Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Rates (2026 Updated Guide)

Uganda is the most affordable country in the world to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, while still offering one of the most authentic rainforest trekking experiences in Africa.

This guide is designed for travelers planning a 2026 gorilla safari and provides clear,  expert insight, and practical planning advice from the field on the updated Gorilla trekking permit rates .

What Is the Cost of a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit in 2026?

In 2026, a standard Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non residents.

The permit allows visitors to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and includes all essential conservation and guiding services.

What the Gorilla Permit Includes

• One hour with a mountain gorilla family

• Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) park entry for the trekking day

• Professional ranger guide and trackers

• Armed ranger security

• Conservation and community contribution fees

Pro Tip 
Porters are hired separately at the trailhead. Hiring one not only makes the trek easier but directly supports local families living around Bwindi.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two national parks located in southwestern Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Both parks lie within the Albertine Rift, one of Africa’s most important biodiversity zones.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is Uganda’s primary gorilla trekking destination and home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Key geographical facts:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo

• Dense rainforest with steep terrain

• Largest number of habituated gorilla families in Africa

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is smaller, quieter, and forms part of the Virunga Volcanoes landscape shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key highlights:

• One habituated gorilla family

• Bamboo forests and volcanic slopes

• Ideal for combining gorilla trekking with golden monkey trekking

Pro Tip:
Travelers staying near Kisoro often prefer Mgahinga because trek distances can be shorter and crowd levels lower than Bwindi’s busier sectors.

How Do Seasonal Differences Affect Gorilla Permit Availability?

Uganda gorilla permits are available year-round, but demand peaks during the dry seasons. Wet seasons offer easier permit availability and lush scenery, though trails can be more challenging.

Seasonal Breakdown

Dry Seasons

• June to September

• December to February

• Easier hiking conditions

• Permits sell out early

Wet Seasons

• March to May

• October to November

• Fewer tourists

• Gorillas often remain closer to lower slopes

Pro Tip:
During rainy months, gorillas feed lower in the forest, which often results in shorter trek times, despite muddier trails.

Gorilla Habituation vs Standard Gorilla Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Uganda is the only country in the world offering a gorilla habituation experience, allowing visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi habituated gorilla family. Standard trekking allows one hour and is less physically demanding.

Comparison Table

Pro Tip:
Habituation treks start earlier and go deeper into the forest. Proper hiking boots and gloves are essential.

Who Is Uganda Gorilla Trekking Best For?

Uganda gorilla trekking is ideal for travelers seeking value, adventure, and itinerary flexibility, especially those planning longer safaris.

Uganda is best if you:

• Want lower permit costs than Rwanda

• Enjoy immersive rainforest trekking

• Have time for a multi-park safari

• Want to combine gorillas with:

  • Chimpanzee trekking (Kibale, Budongo)

  • Savannah safaris (Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls)

Pro Tip:
For travelers over 50, we often request gorilla families closer to park boundaries a detail only experienced local operators can manage.

How Uganda Compares to Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking (Experience-Based)

Uganda offers a more adventurous, value driven gorilla trekking experience, while Rwanda focuses on convenience and luxury.

Key Differences

• Uganda: More forests, more gorilla families, lower cost

• Rwanda: Faster access, higher price, luxury focused infrastructure

Pro Tip:
Travelers flying into Kigali can still trek in southern Bwindi, often saving money while enjoying Rwanda level access times.

Why Book Gorilla Permits Through Traford Safaris?

Booking through Traford Safaris ensures secured permits, correct trekking sector allocation, realistic itineraries, and ethical tourism practices, backed by over 15 years of local guiding experience.

What Sets Traford Safaris Apart

• Direct coordination with Uganda Wildlife Authority

• Strategic selection of trekking sectors

• Honest fitness and difficulty assessments

• On-ground support before and after the trek

• Deep local knowledge of gorilla movements

Pro Tip:
Permit availability is only half the story. Choosing the right sector can dramatically change your trekking difficulty and overall experience.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking in 2026: Is It the Best Choice?

For 2026 travelers comparing gorilla trekking destinations, Uganda delivers the strongest balance of cost, experience quality, and conservation value, making it the preferred choice for both first-time and repeat gorilla trekkers.

Plan Your 2026 Gorilla Trek with Traford Safaris

At Traford Safaris, we don’t just book permits  we design gorilla experiences that match your fitness level, expectations, and travel goals.

Contact us today to plan a responsible, expertly guided Uganda gorilla trekking safari for 2026.