you’re asking, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?”, you’re likely also wondering whether it’s worth combining gorilla trekking with other Uganda Safaris. The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda is uniquely positioned to offer a diverse safari portfolio, allowing you to follow gorilla tracks one day and track lions or elephants the next. At Ovacado Adventures, we specialize in crafting custom itineraries that may include:

• 3-Day Gorilla Safari in Bwindi + 3-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• 5-Day Gorilla and Game Drives Safaris combining Bwindi, Lake Mburo, and Queen Elizabeth
• 10-Day Uganda Safari Circuit including Murchison Falls, Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking, Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, and Lake Bunyonyi relaxation

Uganda Walking Safaris are an underrated gem and can be integrated into your trip for a more grounded, intimate encounter with nature. Popular walking trails include the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and Bwindi’s waterfall trails.

You can also opt for community-based tourism experiences, such as:

• Visiting the Batwa pygmies, Uganda’s original forest dwellers
• Engaging in banana beer brewing and bark cloth making
• Participating in cultural dance, storytelling, and village homestays

Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris with these diverse safari options allows you to connect with the landscape and its people in a deeply meaningful way. It also maximizes your travel investment and offers richer memories to carry home.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth Every Dollar?

Value, Conservation, and Unforgettable Encounters

When clients ask, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?”, they’re often concerned about whether the price justifies the experience. At USD 800, this may seem steep—but in reality, it is an extraordinary value for an experience that few on Earth will ever encounter.

This fee directly supports conservation efforts, ranger salaries, anti-poaching patrols, and community development programs. Every time you trek gorillas with Ovacado Adventures, you contribute to the protection of a species that was once on the brink of extinction.

Moreover, Uganda offers the most affordable gorilla trekking permits compared to neighboring Rwanda (USD 1,500) and delivers just as rich, if not more diverse, an experience due to its multiple tracking zones and possibility for extended safari adventures.

With expert local guides, small group sizes, and ethical tourism practices, a Uganda Gorilla Safari provides:

• A low-impact, high-value encounter with endangered primates
• Opportunities to learn from professional UWA rangers
• Deep immersion in Uganda’s vibrant ecosystems and cultures

Choosing Ovacado Adventures means choosing a team with firsthand knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for excellence. Our goal is not just to deliver a safari—but to leave you transformed by nature, culture, and the shared responsibility of conservation.

How Ovacado Adventures Simplifies the Gorilla Trekking Permit Process

Trusted Safari Experts for Seamless Uganda Travel

At the core of the question, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?” lies the need for trustworthy guidance. Many travelers are unfamiliar with the logistics, and that’s where Ovacado Adventures shines as a trusted, experienced operator.

We offer:

• Permit booking and confirmation without hassle
• Customized safari itineraries that align with your travel goals
• 24/7 client support before and during your trip
• Transparent pricing and financial security

Whether you’re a solo traveler, honeymooner, family, or photography enthusiast, we tailor your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari to fit your style, comfort, and budget. We are committed to ethical tourism, working with local communities, conservation authorities, and accommodation providers who uphold Uganda’s environmental and social values.

We invite you to start your journey with us—not just for the permits, but for an unforgettable chapter in your life story. From Gorilla Trekking in Uganda to Game Drives Safaris, Walking Safaris, and immersive cultural tours, Ovacado Adventures is your expert guide in the heart of Africa.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?

The Journey That Changes You

Still wondering, “How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?” With Ovacado Adventures, the answer is more than just numbers—it’s about making the dream happen with ease, professionalism, and purpose. Uganda offers unmatched biodiversity, warm hospitality, and affordable access to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

We encourage you to reach out today and let our safari consultants design a transformative journey tailored just for you. From securing your Gorilla Trekking Safaris permit to combining your adventure with Uganda Wildlife Safari, Walking Safaris, or cultural exploration, we’ve got every detail covered.

Ovacado Adventures isn’t just a tour operator—we are your trusted gateway to Africa’s wild beauty.