Revised Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs 2026–2027: New UWA Rates, Low-Season Discounts & Booking Guide
Discover theRevised Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs 2026–2027, including updated trekking fees, booking details, and what travelers need to know before planning a Uganda gorilla safari.
Uganda gorilla permit prices are changing, and travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda need to know the difference between the new low-season rates and the revised rates taking effect in January 2027.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has introduced discounted low-season gorilla trekking permits for April, May and November, while also announcing a revised tariff structure effective 1 January 2027. The same notice also confirms that the previous seven-day unpaid permit reservation window has been suspended, meaning permits must now be secured through full payment at booking.
This makes 2026–2027 an important period for anyone researching the Uganda gorilla permit cost, Uganda gorilla trekking prices, Bwindi gorilla permit price, or the overall cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices 2026–2027
The revised UWA tariff creates two important price categories: low-season permits and the new standard tariff beginning 1 January 2027.
Revised Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost
| Visitor Category | Low Season: April, May & November | From 1 January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident (FNR) | USD 600 | USD 800 |
| Foreign Resident (FR) | USD 500 | USD 700 |
| Rest of Africa (ROA) | — | USD 500 |
| East African Community (EAC) | — | UGX 300,000 |
The low-season rate applies specifically to gorilla tracking during April, May and November. UWA states that low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. The revised standard tariff takes effect on 1 January 2027.
For comparison, Uganda Wildlife Tours’ existing 2026 guide lists the standard foreign non-resident Uganda gorilla permit at USD 800, foreign residents at USD 700, and East African citizens at UGX 300,000.
How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Under the revised tariff, a Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per foreign non-resident from 1 January 2027.
Foreign residents will pay USD 700, while visitors from other African countries under the ROA category will pay USD 500. EAC citizens will pay UGX 300,000.
The most significant opportunity for international travelers is the new USD 600 low-season gorilla permit available in April, May and November.
That means a foreign non-resident traveling during an eligible low-season month can save USD 200 per person compared with the USD 800 standard rate.
For two travelers, that represents a USD 400 saving on gorilla permits alone.
New Uganda Low-Season Gorilla Permit – USD 600
One of the biggest changes introduced by UWA is the USD 600 low-season gorilla permit in Uganda.
The discounted rate applies during:
- April
- May
- November
The purpose of the new rate is to encourage tourism during traditionally quieter travel periods while continuing to support Uganda’s primate conservation efforts.
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, this can be an excellent way to reduce the overall Uganda gorilla trekking cost.
For example:
Standard permit: USD 800
Low-season permit: USD 600
Saving: USD 200 per person
A couple could therefore save USD 400 on permits.
You can learn more about the practical costs surrounding gorilla trekking in our Uganda gorilla permit cost guide, which explains permit fees, accommodation, transport and other safari expenses.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost From January 2027
From 1 January 2027, UWA’s revised tariff establishes the following standard gorilla tracking prices:
Foreign Non-Residents – USD 800
International visitors who are not residents of Uganda will pay USD 800 per person.
This is the rate most international tourists researching gorilla trekking Uganda will need to budget for.
Foreign Residents – USD 700
Visitors classified as foreign residents will pay USD 700 per person.
Rest of Africa – USD 500
The new tariff introduces a USD 500 rate for visitors under the Rest of Africa category.
East African Community – UGX 300,000
EAC citizens will pay UGX 300,000 per person.
These revised rates take effect on 1 January 2027.
Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit Cost
The revised UWA tariff also changes the cost of the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE).
From 1 January 2027, the listed rates are:
| Visitor Category | Gorilla Habituation Permit |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 1,800 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 1,600 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 1,000 |
| East African Community | UGX 750,000 |
This is substantially different from the previous USD 1,500 foreign non-resident habituation price published in existing Uganda gorilla trekking guides. The revised UWA tariff therefore needs to be considered when pricing Uganda gorilla habituation safaris for 2027 onward.
The habituation experience is particularly suited to travelers who want a longer and more immersive gorilla encounter. Uganda Wildlife Tours describes the existing habituation experience as a four-hour encounter compared with the standard one-hour gorilla trekking experience.
