3-Day Gorilla Trek, Bwindi
One full gorilla trekking day in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with an optional Batwa cultural visit on the way back.
From $1,431 per person
View trip → USA · Uganda · Serah Foundation
Gorilla trekking in Uganda from the USA
Gorilla trekking in Uganda from the USA takes one long-haul flight with a single connection into Entebbe, then a private safari run by our team from Kampala. The 2027 gorilla permit is $800, our 3-day gorilla trek starts from $1,431 with the permit included, and most American guests add chimpanzees and a savannah park so the long flight is worth it.
Prices in US dollars, the currency Uganda's parks use
Private trips for couples, families and friends
Gorilla permit bought in your name
What it costs
Uganda safari cost from the USA, in US dollars
Uganda prices gorilla permits and most park fees in US dollars, so what you see is what you pay. These are the starting prices on our trip pages today.
| Trip | From, per person (USD) | What the price includes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day gorilla trek, Bwindi | From $1,431 | Gorilla permit, vehicle and guide, 2 nights |
| 5-day chimps, Queen Elizabeth & gorillas | From $2,199 | Lodges, vehicle, guide and park activities as listed |
| 8-day gorillas, chimps & Big Five | From $3,597 | Gorilla and chimp permits, 7 nights |
| 10-day Big Five, chimps & gorillas | From $3,713 | Full circuit including Murchison Falls |
Per person, excluding international flights. USD from-prices are the ones shown on each trip page today; your final quote depends on lodge level, season and group size. Gorilla permit: $800 per person (UWA, 2027). Chimpanzee permits for 2027 are quoted in writing with your trip. Tipping is not included; see the FAQ below.
Why Uganda
Why choose Uganda over Rwanda for gorillas
Both countries protect the same mountain gorillas. The difference is cost and what else fits into the trip. Uganda's gorilla permit is $800 for 2027 (Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tariff from 1 January 2027). Rwanda charges $1,500 for foreign visitors (Rwanda Development Board (RDB) booking portal).
For US travellers the saving matters most on a first Africa trip: the $700 difference per person roughly pays for extra days with chimpanzees in Kibale and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, without changing flights.
| Gorilla permit, foreign visitor | Fee (USD) | Source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda, Bwindi or Mgahinga | $800 (2027) | UWA tariff notice TDO 93/04 | 6 October 2026 |
| Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park | $1,500 | RDB booking portal | 6 October 2026 |
Fees change. We confirm the exact UWA rate for your dates in writing before you pay. Gorilla permit cost 2027 guide → · Uganda vs Rwanda comparison →
Practical info
Planning your Uganda trip from the USA
Flights (indicative)
Main gateways: New York (JFK, EWR), Washington (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX). Most itineraries connect once in Europe, the Gulf, Istanbul or Addis Ababa and land at Entebbe (EBB).
We plan day 1 around your landing time and can add a recovery night in Entebbe, with an optional early boat trip to Mabamba wetland to look for the shoebill. Schedules change, so check before booking.
Visa
US passport holders need a Uganda tourist visa. Apply online on the official Uganda e-visa portal before you fly, and only use the official site. If you also want Rwanda or Kenya, ask us about the East Africa Tourist Visa. Last checked 6 October 2026.
Health
Since the Uganda immigration (NCIC) notice of 2 October 2026, a yellow fever certificate is no longer required to enter Uganda. Vaccination is still recommended, and malaria prevention is advised; see the CDC Uganda travel health page and talk to a travel clinic. Bring travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Best time to travel
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Drier months | June to September, December to February | Firmer forest trails and the busiest permit dates. Book early. |
| Wetter months | March to May, October and November | Greener, quieter parks and muddier trails. Gorilla treks still run. |
| Low-season permit | April, May, November | UWA's $600 low-season rate applies in 2026. We confirm the 2027 rate when you book. |
Thinking about summer vacation? July and August permits go first, so start four to six months ahead. Gorilla trekking runs all year. Best time guide →
Trips
Uganda gorilla trips for travellers from the USA
Most US guests have one to two weeks. These four cover the main choices, and every one can be made private and adjusted to your dates.
5-Day Wildlife, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzees, a Queen Elizabeth game drive and a gorilla trek in under a week.
From $2,199 per person
View trip →8-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five
Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Ishasha's tree-climbing lions, a Bwindi gorilla trek, Kibale chimps and a rest day at Lake Bunyonyi.
From $3,597 per person
View trip →10-Day Big Five, Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari
Adds Murchison Falls and the Nile to the gorillas and chimpanzees.
From $3,713 per person
View trip →Short on vacation days? The 3-day fly-in gorilla tour (from $2,250) swaps the long drive for a domestic flight; seats are confirmed only after payment. Custom private itineraries on request.
Every trip starts from the same building blocks: 3-day gorilla trek → · 8-day gorillas, chimps & Big Five → · Gorilla permit cost 2027 → · Send an enquiry →
FAQ
Questions from US travellers
How many days do I need if I only have a week of vacation?
Seven days on the ground works well for gorillas plus one other park. The 5-day trip leaves room for a rest day at either end; the 8-day trip adds chimpanzees and the savannah.
When do you buy my gorilla permit?
We buy your permit in your name through the Uganda Wildlife Authority once your deposit clears. UWA now sells permits only against full payment, so we cannot hold one unpaid. 2027 fee: $800 per person. See our permit cost guide.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
15 years on the day of the trek. UWA applies this rule to every visitor. Younger children can join the rest of the safari while an adult treks.
Should I bring US dollars, and how much should I tip?
US dollars are widely accepted for tips and extras. Bring clean, undamaged notes, because worn or torn notes are often refused. Porters on trek day are usually paid $15 to $20 directly.
How bad is the jet lag?
Uganda is on East Africa Time (UTC+3) all year. That is 7 hours ahead of New York in summer and 8 in winter, and 10 to 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles. We keep day 1 light.
Can we visit the Serah Foundation?
Yes. A visit to the children's programme we support can be added to most itineraries. About the Serah Foundation.
Book with confidence
Who you are booking with
- Licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, licence UTB/RTT/TT/2023/100873 (Mwanzo Tours Uganda SMC Limited)
- Locally owned and run from Ntinda, Kampala, with Uganda-born guides who know these parks
- Clear written quote naming lodges, meals and permits before you pay. How deposits and cancellations work
- Read what past guests say on TripAdvisor, SafariBookings and Google, all linked below
Ready to plan your Uganda gorilla trek?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests. We reply to every enquiry within 1 business day with a clear plan in US dollars.