Booking Uganda Gorilla Permits in Advance

Booking Uganda Gorilla Permits in Advance

Booking Uganda gorilla permits in advance is the right decision to make when planning any successful gorilla tour. Gorilla permits are required for all gorilla trekking sessions. Without one, you won’t be allowed to track mountain gorillas in Uganda. Even on the first day that you decide to go gorilla trekking, the permit shouldn’t be excluded from the list.

How early should you book a gorilla permit in Uganda?

Valid Uganda gorilla permits should be booked at least 3-6 months in advance. Booking a permit early is essential, especially if you plan to trek the Uganda gorillas during the peak months (June to September and December to February). By booking a gorilla permit in advance, you increase your opportunities to secure a slot to engage in the trek with Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

Booking a Uganda gorilla permit is entirely flexible, as visitors can secure it even a year or two in advance of the actual planned trekking date. What is important is that you contact the right company or expert to assist you in securing your permit. Like many, consider booking your permit in Uganda through Native Africa Tours, the best and most reliable safari expert.

Unlike the peak months, the shoulder season often comes with more availability of gorilla permits. However, to be on the safe side, given our decades of experience as gorilla safari experts, we still recommend securing your gorilla permit 3 to 6 months in advance.

Who is considered eligible to book Uganda gorilla permits?

The person should be at least 15 years old. This is the standard and acceptable age limit as per the park authorities. This standard regulation applies not only in Uganda but also in other mountain gorilla destinations, such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What are the requirements for booking Uganda gorilla permits?

At the stage of booking a gorilla permit, your tour operator/company may ask you to present specific requirements as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This organ issues permits and also manages the national parks in Uganda. The key essentials you may be required to share include a full name, a copy of a valid passport, your desired date for trekking gorillas, and your nationality. After you have submitted all the required details to the authorities, our team takes the necessary steps to ensure that the permit process is completed.

The proper booking process for gorilla permits runs as follows;

1. Contact the tour operator/company on the ground. Before you even think of reserving a flight ticket, first, you should have gotten in touch with Native Africa Tours, a reliable gorilla safari company in Uganda.
2. Visitors are required to provide all essential personal information, as well as the dates they wish to track mountain gorillas in Uganda.
3. Confirming availability of permits. Native Africa Tours takes an essential step to visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority to check the availability of permits.
4. Payment for booking permits. A visitor is required to ensure they make a payment to enable our team to reserve a slot for you. You can make bank transfers through the shared banking details provided by our team.
5. Confirmation – After our team confirms the availability of your gorilla trek, it can be reserved and feedback provided to you through the relevant platforms, preferably via email.

How much are Uganda gorilla permits (2025)

As you plan to secure a permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, it is a life-changing experience for any gorilla trekker in Bwindi National Park. Updates on gorilla permits are provided regularly, and information on the new rates can be found on our website. The cost of Uganda gorilla permits still ranges from USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents to USD 700 when booked as a resident, and UGX 300,000 per person for Ugandans and East African citizens.

The best time to book a gorilla safari tour in Uganda

A gorilla safari in Uganda can be planned at any time of year. Visitors have the freedom to book their tour during either the dry or wet season. Each of the travel seasons offers incredible benefits. The peak dry months (seasons) rated the best or most ideal for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The dry season commonly occurs from June to September. These months mark the most extended peak period on the Ugandan travel calendar. The shortest session runs from December to February. These are outstanding seasons to enjoy treks free from the inconveniences of rainfall. Even if it rains, there is a higher chance for you to proceed with the search since it can last for a shorter period.

The dry months are characterised by prolonged periods of sunshine. More so, the forest floor remains exceptionally dry. The conditions may change significantly during the off-peak season. It is also known as the rainy season. During this period, gorilla destinations typically record the highest rainfall of the year. The heavy rains commonly begin in March, April, May, October, and November.

Pick the right destination to track gorillas.

When booking Uganda gorilla permits, it is also helpful to know the ideal places to consider for gorilla trekking. Uganda’s leading mountain gorilla destinations to visit include Mgahinga and Bwindi. Each of these destinations has a carrying capacity for gorilla trekkers, taking into account the available gorilla families. Each group of gorillas takes up to 8 guests on every single gorilla trekking session.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where the highest number of guests go to track gorillas. The park features the largest population of gorilla families compared to any other destination. It is home to over 24 gorilla families. The gorilla groups in Bwindi National Park are located in four sectors: Rushaga Trailhead/Region, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. Mgahinga in Kisoro District currently has only one habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi group.

Planning your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure in advance

Beyond securing a valid permit in advance, other essential considerations should also be taken into account. These include sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, a camera with extra batteries, a pair of good binoculars, long pants, a lightweight daypack, energy-boosting snacks, insect repellent, and more.

Get accommodation or a place to stay in advance. The demand for gorilla permits also influences the accommodation. Once the license is booked, don’t forget to reserve a lodge. Here, you will stay during the duration of your gorilla trekking holiday. Comfortable accommodation alternatives near Bwindi include the Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Luxury Bwindi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Silverback Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and others.

If you are interested in Mgahinga mountain gorilla adventures, consider booking lodges or hotels such as Mount Gahinga Lodge (ideal for luxury services), Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveller’s Rest Hotel in Kisoro, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro.

Why book Uganda gorilla permits in advance with Native Africa Tours

Enhance your chances of securing a gorilla permit by booking a gorilla safari with a reputable tour company. The demand for permits is always higher, so it is safer to book in advance. Contact our experts now to book your permit and arrange other necessary amenities to complete your gorilla trekking experience.