Read more about luxury Uganda gorilla trekking safaris and how a habituation experience can be incorporated into a longer itinerary.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit vs Gorilla Habituation Permit
It is important not to confuse these two experiences.
Standard Gorilla Trekking
Standard gorilla trekking in Uganda gives you the opportunity to track a habituated gorilla family and observe the gorillas under the applicable UWA trekking rules.
From January 2027:
FNR – USD 800
FR – USD 700
ROA – USD 500
EAC – UGX 300,000
Gorilla Habituation Experience
The gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is designed for visitors wanting a much longer encounter with a semi-habituated gorilla group.
From January 2027:
FNR – USD 1,800
FR – USD 1,600
ROA – USD 1,000
EAC – UGX 750,000
This distinction is especially important when searching online for the Uganda gorilla permit price, because older websites may still display the previous habituation price.
Which National Parks Offer Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda’s mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi has several trekking sectors, including:
- Buhoma
- Ruhija
- Rushaga
- Nkuringo
If you are deciding between the two destinations, our Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guide explains the trekking experience, permits and how Mgahinga compares with Bwindi.
You can also explore our detailed Bwindi gorilla trekking guide for information about sectors, permits and trekking arrangements.
What Does the Uganda Gorilla Permit Include?
The gorilla permit is not the same thing as the total cost of a Uganda gorilla safari.
The permit is primarily your authorization to participate in the gorilla tracking experience and includes the applicable park and ranger services associated with the activity.
It does not normally mean that your entire safari is paid for.
Your overall Uganda gorilla trekking cost can also include:
- Accommodation
- Safari vehicle
- Driver-guide
- Meals
- Airport transfers
- Fuel
- Porter
- Tips
- Flights
- Visa
- Optional cultural activities
- Additional national park activities
Uganda Wildlife Tours similarly explains that the permit itself does not cover accommodation, meals, transport or porter costs.
For travelers looking at the complete budget, see our Uganda gorilla trekking cost guide.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost in Total?
The gorilla permit is usually the largest single fixed cost, but it is not your complete safari price.
A short three-day gorilla safari, for example, also requires transportation from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi, accommodation and meals.
The final price depends heavily on whether you choose:
Budget Gorilla Safari
Budget accommodation and a shorter itinerary can keep the overall price lower.
See our budget gorilla safari packages in Uganda for examples of how accommodation and transport affect the total cost.
Mid-Range Gorilla Safari
Mid-range lodges provide more comfort while keeping the safari below luxury pricing.
Luxury Gorilla Safari
Luxury lodges, premium transportation and additional experiences can push the total safari cost considerably higher.
Therefore, when someone searches “how much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost?”, the correct answer is not simply USD 800 or USD 600. The permit is only one component of the complete safari.
Why Book a Low-Season Uganda Gorilla Safari?
The introduction of the USD 600 Uganda low-season gorilla permit makes April, May and November particularly interesting for flexible travelers.
The biggest financial advantage is straightforward:
USD 800 standard permit − USD 600 low-season permit = USD 200 saving per traveler.
For a family of four, the permit saving could reach USD 800.
However, travelers should remember that low-season permits are subject to UWA’s conditions, including the statement that they cannot be rescheduled.
That makes it particularly important to have your travel dates confirmed before purchasing a low-season permit.
When Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda offers gorilla trekking throughout the year, but travelers often choose the drier months for easier trekking conditions.
The new low-season pricing provides another reason to consider April, May and November.
If your main priority is reducing the cost of a Uganda gorilla safari, these months deserve serious consideration because the permit itself is discounted.
If your priority is the most favorable trekking conditions, you may instead prefer the traditional drier travel periods.
Our guide to how to prepare for gorilla trekking provides useful preparation information before your trek.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Booking: Important 2026 Change
There is another major change travelers and tour operators need to understand.
UWA has suspended the seven-day reservation window.
Previously, operators could reserve permits for up to seven days without payment, after which unpaid reservations could automatically be cancelled.
Under the new system, UWA states that permits can only be secured once full payment is made at the time of booking.
The change became effective 15 March 2026.
This makes early planning particularly important during popular travel periods.
For help understanding the booking process, see Uganda gorilla permit availability.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit?
