Uganda gorilla permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Under the current UWA conservation tariff, which runs from July 2026 to June 2028, a standard gorilla tracking permit for foreign non-resident visitors costs US$800, reduced to US$600 in the low-season months of April, May and November. If you have ever dreamt of standing just metres away from a family of mountain gorillas, this guide sets out what you will pay, what the permit covers and how to plan your stay in Nkuringo around it.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) publishes the official tariff. The standard permit price has not risen, and the low-season rate applies throughout the tariff period, which keeps Gorilla Trekking Uganda good value compared with Rwanda. Whether you are a solo traveller or planning a family trip, understanding the permit rules is the first step before booking your stay at Orugano Bwindi Lodge.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices: Standard and Low-Season Rates
For tracking dates in the low-season months of April, May and November, UWA sets the gorilla tracking permit for foreign non-residents at US$600 per person.
When you consider that the standard price for the rest of the year is $800, you are looking at a direct saving of $200 per permit. In plain terms, Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices in these months are simply better value. For a couple, that is $400 saved, essentially enough to cover an extra night of luxury or a private scenic flight. This “Emerald Season” special is designed to encourage travellers to visit during the quieter months when the forest is at its most lush and vibrant.
Current UWA rates at a glance (July 2026 to June 2028)
| Activity | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla tracking permit (standard) | US$800 | US$700 | Bwindi and Mgahinga; up to one hour with the gorillas; includes park entry for the tracking day |
| Gorilla tracking permit (low season: April, May, November) | US$600 | US$500 | Applies by tracking date |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience | US$1,800 | US$1,500 | Tariff rate listed as commencing 1 January 2027; about four hours with a group being habituated |
| Golden monkey tracking (Mgahinga) | US$60 | US$50 | Plus US$40 Mgahinga park entry for foreign non-residents: US$100 total per person |
Rates are per person, set by UWA and subject to change. A tariff rate does not guarantee availability, so check permits for your dates before booking travel. Gorilla permits for foreign non-residents are booked through licensed tour operators.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices in 2027
Because the current UWA tariff runs until June 2028, the same gorilla tracking rates apply to 2027 treks: US$800 standard and US$600 in April, May and November 2027. You may see older articles quoting a US$1,000 permit from 2027; that increase was not implemented.
The main 2027 change is to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, listed in the tariff at US$1,800 for foreign non-residents from 1 January 2027. If you are considering habituation for a date before then, ask us to confirm the rate that applies.
Is the “Low Season” Really a Good Time for a Safari?
A common question we get at Orugano Bwindi Lodge is whether the low season (April, May, and November) is actually a good time to visit. In Uganda, “low season” usually means more rain, but it certainly doesn’t mean a lower-quality experience. In fact, many professional photographers prefer these months.
- Lush Backdrops: The rain turns the forest into a deep, vibrant emerald green. Your photos will have a depth and richness that the dry season simply cannot match.
- Fewer Crowds: Bwindi is a popular place. During the high season, permits sell out months in advance and trails can feel busy. In the low season, you often have the forest, and the gorillas, almost to yourself.
- Easier Tracking: Gorillas often move to lower altitudes during the wetter months because food is more abundant and easier to find. This can sometimes result in shorter, less strenuous treks.
- Better Availability: You’ll have your pick of the best rooms at Orugano Bwindi Lodge, overlooking the stunning Virunga Volcanoes.
Where Your Permit Fee Goes
It is important to remember that the cost of your permit goes directly towards the conservation of the mountain gorillas. These funds pay for the dedicated rangers who protect the groups 24/7, the veterinary teams who provide emergency care, and the community projects that ensure local people benefit from tourism.
When you choose Gorilla Trekking Uganda, you aren’t just buying a ticket; you are investing in the survival of a species. At US$800, Uganda’s standard permit remains well below Rwanda’s (currently US$1,500), while offering a more “raw” and authentic forest experience.
Planning Your Itinerary
If you want to use the US$600 low-season rate, plan your trek for April, May or November. We recommend a 5-to-7-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the spirit of the Kigezi Highlands.
At Orugano Bwindi Lodge, we specialise in crafting seamless experiences. After your trek in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi, why not take a day to relax? You can head down to the water for canoeing on Lake Mutanda or take the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga to learn about the forest’s original inhabitants.
Where to Stay: Eco-Luxury at Orugano Bwindi Lodge
Located in the high-altitude clouds of Nkuringo, Orugano Bwindi Lodge is perfectly positioned for those seeking a Luxury Uganda Safari. Our lodge is built with a deep respect for the environment, using local materials and sustainable practices.
The lodge is a short walk from the Nkuringo gorilla trekking briefing point and within driving distance of Rushaga. See our cottages and full-board rates, read more about staying in Nkuringo for gorilla trekking, or check availability for your dates.
Imagine returning from a rainy (but rewarding) low-season trek to a roaring fireplace, a hot rain shower in your eco-friendly bathroom, and a gourmet meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The misty views of the volcanoes from our deck are world-class, providing the perfect backdrop for reflecting on your encounter with the great apes.
How to Secure Your Permits
Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and low-season dates can also sell out because of the lower price.
To secure yours, our sister company Orugano Safaris, a licensed tour operator, can book the permit and pay UWA on your behalf. We recommend booking at least 6 to 10 months in advance to ensure you get the dates that align with your travel plans — and for trekking in June, July, and August, aim for at least 6 months ahead because those dry-season dates sell out quickly.
Essential Tips for Your Trek:
- Layer Up: Even in the “hot” months, Bwindi can be chilly. In the low season, a high-quality waterproof jacket is non-negotiable.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are a must for the slippery terrain.
- Fitness: While the low season can mean shorter treks, you should still be prepared for a few hours of hiking through thick vegetation.
- Stay Extra Days: Don’t just fly in and out. Give yourself a day or two to acclimatise and enjoy the local culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a refund on my gorilla permit if it rains?
A: No—there are no refunds for rain or illness. Treks happen rain or shine (the gorillas honestly couldn’t care less about the weather). If you need to change plans, you can reschedule your tracking date at no cost as long as you do it at least one month before your scheduled trekking date.
Q: Is the $600 permit available outside the low season?
A: No. The US$600 rate applies only to tracking dates in April, May and November. Other months are charged at the standard US$800 under the current tariff.
Q: Will gorilla permits cost US$1,000 in 2027?
A: No. Under the current UWA tariff (July 2026 to June 2028) the standard foreign non-resident permit stays at US$800, with US$600 in April, May and November.
Q: How do I get from Kigali to Bwindi?
A: Many of our guests find it easier to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and take a 4-5 hour scenic drive across the border to Nkuringo. It is often shorter than the 9-hour drive from Entebbe.
Q: Is there an age limit for gorilla trekking?
A: Yes, the minimum age is 15 years old. This is strictly enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Planning Your Gorilla Trek
The low-season rate saves US$200 per person on each gorilla permit and applies in April, May and November throughout the current tariff period. If your dates are flexible, those months are good value; if you prefer the busier dry months, book permits and accommodation well ahead.
At Orugano Bwindi Lodge, working with our sister company Orugano Safaris, we can help you secure permits and plan your stay. From securing your permits to welcoming you with a warm drink after a day in the forest, we handle the details so you can focus on the adventure.
Check availability and tell us your preferred trekking dates, and we will confirm permit availability before you book.
