How to Book a Gorilla Permit

How to Book a Gorilla Permit for Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? This guide on How to Book a Gorilla Permit walks you through everything you need to know—from permit costs and booking steps to travel tips and what to pack. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, securing your gorilla permit in advance is the first essential step. With Trek Africa Gorillas, the process is smooth, reliable and tailored to your travel needs.

What is a Gorilla Permit and What Does it Include?

A gorilla permit is an official document that grants you access to gorilla trekking in one of Africa’s renowned national parks. This permit, issued by the governing authority, includes a unique identification number, allowing you to visit and track the mountain gorillas in a designated park.

• In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
• In Rwanda, permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
• In Congo, permits are issued by Virunga National Park.

In Uganda, there are 160 gorilla permits available each day, with 20 gorilla families spread across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each group can be visited by a maximum of 8 people. The groups are distributed as follows:

• Buhoma: 4 gorilla families
• Ruhija: 4 gorilla families
• Rushaga: 8 gorilla families (the largest concentration)
• Nkuringo: 3 gorilla families

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo—all home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. The primary destinations for trekking include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
• Virunga National Park in Congo (also home to Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park).

To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit. It’s best to book your gorilla trekking trip as early as possible—at least 5 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak season (June to September). You can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is as follows:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: $80 per person (for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan)

This permit grants you the chance to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 24 habituated gorilla families in Uganda—23 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, making 136 permits available daily for gorilla trekking.

For those seeking more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi Forest. This experience costs $1,500 per person, allowing you to spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers.

You can book your gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Trek Africa Gorillas.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit for your gorilla trekking adventure is easy with Trek Africa Gorillas. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply email us at info@trekafricagorillas.com. We’ll then check the availability of gorilla habituation permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority for your preferred dates. If the permits are available, we’ll notify you and send an invoice for payment. Once your payment is received, we’ll immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

We recommend booking your gorilla permits 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak seasons, as permits are limited and sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be done year-round but the best time to visit is during the drier months of January, February and from June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to the park and provide clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility. While the rainy season has its own appeal, the drier months tend to offer more comfortable trekking conditions.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 15 years. There is no strict upper age limit but fitness levels are a factor. Elders who may have difficulty trekking can use sedan chair carriers to assist them during the hike. These chairs are carried by porters and are available for hire in advance or on the day of your trek. The cost for this service ranges from $400 to $500.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Packing the right gear for gorilla trekking is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable adventure in Bwindi. The terrain can be muddy, especially when it rains and the hike may involve steep and strenuous sections. Here’s a list of recommended items to pack:

• Insect Repellent – To keep biting insects at bay.
• Torch/Flashlight – And spare batteries.
• Wet Wipes – Handy for cleaning up during the trek.
• Water Bottle – Stay hydrated throughout your journey.
• Camera & Lenses – Capture the incredible moments (with extra batteries and memory cards).
• Comfortable Hiking Boots – Ensure they are sturdy and broken in before your trek.
• Gardening Gloves – Useful for gripping branches and protecting your hands.
• Sandals/Flip-Flops – For relaxing after the trek.
• Hat and Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun.
• Rain Jacket – Weather in the forest can change quickly.
• Sweater/Fleece – For cooler mornings and evenings.
• Swimwear – If your accommodation offers swimming facilities.
• Binoculars – For bird watching and wildlife spotting.

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park

By Road: You can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. From Kampala, you’ll travel through Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale and then turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road. From there, follow the signs to your accommodation in either the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors.

By Air: If you prefer to fly, you can catch a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi. Scheduled and chartered flights are available through local operators such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda. From the airstrip, you’ll need a transfer to the park, which can be arranged with your tour operator.

Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Permits with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we provide personalized service with a focus on your safety, enjoyment and comfort. We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities and natural environments we work with. Our eco-friendly packages follow the “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” philosophy, ensuring that your trip helps preserve the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Your health and safety are a top priority. We adhere to all health guidelines and SOPs to ensure a safe experience for both clients and staff. Whether you’re booking your gorilla permit or planning your entire trip, our team is here to support you.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Contact us to get started today!