How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda for 2027: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda in 2027? One of the most important steps is securing your mountain gorilla trekking permit before travelling. Uganda is among the world’s leading destinations for mountain gorilla encounters, offering visitors the opportunity to trek through ancient tropical rainforests in search of these endangered primates.

Uganda has two national parks where visitors can see mountain gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both are located in southwestern Uganda and offer memorable trekking experiences, although their landscapes, gorilla groups and accessibility differ.

Gorilla permits are limited, issued for specific dates and required for every person participating in a trek. If you are planning to visit during 2027, it is wise to understand the booking process, permit prices, payment requirements and available trekking options early.

This comprehensive guide by Raptors Africa Safaris – Book Gorilla Tracking explains how to book Uganda gorilla permits for 2027, where to purchase them, how much they cost, when to reserve, and how to choose between Bwindi and Mgahinga.

1. Where Can You Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2027?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the government body responsible for managing gorilla trekking and issuing permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

There are two main ways to arrange your permit.

Option 1: Book Through a Uganda Tourism Board-Licensed Tour Operator

Foreign non-resident visitors are required to arrange their gorilla permits through tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

The operator checks permit availability, collects the required traveller information, processes the reservation and makes payment to UWA through the appropriate channels.

Booking through an experienced operator can also simplify the organisation of your safari, particularly if you need accommodation, transport, airport transfers and additional activities.

Option 2: Book Directly Through Uganda Wildlife Authority

Eligible foreign residents and East African Community citizens may purchase permits directly through UWA, subject to the applicable booking requirements and visitor categories.

UWA reservations are handled through its headquarters in Kampala and the Kampala Tourism Information Centre at Sheraton, as well as through its official booking arrangements.

For direct bookings, visitors should obtain an official proforma invoice before making payment. Payments for gorilla permits at park level are not accepted.

Official booking resources:

• Uganda Wildlife Authority

• UWA Gorilla Tracking Information

• Uganda Tourism Board

2. How Much Is a Uganda Gorilla Permit in 2027?

One of the most important things to consider when planning your 2027 gorilla trekking safari is the permit price. UWA announced a revised tariff structure in February 2026, with certain rates taking effect on different dates.

The standard gorilla trekking permit for foreign non-residents costs USD 800 per person from 1 January 2027. UWA also introduced discounted low-season permits for April, May and November, subject to specific conditions.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices for 2027

The above prices are not universal rates for every nationality. Foreign residents, African citizens and East African Community citizens have different permit categories and eligibility requirements.

Important: UWA’s low-season gorilla permits for April, May and November cannot be rescheduled. If you are considering one of these discounted permits, make sure your flights, accommodation and travel dates are firmly arranged before purchasing.

For official tariff updates, visit the UWA rates and tariffs page. www.ugandawildlife.org/uw-rates

3. Standard Gorilla Trekking Versus Gorilla Habituation in 2027

Uganda offers two main mountain gorilla experiences. Understanding the difference will help you select the right permit.

Standard Gorilla Trekking

A standard gorilla trekking permit allows you to join a guided trek to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend up to one hour observing them.

This is the most popular option for visitors who want to see mountain gorillas in the wild without spending an extended period in the forest.

Standard gorilla trekking is available in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

The gorilla habituation experience takes place in the Rushaga area of Bwindi. It involves visiting a gorilla group that is undergoing the process of becoming accustomed to human presence.

The experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with the gorillas after locating them, under the supervision of researchers, trackers and guides.

It is a more extended and immersive activity than standard trekking, making it particularly attractive to visitors interested in gorilla behaviour, conservation and research.

For foreign non-residents, the published habituation permit price rises to USD 1,800 per person from 1 January 2027. The applicable prices for other visitor categories should be confirmed with UWA.

4. Which Destination Should You Choose: Bwindi or Mgahinga?

Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations, and your choice may depend on the type of forest experience you prefer, your accommodation plans and the wider safari itinerary.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is Uganda’s most popular gorilla trekking destination and is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It has four main trekking sectors:

Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is one of the park’s established gorilla trekking areas. It has several habituated gorilla families and a range of accommodation options, making it suitable for different travel budgets.

Ruhija Sector

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi. It is known for its montane rainforest, high-altitude setting, biodiversity and gorilla trekking opportunities. The sector is a good choice for visitors exploring eastern Bwindi and nearby attractions.

Rushaga Sector

Located in southern Bwindi, Rushaga is known for its several habituated gorilla families and the gorilla habituation experience. It is an excellent option for visitors interested in either standard gorilla trekking or the longer habituation activity.

Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo is situated in the southern part of Bwindi and is known for its steep terrain, spectacular scenery and challenging hiking conditions. It offers an opportunity to experience gorilla trekking in a beautiful mountainous environment.

When booking a permit, discuss your preferred sector with your tour operator. Your accommodation and transport arrangements should match the sector where your trek is booked.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies in the Virunga Mountains in southwestern Uganda. It offers a different trekking environment, with bamboo forests, montane vegetation and dramatic volcanic scenery.

The park has one habituated mountain gorilla group available for tourism. UWA indicates that Mgahinga issues approximately eight standard gorilla trekking permits per day, making early planning particularly important.

Mgahinga can be an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking or a wider visit to the Virunga region.

Which should you choose?

Bwindi offers four trekking sectors and a wider choice of habituated gorilla families. Mgahinga offers a more concentrated trekking experience in the Virunga landscape. Neither destination guarantees an easier trek: the duration and difficulty depend largely on where the gorillas are located.

5. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2027

Once you have selected your preferred trekking destination and travel date, the next step is to arrange your permit.

Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Trekking Date

Start by deciding when you want to visit Uganda in 2027. Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Bwindi and Mgahinga, but permit availability varies depending on demand.

If your travel dates are flexible, consider identifying two or three possible trekking dates. This gives your tour operator more options when checking availability.

Step 2: Select Bwindi or Mgahinga

Decide which national park you would like to visit. If you choose Bwindi, identify your preferred sector: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo.

Your choice matters because the sectors are spread across different parts of the forest. Staying in the wrong sector can mean a long drive to the trekking briefing point on the morning of your activity.

If you are unsure, ask your tour operator to recommend a sector based on your accommodation preferences, travel route and overall itinerary.

Step 3: Contact a Licensed Tour Operator or UWA

If you are a foreign non-resident, contact a tour operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. This is the required booking channel for your permit.

Provide the operator with your preferred date, destination and number of trekkers. They can then check the availability of permits through the UWA booking system.

If you qualify to book directly through UWA, contact its reservations office and follow the official application and payment procedure.

Step 4: Provide Your Passport Details

Once availability has been identified, you will be asked to provide the personal information required for the reservation. This normally includes:

• Full names as they appear in your passport.

• Nationality.

• Passport number.

• Date of birth.

• Passport copy or other identification requested.

• Visitor category, where relevant.

Check all details carefully. The names and identification information on the permit should match the documents you will present at the park.

Step 5: Confirm the Permit Category and Total Price

Before payment, ask your operator to confirm:

• The trekking date.

• The national park and sector.

• The number of permits.

• Your visitor category.

• The price per permit.

• Any additional safari costs included in the quotation.

This is especially important if you are travelling as a family or group with different nationalities or residency statuses.

Step 6: Make Full Payment for the Permit

Under UWA’s revised booking arrangements, effective 1 March 2026, permits are secured upon full payment at the time of booking.

Do not assume that an unpaid permit will be held for several days while you organise your travel arrangements.

When booking through a tour operator, clarify how the permit payment will be handled and request written confirmation of the booking.

For direct bookings through UWA, obtain the official proforma invoice before making payment. UWA specifically warns visitors against depositing money into its bank accounts without an accompanying official invoice.

Step 7: Receive and Verify Your Permit Confirmation

After successful payment and processing, request your permit confirmation from the tour operator or UWA.

Check that the following details are correct:

• Traveller’s full name.

• Passport details.

• Trekking date.

• National park and sector.

• Permit category.

• Payment confirmation.

Keep a digital and printed copy of the confirmation. Your identification will be checked against UWA’s booking records at the park before you are allowed to proceed with the trek.

6. What Information Should You Provide When Requesting Permit Availability?

To make the booking process easier, prepare the following information before contacting a tour operator:

If you have not decided on the sector, your tour operator can help you choose an appropriate location before proceeding with the reservation.

7. How Far in Advance Should You Book Uganda Gorilla Permits for 2027?

We recommend securing your gorilla permit as early as possible, particularly if you intend to travel during Uganda’s popular safari months.

A practical planning guide is:

For July, August, September and December, we recommend planning six months or more ahead where possible. Groups, families and travellers with fixed dates should start even earlier.

Mgahinga deserves particular attention because it has only one habituated gorilla group available for tourism and approximately eight standard trekking permits per day.

8. Can You Book Uganda Gorilla Permits at the Last Minute?

Yes, last-minute permits may be available if UWA still has spaces for your preferred date. However, availability is never guaranteed.

The chances of securing a last-minute permit depend on:

• The number of permits already sold.

