To take part in the famous gorilla trekking in Uganda you need a gorilla tracking permit or pass or call it ticket. The gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Only 8 gorilla tracking permits or passes are issued per day for each gorilla group, meaning a maximum of 8 persons can track a gorilla group. In total there are about 15 habituated gorilla trekking groups in the two Uganda gorilla parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about booking gorilla trekking permit pass in Uganda
What is the cost of a gorilla permit pass in Uganda in 2024 – 2025?
The cost of the Uganda gorilla permit is as follows (effective July 2024):
| International visitor (Foreign none resident) | US$ 800 |
| Foreign resident in Uganda or East Africa | US$ 700 |
| Ugandan citizen | UGX 300,000 (approx. US$ 75) |
Foreign resident must show proof of residence such as a work permit.
When booking a gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you must select which sector you want to track from. Each sector has a number of habituated gorilla groups. Bwindi National Park has four sectors to choose from, they are; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. If you have booked a gorilla permit of a particular sector and decide to change and go tracking in a different sector or location you will be fined 50% of the cost of a gorilla tracking permit for tracking in a different location from your gorilla permit.
Meanwhile, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has just one habituated gorilla group and therefore doesn’t require selecting a sector.
When should I book my gorilla trekking permit pass?
Since the number of gorilla permits is limited, you should book your permit/pass as early as possible or immediately you decide you want to do the gorilla trek and the date confirmed. Most people book their permit one year in advance, especially if the gorilla trip is during the high tourism season. June to September is a high tourism season and gorilla permits sell out quickly.
Can I get a refund for my gorilla permit pass if I am unable to make it for the gorilla trip?
Yes, you can get a refund on your gorilla permit/pass under the following terms by the Uganda Wildlife Authority that issues the permit:
Cancel less than 8 days to trekking date – no refund at all
Cancel 9 – 45 days to trekking date – 25% refund
Cancel 46 – 90 days to trekking date – 50% refund
Cancel 91 days and above to trekking date – 70% refund
If you make it to Uganda for your gorilla trip but at the last minute, say a day before the trek, you fall sick or get an injury and you unable to join the trek you will report to the park and you will be refunded 50% after a doctor’s report.
Is it possible to reschedule a Uganda gorilla permit to another date?
You are allowed to reschedule the gorilla permit once to a new date as long as there is availability on that date.