Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost 2026–2027
Updated 7 November 2026 · By the Mwema Safaris team
Short answer: a standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for foreign non-residents in both 2026 and 2027, or US$600 in the low-season months of April, May and November. The Gorilla Habituation Experience rises from US$1,500 to US$1,800 on 1 January 2027. Here is the full table from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), what the permit covers and how to secure one.
Uganda gorilla permit prices (UWA)
| Permit | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking, standard (2026 and from 1 Jan 2027) | US$800 | US$700 | US$500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla trekking, low season (Apr, May, Nov) | US$600 | US$500 | not published | not published |
| Gorilla habituation, Bwindi (to 31 Dec 2026) | US$1,500 | US$1,000 | US$1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
| Gorilla habituation, Bwindi (from 1 Jan 2027) | US$1,800 | US$1,600 | US$1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
| Golden monkey tracking, Mgahinga (2024–26 tariff) | US$60 | US$50 | not published | UGX 40,000 |
Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, so only choose them if your dates are firm. Every price on our tour pages already includes the permit at the UWA rate, with no mark-up.
What the permit includes
- The guided trek with UWA rangers and trackers
- Park entry for the day you track
- A community development contribution to villages around the park
- Up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family (up to four hours on habituation)
The UWA tariff also gives each gorilla permit holder one free day's entry to Mount Elgon National Park and Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, used within a month before or after the trek (activity fees still apply).
Where you can use it
Uganda's mountain gorillas live in two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo), and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the Virunga volcanoes. UWA says Bwindi protects about 459 mountain gorillas, almost half of the world's population. Each permit is for a specific sector and date, so we match your lodge to your sector.
How to book a permit
- Tell us your dates and we check availability with UWA.
- Since 1 March 2026 UWA no longer holds unpaid reservations: a permit is secured only when it is paid in full, so permits are paid at booking (see our terms).
- We send your permit confirmation with your itinerary. Bring your passport on the day; it must match the permit.
Rules on the trek
- Minimum age 15.
- Up to eight visitors per gorilla family per day.
- Keep at least 10 metres from the gorillas, no flash photography, and don't trek if you have a cold or other illness.
- No eating, drinking or smoking near the gorillas.
What a whole gorilla trip costs
The permit is the biggest single cost, but you also need transport, a guide and lodges. Our shortest trip is the 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek (Rushaga) (from $1,864 pp). With more time, the 4-Day Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi (from $2,091 pp) or the 7-Day Primates & Wildlife Safari (from $3,969 pp) add rest days and chimps. For four hours with the gorillas, see the 5-Day Gorilla Habituation & Golden Monkeys (from $4,178 pp). Prices are per person, 2 sharing, midrange lodges, 2027. See how much a Uganda safari costs for the full picture.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariff July 2024–Dec 2026 and circular TDO 93/04 of 26 Feb 2026, and UWA Bwindi park page. Checked 7 November 2026. These are government fees, not Mwema package prices, and can change; we confirm the rate for your dates in writing before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2027?
For foreign non-residents the standard gorilla trekking permit is US$800 per person from 1 January 2027, the same as in 2026. Foreign residents pay US$700, Rest of Africa US$500 and East African citizens UGX 300,000.
Is there a cheaper low-season gorilla permit?
Yes. UWA introduced low-season rates for April, May and November: US$600 for foreign non-residents and US$500 for foreign residents. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
How much is gorilla habituation in 2027?
The Gorilla Habituation Experience costs US$1,500 (foreign non-resident) until 31 December 2026 and US$1,800 from 1 January 2027. You spend up to four hours with a family that is still being habituated.
What does the gorilla permit include?
Per the UWA tariff, the permit covers the ranger-guide fee, park entry for the day of tracking and a community development contribution. Transport, lodges, meals, porters and tips are extra.
How far ahead should I book a gorilla permit?
Permits are limited (up to eight visitors per gorilla family per day) and since 1 March 2026 UWA only secures a permit once it is paid in full. For June–September and December–February, book several months ahead.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
UWA sets the minimum age at 15 years.
Read next: our Uganda gorilla trekking guide and the best time to visit Uganda.