Because permits are limited, it is sensible to arrange your permit well before your preferred trekking date.
This is especially important if you want:
- A specific Bwindi sector
- A particular travel date
- Multiple travelers trekking together
- Peak-season travel
- Luxury accommodation
- Connecting flights
- A combined Uganda safari
Our guide to booking gorilla trekking in Uganda explains the booking process and other important permit considerations.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost Compared With Rwanda
Uganda remains an attractive option for travelers comparing Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking.
Rwanda’s standard gorilla trekking permit is currently listed at USD 1,500, while Uganda’s new standard foreign non-resident rate from January 2027 is USD 800.
That creates a USD 700 difference per person before considering accommodation and transportation.
However, the choice between Uganda and Rwanda should not be based on permit price alone.
Uganda offers a broader safari experience, including the opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and other national parks.
Our Uganda gorilla safari guide explains the broader safari experience and cost considerations.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking From Kigali
Travelers flying into Rwanda do not necessarily need to trek gorillas in Rwanda.
A gorilla trekking safari from Kigali to Uganda can take you across the border to Bwindi or the Mgahinga region.
This can be attractive for travelers who are already visiting Rwanda or who want to combine Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking with one international arrival.
Our 4 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali itinerary demonstrates how a Uganda gorilla experience can be arranged from Kigali.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking From Europe
For European travelers, Uganda can provide particularly strong value because the standard permit remains significantly below Rwanda’s.
Travelers can also combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzees, wildlife and other experiences.
See our Uganda gorilla trekking from Europe guide for more information on planning a Uganda gorilla safari from European destinations.
Revised Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices: Quick Summary
The new UWA structure can be summarized simply:
April, May & November
Foreign Non-Resident: USD 600
Foreign Resident: USD 500
From 1 January 2027
Foreign Non-Resident: USD 800
Foreign Resident: USD 700
Rest of Africa: USD 500
EAC: UGX 300,000
Gorilla Habituation From 1 January 2027
Foreign Non-Resident: USD 1,800
Foreign Resident: USD 1,600
Rest of Africa: USD 1,000
EAC: UGX 750,000
These figures are based on the UWA tariff notice you provided, which announces the low-season rates and the revised tariff effective 1 January 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs
How much is a Uganda gorilla permit in 2027? From 1 January 2027, the foreign non-resident gorilla tracking permit is USD 800 per person.
Is Uganda offering discounted gorilla permits? Yes. UWA has introduced a USD 600 low-season rate for foreign non-residents during April, May and November.
How much is gorilla habituation in Uganda in 2027? The revised tariff lists USD 1,800 for foreign non-residents from 1 January 2027.
How much is a gorilla permit for EAC citizens? The revised tariff lists UGX 300,000 for EAC citizens.
Can a low-season gorilla permit be rescheduled? No. UWA specifically states that low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.
Can a tour operator reserve a gorilla permit and pay later? Under the new UWA system, the previous seven-day reservation window has been suspended. Full payment is required to secure the permit at booking.
Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
The revised Uganda gorilla permit prices for 2026–2027 make it especially important to plan your safari around your travel dates.
If you can travel in April, May or November, the new USD 600 low-season permit can significantly reduce your gorilla trekking budget. If you are traveling from January 2027 outside the low-season months, international visitors should budget USD 800 per person for the standard gorilla tracking permit.
But your permit is only the beginning.
We can arrange the complete experience—from securing your gorilla permit and selecting the right Bwindi gorilla trekking sector, to accommodation, private 4×4 transportation, professional guides and additional Uganda wildlife experiences.
You can combine your gorilla trek with Kibale chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, Lake Bunyonyi or other Uganda safari destinations.
Ready to experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas? Contact Uganda Wildlife Tours and let us build your gorilla safari around your dates, budget and preferred trekking experience.
Related Uganda Gorilla Safari Pages
- Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost Guide
- Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost
- Uganda Gorilla Safaris
- Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Guide
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Uganda Gorilla Permit Availability
- How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
- How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking
- Budget Gorilla Safari Packages
- 4 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda From Kigali
- Gorilla Trekking From Europe
- Luxury Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
