How to secure permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda in 2025
Steps to secure your Uganda gorilla trekking permits for 2025: Gorilla trekking permits are official documents provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to visitors aged 15 and older, granting them the opportunity to explore the world of habituated gorilla families and spend an hour in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two remarkable national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both nestled in the southwestern region of Uganda.
In addition to Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, as well as in the stunning Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts a single habituated gorilla family, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to more than 22 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Rushaga in the south, Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Nkuringo in the south. Each of these gorilla families is accessible for trekking every day.
The price of permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda for the year 2025
In 2025, the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is set at 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the cost for gorilla habituation permits is set at 1,500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to secure permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda for 2025
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be arranged through a reliable tour operator. Simply reach out to our tour consultants via email or WhatsApp, providing the date, month, year, and the gorilla destination you wish to explore. Once you reach out to us, we will verify the availability of permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). If permits are open for your desired dates, we will request a deposit from you. After the payment is completed, we will proceed to acquire the permit for you and provide a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
When to secure permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda in 2025
To embark on an unforgettable journey in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is essential to secure your gorilla trekking permits 3 to 6 months ahead of your adventure. These permits are highly sought after and tend to sell out rapidly, particularly during the bustling peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. To ensure a seamless experience and avoid any last-minute setbacks, planning ahead for your permits is highly recommended.
What does the Uganda gorilla trekking permit encompass?
The expenses for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda for 2025 encompass park entrance fees to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This includes the services of a park guide, armed ranger guides to ensure your safety during the trek, an hour spent with the mountain gorillas, and a certificate awarded to each visitor following their gorilla trekking adventure.5 days of exploring the wonders of Uganda with gorillas and chimpanzees, starting from Kigali
Gorilla trekking journey
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park kicks off at dawn with an exciting briefing on the park’s rules and regulations at the headquarters. Following the briefing, you will be split into groups of 8, with each group assigned to a habituated gorilla family for an exciting trek, accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide. Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, as they enjoy roaming in search of food. While trekking, you will encounter various wildlife species, and when you finally spot the mountain gorillas, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend an hour with them in their natural environment. This experience allows you to observe their behaviors and habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, and groom their young ones, as well as capture photos and videos to share with those back home.
The ideal time for embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the ideal time to embark on this adventure is during the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February. During these months, the national parks experience minimal rainfall, ensuring that access roads and trekking trails remain dry and navigable. This makes the journey into the wild much more accessible compared to the rainy season, when the trails can become muddy and slippery, presenting a greater challenge for trekkers.
