Safari 101 · Uganda
Gorilla Permit Cost Uganda 2026 — Full Price Guide
Uganda gorilla permit cost 2026 — $800 peak, $600 low season, habituation $1,500. Compare Uganda vs Rwanda and book with Mwanzo Tours.
Gorilla permit cost is the first number every Uganda safari traveller searches. This guide explains every UWA fee category, what the $800 (and promotional $600) actually buys, how Uganda compares to Rwanda, and what else to budget beyond the permit — from a Kampala operator who secures permits daily, not a content farm repeating last year's prices.
Official Uganda gorilla permit prices 2026
Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) — foreign non-resident tariffs effective July 2024 unless UWA publishes an update.
| Permit type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gorilla trekking — peak | $800 | Default rate most of the year |
| Standard gorilla trekking — promotional | $600 | UWA discounted months: April, May, November (confirm at booking) |
| Gorilla habituation experience | $1,500 | 4 hours with gorillas, Rushaga sector only |
| Foreign resident | $700 / $600 promo | Work permit holders |
| East African citizen | UGX 300,000 | Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi |
The $600 rate is a UWA promotional discount in specific months — not a permanent standing price. We quote the exact rate applicable to your travel dates before you pay a deposit.
What the permit includes
- One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family (standard trek)
- UWA ranger guides and security
- Pre-trek briefing at park headquarters
- Certificate of completion
Not included: transport to Bwindi/Mgahinga, lodge, porter ($15–20 tip), tips for guides, meals, or your tour operator's planning fee.
How many permits exist per day?
Uganda issues roughly 152 gorilla trekking permits daily — about 136 in Bwindi Impenetrable NP (four sectors) and 16 in Mgahinga Gorilla NP. Each habituated family accepts maximum eight visitors. Peak dates (June–September, December–January) sell out 3–6 months ahead. Mwanzo monitors UWA availability when you enquire.
Full safari budget beyond the permit
A realistic 3-day gorilla safari from Entebbe often totals $1,500–$2,500 per person mid-range depending on lodge tier and group size — permit is the largest line item but not the only one.
- Transport: 4×4 from Entebbe/Kampala (~8–10 hours) or fly-in to Kihihi (~$350–450 pp one way)
- Lodge: $120–350 per night mid-range; $400+ premium (Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo differ)
- Porter: $15–20 — strongly recommended for steep sectors
- Visa: Uganda e-visa ~$50 online
- Travel insurance: mandatory for sensible travellers — medical evacuation included on Mwanzo quotes via AMREF
See our full Uganda safari cost breakdown 2026.
Uganda vs Rwanda permit cost
Rwanda charges $1,500 year-round for Volcanoes NP. Uganda's $800 peak / $600 promotional structure saves $700–900 per person on the permit alone — often enough to fund chimpanzee tracking and Queen Elizabeth game drives in the same trip. Read Uganda vs Rwanda comparison.
How Mwanzo secures your permit
- You confirm dates and sector preference (we advise on fitness — see Bwindi sectors guide)
- 30% deposit received
- We purchase from UWA in your name and send booking confirmation
- Balance due 60 days before travel
International visitors must book through a licensed operator — step-by-step permit booking guide.
Photography on the trek
No flash. Rain covers essential in any month — I have guided treks in March where mud reached mid-calf in Rushaga. Pack detail in our gorilla trekking packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Does the permit include the trek?
Yes — 1 hour with gorillas, rangers, and certificate. Transport and lodge are separate.
Can permit price change?
UWA sets rates — last change July 2024. We quote current rate at booking.
Is the permit refundable?
UWA policy applies — typically non-refundable; travel insurance recommended.