Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Permits Cost (2027)

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit and gorilla habituation

Gorilla trekking and habituation are Uganda’s top thrilling experiences; the activities take place within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi is located in the southwestern part of the country, was first gazetted in 1991, and was declared a National Park in 1994. It is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, offering travelers the chance to encounter the critically endangered species in their natural habitat. The gorilla and habituation permits are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA); The entity issues a legal document that allows travelers to spend time with the giant primates.

Gorilla trekking permits this year cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents, $500 per person for the rest of Africa, and 300,000shillings per person for East African citizens; the rates include park fees for that day, community development fees, and the guides. Gorilla trekking can be done in any sector of Bwindi. The activity takes place beginning at 7:00 am with a briefing from the park rangers. In groups of 8, guests are allocated a gorilla family for the day; it takes 2-8 hours, and an hour is allowed to interact, take pictures, and enjoy the gorilla experience.

A gorilla habituation permit is $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $1,000 per person for foreign residents and the rest of Africa, and 750,000 shillings per person for East African citizens. The habituation is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi; there are 2 families of Bikyingi and Bushawo that offer the experience. Habituation begins earlier compared to normal tracking; it is done strictly by 4 people, involving following gorillas that have not been fully habituated. It is a whole-day experience.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has approximately 18 habituated gorilla families living within the Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga sectors. Gorilla permits are obtained through a ground handler; they authorize 8 people per gorilla group. Your permit determines which sector to track and the type of accommodation to book.

When booking a gorilla trekking permit, it is important to book this one time, like 3 months to the date of tracking, due to space availability; once a permit is secured, a copy of the document is issued to the traveler to be presented on the day of tracking, the activity begins at 7:00a m with a briefing from the park rangers on how to conduct your self during the experience, in groups of 8 guests are allocated a gorilla group to track for the day, it takes 2-8 hours depending on how far the gorilla families have moved and an hour is allowed to interact, enjoy and take pictures while observing the gorilla rules and regulations.

In case of a cancellation of a gorilla permit, one has to provide evidence of why the permit has been cancelled; no refunds of payments are issued to travelers, although in some cases the gorilla permit can be postponed to a new date as per availability and thereafter a penalty fee of 25% of the permit fee is charged directly to the guest.

What to pack for gorilla trekking includes proper waterproof hiking shoes, hand gloves, water bottles, backpacks, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, walking sticks, T-shirts, Cameras, Sandals for evening hours, insect repellents, sunscreen, and any other important items of personal nature.

In conclusion, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is determined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA); permits can be purchased all year round through a registered Ugandan Tour Operator.