• The trekking destination and sector.

• The travel season.

• The number of people in your group.

• Whether other travellers have cancelled or changed their plans.

If you are already in Uganda and decide to trek gorillas, contact a licensed tour operator immediately. They can check the booking system and advise whether a suitable date and sector are available.

However, avoid travelling to Bwindi or Mgahinga expecting to purchase a permit at the park entrance. Permit arrangements must be completed through the appropriate UWA booking channels before trekking.

9. Can You Change or Reschedule a Uganda Gorilla Permit?

Date changes are subject to UWA’s rescheduling rules and availability at the requested destination.

UWA’s published gorilla and chimpanzee tracking guidelines provide for up to two reschedules, subject to conditions. The first approved reschedule is free, while the second attracts a surcharge of 25% of the permit cost. Requests should generally be submitted at least 14 days before the tracking date, although later requests may be considered depending on availability.

A permit that has already been rescheduled cannot subsequently be refunded under those guidelines.

Important: The discounted low-season permits for April, May and November cannot be rescheduled. This is an important consideration when choosing the cheaper permit option.

Always check the latest UWA conditions before making payment, and contact your operator before changing flights or accommodation.

10. What Does a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Include?

A standard gorilla trekking permit covers more than permission to enter the forest. According to the UWA conservation tariff, the permit includes:

• The gorilla tracking activity.

• Services of UWA guides and trackers.

• Park entrance fees for the day of tracking.

• A community development contribution.

• Up to one hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The permit does not normally cover your accommodation, meals, transport to the park, porter services, tips, travel insurance or other safari activities. These should be budgeted for separately unless they are included in your safari package.

11. Important Gorilla Trekking Rules and Requirements

Before booking your 2027 gorilla trekking experience, familiarise yourself with the regulations established to protect visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Minimum age: Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking.

Maximum visitors: A maximum of eight visitors can visit one habituated gorilla family per day.

Viewing time: Standard gorilla trekking allows up to one hour with the gorillas once they have been located.

Physical fitness: Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness. Treks may take approximately two to seven hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, forest conditions and terrain.

Health considerations: Visitors with contagious illnesses, particularly respiratory infections, should not trek because human diseases can threaten mountain gorillas.

Photography: Flash photography is not permitted. Follow your ranger’s instructions when taking pictures.

Distance: Maintain the minimum viewing distance required by UWA and follow the ranger’s instructions throughout the encounter.

Identification: Carry the passport or identification document used during the booking process. UWA verifies visitor information before the activity begins.

12. What Happens on the Day of Gorilla Trekking?

Once your permit is secured, you can look forward to the actual trekking experience. The general programme begins early in the morning.

Morning arrival at the park headquarters

Arrive at the designated briefing point in your booked sector. Park officials check your permit and identification details.

Gorilla trekking briefing

UWA rangers explain the trekking guidelines, safety procedures and responsible gorilla viewing practices. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family.

Entering the forest

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you enter the forest to search for the gorillas. The trek may involve walking through thick vegetation, climbing slopes, crossing uneven ground and navigating muddy trails.

Meeting the gorillas

Once the gorilla family is located, you can spend up to one hour observing its members. You may see the dominant silverback, adult females, juveniles and infants feeding, playing, grooming or resting.

Returning from the forest

After the encounter, you return to the starting point. You can then continue with your planned safari programme or return to your accommodation.

13. How to Get to Bwindi and Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

Your transport arrangements should be based on the park and sector where your permit is booked.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi can be accessed by road from Kampala, Entebbe, Kigali and other destinations in southwestern Uganda.

The main road access points and routes depend on your trekking sector:

• Buhoma: Commonly accessed through Kabale and Kanungu, or from the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Ruhija: Accessible through Kabale and the eastern side of Bwindi.

• Rushaga: Commonly accessed through Kabale, Kisoro or the southern approach to Bwindi.

• Nkuringo: Commonly accessed through Kisoro and the southern part of the park.

Travellers can also use scheduled or chartered domestic flights to suitable airstrips, followed by a road transfer to their lodge.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is located near Kisoro town in southwestern Uganda. Travellers can drive from Kampala through Kabale to Kisoro, or arrange a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip followed by a transfer to their accommodation.

If you are coming from Kigali, Rwanda, you can also travel by road through the relevant Uganda–Rwanda border crossing, subject to immigration and entry requirements.

For a smooth experience, we recommend arriving at your lodge the day before trekking rather than attempting a long transfer on the morning of your permit date.

14. Where to Stay During Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Accommodation should be selected according to your permit sector. Staying close to the relevant briefing point reduces unnecessary early-morning driving.

