Uganda Gorilla safaris Permit: How to Book Your Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife adventures in Africa. The activity takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the only two parks in Uganda where visitors can meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Treks are guided by professional rangers and conducted in small groups of eight visitors who are allowed a full hour with a gorilla family.

Uganda offers one of the best opportunities to experience this thrilling encounter because of its large population of habituated gorillas. The heart of the experience lies in securing your Uganda gorilla permit, the official document that allows you to join the trek. Without this permit, no traveler is allowed to participate in gorilla trekking safaris.

Gorilla Trekking safaris Sectors in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the prime destination for gorilla trekking safaris. The park has four main trekking sectors, each offering unique terrain and gorilla families:

• Buhoma sector in the northern part of Bwindi, home to four habituated families and famous as the first trekking area opened to tourism.

• Ruhija sector in the east, also with four habituated families, known for its scenic views and birdlife.

• Rushaga sector in the south, offering the highest number of gorilla families (eight in total) and excellent options for large groups.

• Nkuringo sector in the south, which has three habituated families and more challenging hikes for adventurous travelers.

In addition to Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park hosts one habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi group. Trekking here offers a quieter, more intimate experience since only one group is available per day.

What is a Uganda Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla trekking safaris permit is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants tourists permission to trek and spend time with mountain gorillas. The permit includes park entry, guiding services, and security during the trek. Currently, UWA issues 168 permits daily across Bwindi and Mgahinga, with each gorilla family visited by only one group per day.

The permit is the key to your experience, and it is highly regulated to protect gorillas from stress and over-visitation. Because of this, permits often sell out quickly, especially during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit can be done either directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a licensed tour operator such as Jeisking Tours Ltd.

When booking with a tour operator, the process is simplified. At Jeisking Tours, our team checks real-time availability with UWA based on your preferred travel dates. Once we confirm the slots, we immediately reserve your gorilla permit to avoid losing it to another traveler. All you need to provide are your travel dates and passport details, which UWA requires for the reservation.

If you prefer to book directly, you can contact UWA by phone or email. However, responses may take time since the reservation team often handles a high volume of inquiries. Tour operators generally have faster access to availability updates and can save you the stress of long wait times.

Importance of Early Booking

Gorilla permits are among the most sought-after safari tickets in Uganda. With only 168 permits available each day, they are in high demand. We advise booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance to secure your trekking date, especially if you plan to travel during peak season.

Once your permit is booked and paid for, Jeisking Tours provides a scanned copy or receipt for your records. The physical permit card is handed over to you upon arrival at the airport by our company representative, or you can pick it up from our Kampala office. If you book an all-inclusive safari with us, the permit is already included in the package price.

Why Book with a Tour Operator?

While travelers can reserve permits directly with UWA, booking through a licensed local tour operator has many advantages. Operators not only secure the permit on your behalf but also help you arrange transport, accommodation, and other logistics. Considering the remote location of Bwindi and Mgahinga, having professional support ensures a smoother safari experience.

At Jeisking Tours, we go beyond securing permits. We customize full safari itineraries, book lodges based on your budget, and provide reliable 4×4 safari vehicles for transfers. This ensures that your gorilla trek is worry-free and memorable.

Key Things to Know Before Booking

When requesting a gorilla permit, always specify the year, month, and exact date of your planned trek. Remember that gorilla trekking rates can change depending on the financial year and UWA policies. As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. These fees are subject to periodic revision by UWA, so it’s important to confirm the current rates before booking.

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safaris Experience

Booking a gorilla permit is the first step toward one of the most unforgettable wildlife adventures in the world. Watching mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest environment is an experience beyond words, and early preparation ensures you don’t miss this opportunity.

For more information on Uganda gorilla permit availability or to book your trek, contact our expert team today.

You can send us an email at info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 to speak with our reservations staff. We are ready to help you secure your permit and design a tailor-made gorilla safari that fits your travel style and budget.