A gorilla permit is an official document issued by governing bodies to authorize access to gorilla national parks and allow visitors to participate in gorilla trekking. In Uganda, these permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Each permit includes a unique booking identification number that confirms your reservation to visit a specific gorilla family.
In addition to Uganda, gorilla permits are managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Virunga National Park authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In Uganda, 144 gorilla permits are available daily for visitors. These permits provide access to 18 habituated gorilla families located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each family is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day.
The distribution of gorilla families in Bwindi is as follows:
Booking your gorilla permit in Uganda is a straightforward process, but it’s important to secure your permit well in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to September).
Steps to Book a Gorilla Permit:
Booking your permit 2–3 months in advance is highly recommended, and for peak seasons, consider booking at least 5 months ahead.
A standard gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
For a more immersive experience, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas alongside trackers and researchers. This unique experience costs $1,500 per person and is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking is available in three countries that are home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas:
In the DRC, you can also trek to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
For all these parks, a gorilla permit is mandatory to participate in trekking. Given the high demand, it’s advisable to book your gorilla trekking trip well in advance.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and the maximum age is 85 years, depending on fitness levels.
For elderly or less physically able trekkers, sedan chairs are available in Bwindi to assist with transportation into and out of the forest. Porters will carry the chair during the trek. These can be hired in advance or on the day of the trek at a cost of $400–$500.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is available all year round. However, the best time to plan your trek is during the dry seasons, which fall between January and February and from June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to the park, as the roads are more accessible, and the forest trails are less muddy. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer views of the mountain gorillas.
Packing the right gear is essential to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Bwindi’s terrain is rugged, and the weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to be well-prepared. Here’s a list of recommended items:
There are two main ways to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi’s southern sector can be accessed via Uganda’s main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala, a journey that takes approximately 8–9 hours by car. If you’re heading to the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors, you’ll need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road. Look out for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signposts to guide you to your booked lodge.
You can also fly to Bwindi. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to Bwindi’s southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo). Airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and chartered flights. Once you arrive at the airstrip, your tour operator can arrange a transfer to your lodge or directly to the park.
At Trek Africa Gorillas Ltd, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, eco-friendly safari experiences. Here’s why you should trust us with your gorilla trekking adventure:
Whether you’re booking your Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits or planning a full safari package, we are here to guide you every step of the way.