Updated Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda from $700 to $800 for 2024-2026

Updated Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda from $700 to $800 in  2024-2026

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recently announced an update in the pricing of various permits and fees, including those for gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee tracking, and national park entry. These revised rates will take effect from July 1, 2024, and will remain valid until June 30, 2026.

Understanding Gorilla Permit Pricing Across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

The cost of mountain gorilla trekking permits differs depending on the country where the trek takes place. Each nation—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—sets its own pricing based on conservation policies, tourism strategies, and economic conditions. Below is a breakdown of how the costs vary:

1. Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)

• From July 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda will cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents, an increase from the previous $700.
• For foreign residents (people living in Uganda with valid work permits), the cost is $700 per person.
• East African citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan) will pay UGX 300,000 per permit.
• Uganda is known for affordable permits compared to Rwanda, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
• Mountain gorilla Habituation permit costs $1500USD in bwindi forests.

2. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)

• Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit remains at a premium price of $1,500 per person.
• Unlike Uganda, Rwanda promotes high-end tourism, ensuring fewer visitors but a more exclusive experience.
• The permit includes guided trekking, an hour with a gorilla family, and conservation contributions.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park)

• The most affordable option, Congo offers permits at around $400–$450 per person, depending on the season.
• However, safety concerns due to political instability and occasional park closures impact visitor numbers.

Why Do Permit Prices Differ?

• Conservation Initiatives: Higher permit fees contribute to gorilla protection efforts and local community development.
• Tourism Strategy: Rwanda positions itself as a luxury travel destination, while Uganda and Congo focus on affordability and accessibility.
• Demand & Infrastructure: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible from Kigali (about a 2-hour drive), making it a top choice for high-end tourists, whereas Bwindi and Virunga require more extensive travel arrangements.

Would you like help choosing the best gorilla trekking destination based on budget, accessibility, or experience preferences please don’t hesitate to contact us at gorilla safaris Uganda on our phone no’s: +256-782744920.

These permit fees contribute to the conservation and protection of mountain gorillas, their habitats, and support the local communities involved in conservation efforts. The fees also help regulate the number of visitors to ensure a sustainable and positive impact on both the wildlife and the communities in these regions. Your required to have a gorilla permit to guarantee your mountain gorilla trekking safari found in the impenetrable National Parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park all found in south western Uganda, Virunga in Congo forests and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Mountain gorilla trekking permits are issued by the respective government regulating bodies in each country. For example, in Rwanda, the permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). These permits not only regulate the number of visitors to ensure the conservation of the mountain gorillas but also contribute to funding conservation efforts, protecting their natural habitats, and supporting the local communities involved in these initiatives. Rwanda Development Board (RDB)  Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda (UWA), Mountain gorilla trekking activities are regulated by government bodies for purposes of conservation, since mountain gorillas are few in numbers with only 1000 individuals, in the whole world and are only found in three countries, that’s Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. This is the main reason why the costs of gorilla permits are high to control peoples from visiting them.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla permits refer to authorized licenses or paper documents granted to individuals who wish to track or observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi forests and mgahinga impenetrable forests of Uganda, Volcanos national park in Rwanda and Virunga ranges in Congo. Mountain gorilla permits are obtained from the designated government authorities or conservation organizations in countries where gorillas are found, such as Uganda(UWA),  Rwanda (RDB), and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla permits are essential for ensuring the protection and conservation of these endangered species (mountain gorillas, since they are only 1063 individuals in the world according to the census of 2023). The revenues generated from permit fees typically go towards supporting conservation efforts, habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and local community development. These permits also help regulate the number of visitors allowed to track and observe the mountain gorillas in order to minimize disturbance to their natural behavior and reduce the risk of transmitting diseases between humans and gorillas. By limiting the number of permits available, authorities can maintain a sustainable balance between ecotourism and gorilla conservation. Obtaining a gorilla permit usually involves specific requirements and processes, such as making a reservation in advance, adhering to certain guidelines and regulations, and paying the necessary fees. The availability of permits may vary depending on factors such as seasonality, location, and demand. Overall, gorilla permits play a crucial role in promoting responsible wildlife tourism and supporting the long-term survival of mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

How Many peoples allowed to Visit the Gorilla Family Per day?

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are limited to 8 peoples per day to visit the gorilla family therefore, you are required to book a gorilla permit (3 months advance) issued by wildlife managing Authority of each country and prices varies according to the country and periods.

These limitations help ensure the well-being of the gorillas and their natural habitat by minimizing the stress caused by human presence. It is advisable to book your gorilla permits well in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons when demand is high. Our offices are always open to advise you on the price of gorilla permits, or you reach us on Whats app nos:+256 782744920.

Why Are Gorilla Permits Important?

• They help in conservation efforts by limiting the number of visitors.
• The revenue supports gorilla protection programs and benefits local communities.
• Trekking without a permit is illegal and strictly regulated.

Booking procedures for gorilla permits in Uganda.

Gorilla permits in Uganda can be booked directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority Head Offices in Kampala just after Uganda Museum on Kira Road. UWA sells gorilla permits for all gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga. Offices are always open from 9:00am to 5:00pm in the evening.

Booking Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda with Tour Operator.

Gorilla permit booking through Uganda wildlife Authority is extremely difficult therefore, the most convenient way of booking gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda is by through a genuinely registered tour operator, who may charge a service fees from $20Usd to $100 Usd, per permit, depending on the tour company,  and currently Uganda Wildlife authority only allows gorilla permits strictly to be booked through genuinely registered Safari companies and at Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel Limited, we charge $30 USD for this service but if you book a gorilla safari with us there no extra costs charged, Please contact us and we will check availability of gorilla permits at UWA for you and go ahead to buy once you have transferred money on our account.

When to book a gorilla permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

CANCELLATION POLICY ON GORILLA TRACKING PERMITS:

• 0-8 days to tracking date no refund
• 9-45 days to tracking date 75%(25% refund to client)
• 46-90 days to tracking date 50% (50% refund to client)
• 91 days and above to tracking date 30% (70% refund to client)

Refund will be calculated on the full value of the permit.

Gorilla Trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

Currently they are a four gorilla trekking sectors and these are:

• Rushanga sector found in the South,
• Ruhija sectors found in the East,
• Buhoma sectors Found in the North,
• Nkuringo Sector found in the south.

Each Sector has it own gorilla families and if one wants specific sector in mind has to book in advance, and gorilla trekking allocation happens on the day of gorilla trekking depending on your interests and physical abilities. Accommodation is highly determined by the gorilla permit your holding, for Ruhija sector we have to get accommodation in Ruhija sector like: Gorilla friends, Bakiga gorilla lodge, Buhoma sector we have lodges like: Mahogany springs, Buhoma lodge, Trekkers lodge,  Ride for the woman and etc for other sectors detailed information please contact us: The cost of Mountain Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo is determined by government regulating bodies and they are solely responsible in issuing the gorilla permits in their respective countries.

OTHER GORILLA TREKKING UPDATES.

1.World Of The Mountain Gorilla

2.Gorilla Tracking Families in Bwindi National park Uganda.

3.The Gorilla Habituation Experience

4.What is a Gorilla Permit

5.Best Time To Trek Gorillas

6.Clothes to Wear on Mountain Gorilla tracking

7.Age Limit For Mountain Gorilla Tracking.

8.Gorilla Trekking Etiquette in Uganda

9.Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits are Discounted 2020

10.Price for gorilla tracking permits 2020-2021