Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda for 2026 – 2027
Uganda gorilla trekking price 2026 and 2027; Gorilla trekking is an exhilarating experience that invites tourists to embark on a journey through the lush tropical rainforest in pursuit of the habituated mountain gorillas. Once located, visitors have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour in the presence of these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern region. The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda varies based on several elements such as the kind of accommodation, transportation options, the price of trekking permits, hiring porters, tipping, and the duration of the safari, among other considerations.
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the lush landscapes of Uganda in 2026 and 2027, where encounters with majestic gorillas await.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins at dawn with an exciting briefing on the rules, regulations, and what to expect at the park headquarters. Following the briefing, you will be divided into groups of 8, with each group assigned to a familiar gorilla family for an exciting trek, accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide well-versed in the trails of gorilla trekking. 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 a variety of primate species, diverse birds, and a rich array of plants and trees. Once you locate the mountain gorillas, you will have the chance to spend an hour in their natural habitat, allowing you to observe their behaviors, witness them feeding, nursing, playing, grooming their young, and capturing stunning photos and videos.
The price of permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda for the year 2026 and 2027
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are currently priced 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 and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the permits for gorilla habituation are priced at 1,500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents, 1,000 USD per person for African citizens, and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
In February 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority announced low season permit rates. During April, May and November, gorilla trekking permits are now offered at 600 USD for foreign non-residents and 500 USD for foreign residents, while chimpanzee permits in the same period drop to 200 USD and 150 USD. These discounted months bring cooler weather, fewer crowds and greener forests, allowing travelers to enjoy more intimate encounters with primates.
Beginning 1 January 2027, the Revised Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Rates will officially come into effect. Gorilla trekking permits will remain at 800 USD for foreign non-residents and 700 USD for foreign residents. The specialized gorilla habituation experience, which allows up to four hours with a semi-habituated family, will rise to 1,800 USD. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale will be priced at 300 USD, while chimpanzee habituation will reach 400 USD.
Revised Permit Tariff Structure Summary for 2027
| SN | ACTIVITY | Foreign Non-residents (USD) | Foreign Residents (USD) | Other Africans (USD) | East Africans (UGX) |
| 1 | Gorilla Tracking | 800 | 700 | 500 | 300,000 |
| 2 | Gorilla Habituation | 1,800 | 1,600 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
| 3 | Chimpanzee Tracking (KNP) | 300 | 200 | 100 | 180,000 |
| 4 | Chimpanzee Habituation | 400 | 300 | 250 | 250,000 |
| 5 | Chimpanzee Tracking (Kyambura) | 200 | 150 | 100 | 50,000 |
| 6 | Rhino Tracking, Ajai – Adults
Children |
20
5 |
15
5 |
10
3 |
10,000
2,500 |
| 7 | Experiential Lion Tracking | 500 | 300 | 300 | 250,000 |
| 8 | Golden Cat Tracking in KNP for 5 days | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350,000 |
| 9 | Guided Walks:
Rushaga to Nyabaremura Buhoma to Nkuringo |
80 100 |
50 50 |
50 50 |
50,000 50,000 |
What are the steps to secure gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be arranged through a reliable tour operator like Engabi tours. Simply reach out to us with your desired date, month, year, and destination for an unforgettable experience. Once you reach out to us, we will explore the availability of permits. If there are permits open for you, we will guide you to make a deposit to secure one. After the payment is completed, we will embark on securing the gorilla trekking permits for you and will send a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
To embark on an unforgettable journey of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is essential to secure your permits 3 to 6 months ahead of your planned adventure. These permits are highly sought after and tend to sell out rapidly, particularly during the bustling peak seasons from June to September and December to February. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Exploring the wonders of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi N.P
Expense of travel
Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be reached by road. The journey involves driving from Kampala through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale, ultimately arriving at the park headquarters, which takes approximately 9 to 10 hours. Accessing both national parks is an exciting journey that begins in Kigali, Rwanda. You will fly into Kigali International Airport and then make your way across the border into Uganda, either through the Katuna border in Kabale or the Cyanika border in Kisoro. When planning for transportation expenses, you take into account the kind of vehicle, fuel, duration of the safari, and the allowance for the driver or guide.
Costs for lodging
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will discover a variety of accommodation options to enhance your gorilla trekking experience. When figuring out accommodation expenses, you take into account the duration of stay and the kind of lodging available, ranging from budget-friendly options to midrange and luxury experiences.
When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, consider budgeting for porters who can carry your backpack during the trek. They typically charge around 15-20 USD per porter, and it is also a good idea to factor in tips for waitresses, gorilla trekking guides, driver/guides, and others.
The shortest duration for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is 2 days if you are traveling from Kigali, and 3 days if you are coming from Kampala. Over the course of two exhilarating days, your driver guide will collect you from Kigali and whisk you away to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the second day, you will embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience before returning to Kigali. Over the course of three thrilling days, your driver guide will collect you from Kampala/Entebbe on the first day and whisk you away to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the second day, prepare for an exhilarating experience as you embark on gorilla trekking. Finally, on the third day, you will journey back to Kampala, filled with unforgettable memories.
Plan Your Safari with Engabi Tours and Travel
With the Revised Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Rates and the introduction of low-season discounts, this is the perfect moment to plan your primate safari in Uganda. Engabi Tours and Travel is fully prepared to help you secure your permits, arrange accommodation, organize transport and design a safari itinerary that captures the heart of Uganda’s stunning wildlife destinations.
If you are ready to book your gorilla or chimpanzee permit and begin planning your journey, CONTACT US today. Your primate adventure starts the moment you reach out to us.