Examples of accommodation areas include:

• Buhoma: Lodges and guesthouses around the northern entrance to Bwindi.

• Ruhija: Accommodation near the eastern sector of Bwindi.

• Rushaga: Safari lodges and camps around southern Bwindi.

• Nkuringo: Lodges overlooking the southern Bwindi forest and surrounding highlands.

• Mgahinga: Accommodation around Kisoro and the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.

You can choose from budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation depending on your preferences and safari budget.

15. How to Avoid Gorilla Permit Booking Scams

Because gorilla permits are valuable and limited, travellers should take care when choosing where to book.

Here are some important precautions:

1. Use a licensed operator: Foreign non-resident visitors should book through a Uganda Tourism Board-licensed tour operator.

2. Verify the company: Check the operator’s registration and licence details through the Uganda Tourism Board.

3. Request written confirmation: Ask for confirmation showing the trekking date, destination, sector and traveller details.

4. Understand the payment arrangements: Confirm whether you are paying UWA directly or paying the tour operator under an agreed safari contract.

5. Request official documentation: For direct UWA bookings, obtain an official proforma invoice before making payment.

6. Avoid park-gate promises: Do not rely on anyone promising to sell you a permit at the park entrance.

7. Confirm the permit details: Make sure your names, passport details and trekking date are correct.

UWA specifically warns against purchasing permits through unauthorised individuals and advises visitors to use the approved booking channels.

16. Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Uganda Gorilla Permits in 2027

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2027?

The standard gorilla trekking permit for a foreign non-resident costs USD 800 per person. Discounted low-season permits cost USD 600 for eligible foreign non-residents travelling in April, May and November. Other visitor categories have different rates.

Where can I buy a Uganda gorilla permit?

You can arrange a permit through a Uganda Tourism Board-licensed tour operator if you are a foreign non-resident. Eligible foreign residents and East African Community citizens can also use UWA’s direct booking arrangements.

Can I book a gorilla permit online?

Yes. UWA operates an automated permit booking system. Reservations can be handled through its official arrangements, while foreign non-resident visitors must use a licensed tour operator.

How many gorilla permits are available per day in Uganda?

A maximum of eight visitors can visit each habituated gorilla family per day. The total number of permits available across Uganda depends on the number of habituated groups open for tourism.

Can I book a gorilla permit without booking a safari?

Yes. A permit can be arranged separately, provided you follow the applicable UWA booking requirements. However, you must organise your own transport, accommodation and other travel arrangements.

Can I choose the gorilla family I want to track?

You can select your preferred park and, in Bwindi, request a particular sector when arranging your permit. However, the final gorilla family allocation is handled by park authorities, taking account of operational considerations and visitor fitness.

Can I track gorillas in both Bwindi and Mgahinga?

Yes. You can book separate trekking permits for the two parks on different dates, subject to availability. Each trekking experience requires its own permit.

Are gorilla permits refundable?

Refunds depend on the circumstances and the applicable UWA rules. Cancellation, illness, unsuccessful tracking and rescheduling are treated differently. Obtain the current written conditions before purchasing your permit.

Can I buy a gorilla permit at the park?

No. Do not plan to purchase your permit at the park entrance. UWA requires bookings and payments to be processed through its authorised reservations arrangements.

Is April, May or November cheaper for gorilla trekking?

These are the designated low-season months under UWA’s discounted permit arrangement. For eligible foreign non-residents, the standard USD 800 permit is reduced to USD 600. However, low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, so plan carefully before purchasing.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation?

Standard gorilla trekking provides up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family. The habituation experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group undergoing habituation, accompanied by the relevant research and tracking teams.

17. Book Your Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2027 with Book Gorilla Tracking

Securing your gorilla permit is the foundation of a successful Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Since permits are limited and must be purchased through the appropriate UWA booking channels, early planning is essential, especially for peak-season travel and larger groups.

At Raptors Africa Safaris, operating through Book Gorilla Tracking, we help international visitors organise mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

We assist with checking permit availability, coordinating bookings through the appropriate authorised channels, selecting suitable trekking sectors and arranging complete safari packages.

Whether you are interested in a one-day gorilla trekking arrangement, a three-day Bwindi gorilla safari, a gorilla habituation experience or a longer Uganda wildlife adventure, we can help tailor the arrangements to your travel dates and budget.

Contact us to start planning your 2027 gorilla trekking safari.

• Website: https://www.bookgorillatracking.com

• Email: info@bookgorillatracking.com

• WhatsApp: +256 702 595 926

• Company: Raptors Africa Safaris