Gorilla Permit Uganda – Everything You Need to Know

If you're planning a trip to Uganda and want to see mountain gorillas in the wild, securing your gorilla permit is the first and most important step. When we began planning, we quickly learned that permits are super limited – especially during peak season – and must be secured before booking flights, accommodation, or anything else.

We weren’t sure how to get a gorilla permit in Uganda — no clear booking website, no obvious process. After hours of reading blog posts, I ended up emailing a few lodges and asking if they can help. Turns out, you cannot book gorilla permits in Uganda on your own.

How do I get a gorilla permit in Uganda? 

Here is the only practical way: you’ll need to go through a licensed Ugandan tour operator or ask your lodge or accommodation to book through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on your behalf.

Where to See the Gorillas 🗺️

You can trek in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – more gorilla families and trekking sectors

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – fewer visitors, more solitude, stunning volcano views

Gorilla Permit Cost in 2025 💸

Gorilla permits for foreign non-residents cost $800 USD per person and include:

• One hour with a habituated gorilla family

• A certified ranger guide

• Park entrance fees

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience — and compared to Rwanda’s $1,500 price tag, Uganda is a more affordable option.

How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Uganda – Step-by-Step Advice 🦍

Here’s how to secure your spot:

1. Pick your preferred region (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)

2. Contact a licensed tour operator or your chosen lodge

3. They will reserve your permit directly with UWA

4. Once confirmed, you’ll prepay the $800 fee to lock it in

5. Then you can start planning flights, transportation, and lodging

There’s no official online booking system through UWA, which makes booking through a trusted local partner essential.

Our Booking Experience 🙋‍♀️

After hitting a wall trying to find a direct booking site, we followed advice from other travelers and emailed a few lodges. One of them answered quickly and helped us in the process and booked the permits for us through the UWA. It felt like a leap of faith, but once the permits came through, we knew we were all set.

Honestly? We booked the permits before anything else — before flights, hotels, or car rentals. That’s how important and limited they are.

Good to Know 🧳

• Porters are available to help carry bags ($10–20 and worth every penny)

• You must be at least 15 years old to join a trek

• The experience lasts 2–6 hours in total, with only 1 hour spent near the gorillas

• No flash photography, and a max of 8 people per group

So — how do I get a gorilla permit in Uganda? As we’ve learned, the only practical way is through a licensed tour operator or local lodge, who then secure it from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). There’s no DIY online platform, but with the right help, it’s all very doable.

We received help through the Bwindi Neckview Lodge and can only recommend. Now, we’re beyond excited (and yes, $800 lighter per person), but it feels like the start of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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