Check Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability in Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)
Planning to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda? The first and most important step is checking Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability. A gorilla permit is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows you to join a guided gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—the only two destinations in Uganda where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Because gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife encounters, Uganda Wildlife Authority issues only 160 gorilla trekking permits per day across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These permits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, making early booking essential, especially during peak travel months (June to September and December to February). Checking permit availability in advance helps secure your preferred travel dates, region, and lodge.
Whether you are planning a luxury gorilla safari or a short trip from Kigali, checking real-time gorilla trekking permit availability in Uganda ensures your once-in-a-lifetime experience is confirmed and stress-free.
How to Check Gorilla Permit Availability in Uganda
Checking gorilla trekking permit availability in Uganda is a simple process when done through a trusted and licensed tour operator like Jewel Gorilla Safaris and NextGen Safaris. As an authorised partner of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), we have direct access to real-time gorilla permit availability for both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s only two gorilla trekking destinations.
Here’s how you can check your permit quickly and easily:
Step 1: Choose Your Trekking Park and Region
Decide whether you’d like to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas) or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi has four main trekking sectors; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each offering unique terrain, lodge options, and gorilla families to visit.
→ Tip: NextGen Safaris helps you pick the best region based on your travel dates, flight routes, and lodge availability.
Step 2: Select Your Travel Dates
Gorilla permits are date-specific and valid for only one trek per person.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues 160 permits daily, so early planning is key.
→ If your dates are flexible, we can cross-check multiple regions to find the nearest available gorilla trekking dates for you.
Step 3: Contact NextGen Safaris to Check Real-Time Availability
As a licensed UWA booking agent, NextGen Safaris directly checks the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit database.
This means you don’t have to navigate government systems or face delays, we handle it instantly and confirm the exact number of available permits on your requested dates.
You will receive a detailed response showing:
- Available dates and trekking regions
- Gorilla family options
- Permit price breakdown
- Optional lodge or flight connections
Step 4: Confirm and Secure Your Permit
Once availability is confirmed, you will receive an official invoice and payment link to secure your permit.
The gorilla permit price in Uganda is:
- USD 800 per person (Foreign Non-Resident)
- USD 700 (Foreign Resident)
- UGX 300,000 (East African Citizen)
NextGen Safaris will then reserve your permit instantly with UWA and issue a confirmation number.
Ready to Check Gorilla Permit Availability Now?
Fill in the quick form below and our expert team will check live gorilla permit availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority for your preferred travel dates.
Why Use NextGen Safaris to Check Gorilla Permit Availability
- Officially Licensed by UWA – verified access to live gorilla permit inventory
- Fast Response – get confirmation within minutes, not days
- Expert Guidance – advice on best region, lodges, and trek difficulty
- No Hidden Fees – transparent pricing, official permits guaranteed
- Personalised Service – from inquiry to permit issuance, handled by one specialist
Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda (2025–2026)
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regulates and issues gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Below are the official gorilla permit prices in Uganda for 2025 and 2026.
| Category | Price (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Residents | $800 | Per person, per trek |
| Foreign Residents | $700 | Per person, per trek |
| East African Citizens | UGX 300,000 | Per person, per trek |
Prices effective until June 2026, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). All rates include park entry, conservation fees, and professional ranger guides.
Check Gorilla Permit Availability by Sector in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main gorilla trekking regions — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a different trekking experience, level of terrain, and lodge selection. When checking Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability in Bwindi, it’s important to know which region you prefer, as permits are issued per sector by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Choosing the right sector ensures you stay close to your starting point, avoid long drives, and enjoy a seamless experience.
| Region / Sector | Closest Airport | Luxury Lodges Nearby | Permit Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma Sector | Kihihi Airstrip | Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp | Most popular sector with limited permits — book early for peak season. |
| Rushaga Sector | Kisoro Airstrip | Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Best permit availability and flexible trekking routes; great for last-minute bookings. |
| Nkuringo Sector | Kisoro Airstrip | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge | Challenging terrain with breathtaking views — ideal for adventure trekkers. |
| Ruhija Sector | Kihihi or Kabale | Agandi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge | Less crowded and offers excellent birding opportunities with steady permit access. |
Tip: When you check gorilla permit availability in Bwindi with NextGen Safaris, our team will confirm which sector has permits open for your travel dates and match you with the nearest luxury lodge for convenience.
How Early Should You Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Booking your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda early is the single most important step in planning your safari. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues only 160 gorilla trekking permits per day across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and they are sold strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure your preferred trekking date, it’s highly recommended to book your permit at least 3–6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during Uganda’s peak trekking seasons; June to September and December to February. These months have the best weather, the highest demand and the fastest permit sellouts.
To check gorilla permit availability in Uganda for popular travel months such as June, July, or August 2025, contact our expert team at NextGen Safaris early to avoid missing out. We monitor real-time UWA availability and can advise on the best trekking region, lodge options, and flight connections to match your schedule.
Remember, checking permit availability early not only ensures your place but also gives you the freedom to choose your preferred trekking sector — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo — and the best lodges nearby.
Why Book Gorilla Permits with NextGen Safaris
Booking your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda through NextGen Safaris guarantees authenticity, speed, and peace of mind. As a 100% Uganda Wildlife Authority–registered operator, we provide direct access to the official UWA permit system, ensuring you always get legitimate permits, never resold or inflated.
Here’s why travelers trust us with their Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability checks and bookings:
- Licensed and Trusted by UWA – We book directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority’s official permit database.
- Real-Time Permit Access – Instantly check live gorilla permit availability for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, updated daily.
- Instant Updates on Cancellations or Reschedules – If any permits open up due to cancellations, we notify you immediately so you can secure a spot.
- Permit + Lodge + Flight Combos – We handle the entire experience: gorilla permit, accommodation, transfers, and even charter flights if needed.
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees. All costs align with official UWA rates and include expert service.
- Dedicated Safari Specialists – From your first inquiry to your trekking day, a single expert assists you throughout.
Booking your gorilla permits with NextGen Safaris means more than convenience — it’s about securing an authentic, stress-free, and fully supported gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.
Explore our Gorilla Trekking Itineraries to see how we can combine your permit with luxury or mid-range safari packages.
Or, if you’re ready to start the process, contact us directly to check Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability and confirm your trek dates today.