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How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? One of the first steps is securing your gorilla permit, which can only be booked through authorized companies. If you’re looking for a reliable tour company to help you with booking your permit, you’re in the right place.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) has a list of accredited companies that are allowed to book permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Trek Africa Gorillas is proud to be a full member of AUTO and is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board to operate in both Uganda and Rwanda. When you book your gorilla trek with us, you can expect great service and a smooth, timely process for securing your gorilla trekking permits.
Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today!
Why Book Your Gorilla Permit Through a Local Tour Company?
Booking your gorilla permit through a reputable local tour company like Trek Africa Gorillas offers several advantages:
- Access to Gorilla Permit Availability
Trek Africa Gorillas has direct, 24/7 access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit database. This means we can quickly check availability for permits in both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at any time. When you book with us, you’ll receive prompt updates about permit availability, ensuring you can make well-informed decisions for your trek. - Reserve Your Permits with Confidence
Not all tour companies in Uganda have the privilege of direct access to UWA’s permit system. When we find available permits for you, we can reserve them for up to seven days while you arrange payment. This gives you time to finalize your plans without the risk of losing out on a permit. - Fast, Secure Payment Options
Once we’ve secured your permit, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. You can make payments via electronic transfer or credit/debit cards (note that credit card payments carry a 5% surcharge). In most cases, we use our credit to secure your permits even before the payment shows up in our account. After payment is confirmed, we’ll send you a scanned copy of the receipt and begin preparing for your trek. - Efficient Booking and Confirmation
Once your payment is processed by UWA, we’ll send you the official receipts via email. About two weeks before your trek, we will collect your physical gorilla permit cards from UWA, which you’ll need to present on the day of your trek.
Gorilla Permit Prices for 2025–2026
Here’s an overview of the current prices for Uganda gorilla permits:
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
- Foreign Residents (with a valid work permit): $700 per person
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This special permit allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas and costs $1,500 per person. These experiences are offered in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions.
Understanding the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Online Booking System
To simplify the process of checking availability and reserving gorilla permits, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced an online system in 2016. This system allows selected and authorized tour operators like Trek Africa Gorillas to check permit availability and reserve them instantly—no more long phone calls or waiting for responses.
Previously, tour operators had to contact UWA by phone or visit their office in person to check availability, which was time-consuming. With the new online system, booking permits has become much faster and more efficient. We can now easily check and reserve permits online and as an authorized operator, we have the added benefit of reserving permits for up to seven days. This ensures that you have time to complete your payment without the pressure of losing your permits.
Who Can Access Uganda’s Online Gorilla Permit System?
Since the introduction of online booking for Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits, only select tour operators are authorized to access the system. Trek Africa Gorillas is one of the few trusted operators with this privilege. This means we can quickly check and provide you with up-to-date availability for your desired dates, ensuring you have the best chance of securing your permits.
What Happens If the Online Booking System Is Down?
Occasionally, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) online system may experience technical issues, as is common with any software. If the system is down or running slowly, don’t worry! At Trek Africa Gorillas, we have a direct line to UWA’s head office and can manually check availability for you. Additionally, we have a representative who visits the UWA offices daily to assist with checking and reserving your gorilla trek permits.
Can You Book Gorilla Permits Directly Through UWA?
Yes, it’s possible to book your gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). However, the process can be a bit slower and more time-consuming. To book directly, you’ll need to contact UWA via phone or email and their reservations staff will respond with permit availability and send you an invoice. Once payment is made, you’ll need to collect your permit in person, providing proof of identity such as a passport or driver’s license.
While this might sound straightforward, many people find that responses from UWA can be delayed, which can be frustrating when trying to plan a trip. We’ve heard from many clients who experienced long waits and we understand how stressful that can be. To save you time and hassle, we recommend booking your gorilla permit through a reputable tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Permit Booking?
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we take pride in offering personalized service and making your gorilla trekking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We are committed to the safety and well-being of both our clients and staff and we strive to have a positive impact on the local communities and the environment. Our eco-friendly approach ensures that your trip is not only memorable but also sustainable.
As part of our commitment to your health and safety, especially in a post-COVID world, we ensure all our service providers adhere to the latest health and safety protocols. You can rest assured that we prioritize your well-being while making your gorilla trekking experience unforgettable.
Ready to book your gorilla permit or learn more about our tours? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today!
