Gorilla Trekking Permit
Gorilla Trekking Permit Requirements
Why Permits Are Essential
A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory official authorization from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), strictly limiting the number of daily visitors to each gorilla family. This system safeguards gorilla health, reduces human disturbance, and ensures an exclusive, peaceful experience for trekkers.
2025 Gorilla Permit Costs
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD per person per trek
- Foreign Residents (East Africa): $700 USD
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 (approx. $80)
- Other African Nationals: $500 USD
The permit fee includes:
- Park entry and ranger/guide services
- 1 hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
- Conservation and community revenue sharing programs
It excludes transportation, accommodation, porter services, tips, and other incidentals.
Booking and Availability Tips
- Peak demand: June–September and December–February (Uganda’s dry seasons) are most popular. Permits for these timeframes can sell out 6-12 months in advance.
- Off-peak: Wet months (March-May, October-November) have higher availability and sometimes discounted rates on accommodation.
- How to book: Nile Abenteuer Safaris handles all permit procurement as part of your safari package, ensuring correct sector alignment with your chosen lodge and trek dates.
- Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Changes or cancellations have strict policies.
Gorilla Trekking Logistics
The Trekking Day: What to Expect
Briefing & Groups: On the morning of your trek, you’ll report by 7:30am to your assigned park headquarters. UWA rangers brief guests, divide trekkers into groups (maximum 8 per gorilla family), and assign an expert guide and trackers based on your interests and fitness level.
The Trek: Gorilla treks range from 1–8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location on the day. Terrain can be steep, muddy, or thick with vines. Your guides and porters are invaluable in navigating challenges and maximizing comfort.
The Encounter: Once the group is located, you’ll have a magical hour observing the family as they eat, play, groom, and interact, often just meters away. Rangers instruct guests on responsible behavior: maintaining 7–8 meters distance, no flash photography, masks on, and calm, quiet movements.
After the Trek: Most safaris include a picnic lunch, a certificate of participation, and return transportation to your lodge. Many packages can combine your trek with nature walks, visits to Batwa villages, or wildlife game drives in nearby parks.
Fitness and Preparation
Gorilla trekking is moderately to highly strenuous, sometimes involving steep elevation and humid/muddy conditions. Fitness preparations should include cardio, hiking, stair climbing, and leg/core strengthening. Porters (available for a moderate fee) are highly recommended to relieve the physical burden and support local communities.
Packing Essentials
- Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
- Gaiters or knee-high socks
- Long pants, long-sleeved shirts
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Wide-brim hat, gloves (for vines or rough ground)
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, personal medications
- Mask (mandatory when with gorillas)
- Daypack, reusable water bottle (2 liters+), high-energy snacks
- Camera (no flash!), spare batteries
- Binoculars (optional)
- Light snacks/lunch for longer treks2.
Hiring a porter (for $15–20 USD per trek) is strongly advised not only for convenience but also as vital community support.
Best Times to Visit
Seasonal Patterns & Trekking Conditions
Uganda’s equatorial climate allows for year-round gorilla trekking. However, rains and trail conditions vary by season:
Dry Seasons (Peak)
- June–September & December–February
- Less mud, clearer skies, easier trekking, better photography conditions
- Most popular: permits, flights, and lodges often sell out early
- Best for: first-time visitors, photographers, luxury travelers, smooth logistics
Wet Seasons (Off-Peak)
- March–May & October–mid-December
- Trails are muddier and more challenging, but forests are lush and vibrant; gorillas may stay closer to trailheads due to abundant food
- Easier to secure last-minute permits and discounted accommodation
- Fewer tourists, more intimate treks, lush green forest for photos
- Best for: adventure seekers, budget travelers, those who favor solitude
Weather Summary Table
| Month | Season | Rainfall | Trail Condition | Permit Avail. | Lodge Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June–August | Dry (Peak) | Low | Easy–Moderate | Scarce | High |
| September | Transitional | Low–Moderate | Moderate | Low | Rising |
| Oct–Nov | Rainy (Low) | High | Slippery/Muddy | Good | Discounted |
| Dec–Feb | Dry (Peak) | Low–Moderate | Easy–Moderate | Low | High |
| Mar–May | Rainy (Low) | High | Slippery/Muddy | Excellent | Discounted |
Year-round tips: Even in the dry season, sudden rain showers are common in these mountainous rainforests, carry waterproofs at all times