Gorilla Permit Trends in Uganda: What is changing in 2026?
New trends you should know about Uganda gorilla trekking trends in 2026. Want to trek gorillas in Uganda? Explore everything about gorilla permit trends in Uganda. Get to know what is changing in 2026 about the gorilla permit price structure. How and when to book the Permit. Where to go to see gorillas, and any other essential travel tips to guide you.
A gorilla permit is an important tool you need to engage in the trek to see gorillas. The park authorities use permits to limit the number of visitors who go to track mountain gorillas each day. Gorilla permits play a significant role in gorilla conservation. Visitors purchase permits, which is one way the park authorities raise money to help them with conservation practices.
Before you embark on a Uganda gorilla safari, you should have a permit booked. As of 2026, the trends of Uganda gorilla permits remain stable in terms of cost. The prevailing cost of gorilla permits was set in 2024 and is valid up to the end of June 2026.
The Structure of Uganda gorilla permits as of January 2026
The breakdown of the current gorilla permit cost in Uganda is as follows: for foreign non-residents (international visitors), US Dollars 800 per visitor. The price structure for gorilla permits for the foreign residents’ category still stands at US Dollars 700, & the Rest of Africa residents, US Dollars 500. The Nationals (Ugandans) plus other East African citizens have a chance to secure permits at UGX 300,000 per person. Please note that the prevailing prices for gorilla permits in Uganda are subject to review come July 2026.
The standard price structure for gorilla habituation permits is as follows: foreign nonresidents/international visitors, US Dollars 1500 per person. The foreign residents book habituation permits at US Dollars 1000 per visitor, and Ugandans/East African citizens at UGX 750,000 per person. The trend of mountain gorilla habituation permits remained as per the 2024-2026 conservation tariff review that was conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
What to expect when booking gorilla permits
Availability Trends
First, there is a need to ascertain the availability of gorilla permits as per your desired travel dates. You can do this through a reliable tour company/operator like Native Africa Tours. We book gorilla permits for all our guests who plan gorilla safaris with us. To ensure that you have your permit secured early, we follow the necessary steps involved as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It involves online as through the shared platforms for gorilla permits by tour operators, and physical visits to UWA offices. Once we have ascertained the availability of permits for your planned dates, they can be reserved for you, but a visitor is expected to have paid for this stage to be achieved.
Payment can be done using the provided options provided including credit cards, bank transfers, and ensure that you have catered for the charges to avoid paying the cost of the permits.
The essential requirements for booking Uganda gorilla permits
To book a valid gorilla permit in Uganda, you should be an eligible person. As per the park authority, only individuals above 15 years stand a chance to secure a permit that allows him/her to participate in gorilla trekking. Other additional requirements include a copy of a valid passport with your details (nationality, name, number, etc.).
Book your gorilla permit in advance.
Gorilla permits are always in high demand. To avoid missing any chance, we advise you to secure yours at least 6-12 months before the proposed date of visiting gorillas. Contact Native Africa Tours, the trusted tour company with a reputable record in organising gorilla tours, and book your valid Uganda gorilla permits in 2026.
Gorilla permit issuance
Physical gorilla permits can be provided to the clients earlier, before the actual gorilla trekking at the National Park, to clear with the authorities. It is after you have been cleared by the park officials that you can join the briefing session to learn more about the gorilla trekking standards/regulations.
The sector options matter when booking gorilla permits
Uganda comprises 5 regions or sectors, and each offers guests a chance to visit mountain gorillas. The key regions in Uganda include Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, & Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ntebeko sector, which is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro District.
Standard time with mountain gorillas
During the gorilla trekking session, you should expect to stay for a maximum of 1 hour face-to-face with a group of mountain gorillas. The focus is mainly for already habituated gorilla groups, and visitors utilise this period for observing the unique behaviours of gorillas or taking pictures.
When you obtain a gorilla habituation permit, you get a chance to enjoy at least 4 hours with a group of mountain gorillas. Gorilla habituation in Bwindi is conducted in the Rushaga sector, which lies in the Southern part of the park.
How many permits are in Uganda in 2026?
Out of about 25 habituated groups of gorillas present in Uganda, each is visited by 8 pax daily, translating into eight permits. Overall, there are approximately 200 permits per day that can be booked for gorilla trekking in Uganda alone. This offers guests the highest possibility to engage in the gorilla trekking session.
How to book a Uganda gorilla permit in 2026
Book your valid gorilla permit in Uganda through Native Africa Tours. This is the registered company with established offices. It also has a team to assist you in securing a valid permit in advance. We are a reliable agency. We offer the best gorilla trekking experiences to all primate enthusiasts wishing to explore more about mountain gorillas.
Best time to book a Uganda gorilla permit
A gorilla permit in Uganda can be booked during the peak or low season, but you must do it in advance. The peak dry seasons/months on the Ugandan calendar extend from June to September, the longest and December to February, which serve as the shorter dry months. The off-peak months/low season are also available for you to secure a valid gorilla permit in Uganda.
Where to go to trek the Uganda gorillas
Uganda offers tourists abundant opportunities to trek gorillas. The two key destinations to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda are Bwindi and Mgahinga. Each of these parks promises unique encounters with mountain gorillas, and up to 25 habituated groups are available for trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi mainly focuses on visitors exploring gorilla groups in Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, & Rushaga. Up to 24 groups of gorillas can be visited while in Bwindi alone. These include, among others, the Rushegura group, the Katwe group, the Mucunguzi family, and Christmas.
Mgahinga gorilla treks offer a rare chance for you to explore the endangered mountain gorillas. The treks with Mgahinga gorillas can begin from the Ntebeko region after a briefing. At Mgahinga, you only focus on visiting the Nyakagezi gorilla family. Mgahinga is the most preferred destination by guests who desire a more romantic experience/secluded kind of adventure. A maximum of 8 guests are given a chance to visit the one available habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park.
What else should you have for gorilla trekking besides permits?
In addition to booking valid Uganda gorilla permits, you should also have other items. They include long trousers, a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a first aid kit, and a safari hat. Expect to also carry a pair of gardening gloves, sunglasses, cameras, plus their extra batteries, and more.
Conclusion: The gorilla permit trends in Uganda haven’t yet changed in terms of price structure in 2026. The prevailing rates are valid till the end of June, and new tariffs shall be updated after review from UWA. Contact Native Africa Tours to book your permit now before June to stand a chance to visit Uganda’s gorillas in 2026.
