How Early Should I Book My Gorilla Permit?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. The chance to stand within a few meters of a wild mountain gorilla family in their natural rainforest home is a moment that stays with you forever. But this incredible adventure is only possible if you secure a gorilla trekking permit, and that’s where planning ahead becomes crucial. Many travelers often ask: “How early should I book my gorilla permit?” The answer is simple — as early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months in advance of your travel date.

Because gorilla trekking is tightly controlled to protect the endangered gorillas, permits are limited and sell out quickly. In this guide, we’ll explain why booking early is essential, how the permit system works, the best time to reserve your spot, and how working with an expert operator like Experiya Tour Company can make the process effortless.

Understanding the Gorilla Permit

A gorilla trekking permit is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants you access to trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The permit allows you to spend one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. The fee you pay covers park entry, guide services, and conservation contributions that help protect gorillas and support local communities living near the parks.

Each habituated gorilla family can only be visited by eight people per day, ensuring minimal human interference. This small number keeps the experience intimate but also makes the permits scarce and highly competitive.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda

As of 2025, gorilla trekking permit prices in Uganda are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person

Uganda also offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. This activity allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group alongside researchers and trackers. The cost of this special permit is USD 1,500 per person, and only four visitors are allowed per day, making it one of Africa’s rarest wildlife experiences.

Because of these restrictions, booking early is essential if you want to secure your space.

When Should You Book Your Gorilla Permit?

The ideal time to book your gorilla trekking permit depends on your intended travel period. Uganda has both dry and rainy seasons, and each affects trekking conditions and permit demand differently.

Peak Seasons (June – September and December – February)

These are Uganda’s dry months and the most popular periods for gorilla trekking. Trails are drier, hiking conditions are easier, and photography is clearer. However, because these months coincide with international holidays, permits sell out extremely fast — sometimes up to a year in advance.

If you plan to trek during peak season, book your permit at least 6 to 12 months ahead of time. For instance, if you want to trek in July, aim to secure your permit by December of the previous year.

Low or Rainy Seasons (March – May and October – November)

During these months, rainfall is heavier, making trails muddier and more challenging. However, gorillas often stay closer to lower elevations because food is abundant. These seasons are less crowded, so permits are more readily available, and some lodges offer discounts.

If you plan to travel in the rainy season, booking 2 to 3 months in advance is usually sufficient. Still, booking early ensures that you have a smooth itinerary and don’t miss your preferred date.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Because only four people per day can participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, permits are extremely limited. Travelers interested in this activity should book 8 to 12 months in advance, especially during peak months.

Why Booking Early Is Important

Limited Availability

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 22 habituated gorilla families, each visited by a maximum of eight people per day. This means only about 176 permits are available daily. With travelers coming from all over the world, they sell out quickly — particularly in popular sectors like Rushaga, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. Booking early guarantees that you’ll get a permit on your preferred date.

Choice of Trekking Sector

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main trekking regions: Buhoma (north), Ruhija (east), Rushaga (south), and Nkuringo (southwest). Each sector offers a unique experience and has its own gorilla families and lodges.

When you book early, you can choose which sector best fits your travel plans and accommodation preferences. Late bookings might limit you to whichever sector still has availability, which could be far from your chosen lodge or require longer travel times.

Smooth Planning and Logistics

Your trekking permit determines your itinerary. Once you have your permit, you can plan flights, accommodation, and other safari activities accordingly. Booking early gives you enough time to arrange everything without last-minute stress.

Avoiding Price Fluctuations

Permit fees are sometimes adjusted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, especially at the start of a new fiscal year. By booking early, you lock in your permit at the current rate before any price increases.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your permit is confirmed early means you can focus on preparing for the adventure itself — improving your fitness, buying the right gear, and learning about gorilla behavior — instead of worrying about availability.

How to Book Your Gorilla Permit

There are two main ways to secure your gorilla trekking permit: directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a licensed tour operator like Experiya Tour Company.

Booking Directly with UWA

You can contact the UWA office in Kampala via email or phone to check availability and make payment. However, direct booking can be challenging for international travelers because communication and payment processes may take time.

Booking Through a Licensed Tour Operator

The most convenient and reliable way to book your permit is through an authorized tour company such as Experiya Tour Company. Tour operators have real-time access to UWA’s permit system, allowing them to confirm availability instantly. They can also handle the entire process — payment, confirmation, and itinerary coordination — on your behalf.

When you book through a trusted operator, you also benefit from:

• Professional guidance on the best trekking sectors
• Assistance with accommodation near your trekking location
• Organized transport and logistics
• On-the-ground support if any schedule changes occur

Information Required to Book a Permit

To book your gorilla trekking permit, you’ll need to provide:

• Your full name as it appears on your passport
• Nationality and passport number
• Preferred trekking date and location
• Number of travelers in your group

Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a permit confirmation voucher. The physical permit is presented to you at the park headquarters on the trekking day.

Can Gorilla Permits Be Changed or Canceled?

Gorilla permits in Uganda are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued. However, in special cases such as illness or emergencies, you may be allowed to reschedule your trek to another date — subject to approval by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and availability.

Working with a professional operator like Experiya Tour Company helps with such changes, as they can communicate directly with park authorities on your behalf.

What If Permits Are Sold Out?

If permits are unavailable for your desired date or sector, an experienced tour operator can explore alternatives for you. Uganda has two gorilla trekking parks — Bwindi and Mgahinga — and sometimes availability differs between them. A professional company can also check for nearby trekking dates or suggest combining your gorilla experience with other safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, or Lake Bunyonyi.

Practical Booking Tips

• Book your permit first, then plan your flights and accommodations around your trekking date.
• Always use authorized operators to avoid scams or fake permits.
• Carry identification (passport) on your trekking day for verification.
• Match your lodge to your trekking sector to avoid long early-morning drives.
• Be flexible with your dates if your first choice is full.

How Booking Early Supports Conservation

Every gorilla trekking permit purchased contributes directly to gorilla conservation and community development. A large portion of the fee supports ranger patrols, anti-poaching efforts, veterinary care, and local projects like schools and health centers. By booking early, you not only secure your own adventure but also help protect one of the world’s most endangered species.

Plan Your Gorilla Trek with Experiya Tour Company

Booking your gorilla permit early ensures that your dream of meeting the mountain gorillas becomes a reality. But navigating the process from abroad can be challenging. That’s why it’s best to work with experienced professionals who understand every detail of gorilla trekking in Uganda — Experiya Tour Company.

Experiya Tour Company is one of Uganda’s most reputable safari operators, specializing in gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife tours, and tailor-made East African adventures. Their expert team handles everything — securing your gorilla permit, arranging comfortable lodges, organizing transport, and providing knowledgeable guides who make the trek safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

When you book with Experiya, your entire journey is handled with care and precision. Whether you want a standard gorilla trek or the extended Gorilla Habituation Experience, they’ll ensure everything is booked correctly and on time. You’ll enjoy a stress-free adventure that allows you to focus on the once-in-a-lifetime moment of locking eyes with a gorilla in the wild.

For a seamless, unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, travel with Experiya Tour Company — your trusted partner in discovering the untamed beauty of Uganda.