Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees 2026

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making gorilla trekking one of the country’s most important tourism experiences. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and requires every visitor to hold a valid gorilla permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Over the years, Uganda gorilla permit fees have gradually increased as conservation costs, ranger operations and international demand for gorilla trekking have grown. Gorilla permits previously increased from USD 200 to USD 300, then to USD 400, USD 500, USD 600 and later to higher conservation tariff levels. These fee adjustments are not only linked to tourism demand, but also to mountain gorilla conservation, community support and protected area management around Uganda’s gorilla parks.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Fees Compared to Rwanda

In 2017, Rwanda increased its gorilla trekking permit fee from USD 750 to USD 1,500, positioning Rwanda as a premium luxury gorilla trekking destination. The move increased attention on gorilla permit pricing across the region and encouraged discussions about conservation funding and tourism value in Uganda. Uganda later reviewed its own conservation tariffs through consultations between Uganda Wildlife Authority and tourism stakeholders. While some tour operators had differing opinions about the timing of the increase, the discussions focused heavily on balancing conservation funding with Uganda’s competitiveness as a safari destination. Even after tariff increases, Uganda has remained one of the most attractive gorilla trekking destinations for travellers because visitors can combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, crater lakes and cultural experiences within one safari.

Updated Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees 2024 to 2026

Uganda Wildlife Authority updated gorilla trekking permit fees under the 2024 to 2026 conservation tariff. The revised permit structure applies to different visitor categories and continues to position Uganda as one of the best value gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Foreign non-residents currently pay USD 800 per person for a standard gorilla trekking permit. Foreign residents with valid East African work permits pay USD 700 per person, while travellers under the Rest of Africa category pay USD 500 per person. East African citizens currently pay UGX 300,000 per person. The standard gorilla trekking permit allows visitors to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park under the guidance of Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Uganda also offers a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for travellers who want more time with the gorillas. Foreign non residents currently pay USD 1,500 per person for the gorilla habituation experience, foreign residents pay USD 1,000, Rest of Africa visitors pay USD 1,000 while East African citizens pay UGX 750,000 per person. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, the habituation experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family alongside researchers, trackers and park rangers. This experience is especially popular with photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers interested in learning more about gorilla behaviour and conservation work.

The permit fees contribute directly to mountain gorilla conservation, ranger operations, anti-poaching patrols and community support projects around Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks. Uganda therefore remains one of the strongest destinations for travellers looking to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris and cultural experiences within one safari itinerary.

When the Gorilla Permit Fee Increase Took Effect

The revised Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariffs officially applied to visitors trekking gorillas and chimpanzees from 1st July 2020 onward. Travellers who booked permits before the revised tariff period were generally protected under earlier pricing arrangements depending on their booking dates and payment schedules. The updated tariff structure affected several tourism activities beyond gorilla trekking, including chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking and selected national park activities. These changes were introduced to strengthen tourism revenue and improve conservation management within Uganda’s protected areas. Today, travellers are encouraged to always check the latest Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff because conservation fees may change depending on the official tariff cycle.

Why Gorilla Permit Fees Are Important

Uganda gorilla permit fees support much more than access to gorilla trekking. A large portion of tourism revenue contributes to wildlife conservation, ranger operations, anti-poaching activities and community projects around Bwindi and Mgahinga. Local communities living near gorilla parks also benefit from tourism revenue through employment, community tourism initiatives and infrastructure support. This helps strengthen conservation efforts because surrounding communities gain direct value from protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats. For many travellers, understanding the conservation value behind the permit makes the gorilla trekking experience even more meaningful.

Where Gorilla Trekking Takes Place in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi has several trekking sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, each offering different lodge options and trekking experiences. Choosing the correct trekking sector is very important because travel times between sectors can be long. Travellers should therefore book accommodation close to the gorilla permit sector assigned by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller and less visited but offers beautiful Virunga volcano scenery and opportunities to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking.

When to Book Uganda Gorilla Permits

Uganda gorilla permits should be booked as early as possible, especially for peak travel months between June and September and between December and February. Demand is usually highest during these seasons because of favourable trekking conditions and international holiday travel. Early booking also gives travellers better access to preferred gorilla sectors and accommodation options near Bwindi and Mgahinga. Last-minute permits may still be available during low seasons, but lodge choices and trekking  sector availability can become limited. AA Safaris and Tours can help travellers secure permits, choose the best trekking region and arrange transport, accommodation and additional safari experiences across Uganda and Rwanda.

Plan Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari