Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued and sold exclusively through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The UWA online permit booking system at ugandawildlife.org is the official and only legitimate direct channel for purchasing gorilla permits — no third-party website or tour operator can sell authentic UWA permits for less than USD 800 per person (the official fixed rate). Understanding the booking process, the payment method, the sector selection, and the cancellation and date change policies is essential planning information for any self-drive visitor incorporating Bwindi gorilla trekking into their Uganda circuit.
The Current Permit Price: USD 800 Per Person
As of 2027/2028, the Uganda gorilla trekking permit is priced at USD 800 per person per single trek. This rate applies to non-resident visitors. East African Community (EAC) citizens pay a lower rate in UGX (approximately UGX 250,000). Foreign residents of EAC member states pay an intermediate rate. The USD 800 rate is fixed regardless of booking channel — a permit bought directly from UWA costs USD 800; a permit purchased through a tour operator costs the same USD 800 (the operator’s margin comes from their service fee on top, not from a discount on the permit). Any website claiming to sell Uganda gorilla permits at less than USD 800 is either fraudulent or selling third-party arrangements with undisclosed additional fees.
Step-by-Step UWA Online Booking
Step 1: Create a UWA Account
Go to ugandawildlife.org and select “Booking Portal” or “Gorilla Permits.” Create an account with your name, email address, and nationality. The email address will receive all booking confirmation documents — use a permanent email you will have access to during the trip. The booking portal may also be accessible at a dedicated booking subdomain — check for the current URL on the UWA website’s main navigation.
Step 2: Select Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
From the activity list, select “Gorilla Trekking” and then “Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.” (If you want Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — which also offers gorilla trekking, with one habituated family — select Mgahinga instead; the rate and process are the same.)
Step 3: Choose Your Trekking Date and Sector
Select your preferred trekking date from the calendar. The calendar shows available permits by date (green = available, red = full). If your preferred date shows full, try adjacent dates — cancellations do open slots on previously full dates. Once you’ve selected a date with availability, select your sector (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo). The sector determines which gorilla families you are eligible to be assigned to — the specific family assignment is done by UWA rangers on the trek day, not by the booking system. In peak season, some sectors may show as full even when others on the same date have availability — check all sectors if your first choice is unavailable.
Step 4: Enter Visitor Details
Enter the full legal name, nationality, and passport number for each visitor being booked. The information on the permit must match the passport presented at the UWA briefing — if names or passport numbers are entered incorrectly, the permit may be rejected at the park. Double-check all entries before proceeding to payment.
Step 5: Pay by International Credit Card
UWA accepts Visa and Mastercard for international permit payment at USD 800 per permit. The payment gateway processes in USD. Your card issuer may apply a foreign transaction fee (typically 1 to 3% — this is your bank’s fee, not UWA’s). Ensure your card has USD 800 per permit available in the payment limit before attempting the transaction. Some cards require advance notification for large international transactions — inform your bank before attempting the purchase to avoid fraud block triggering. On successful payment, the booking confirmation is emailed immediately.
Cancellation and Date Change Policy
- Cancellation more than 30 days before trek date: 50% refund of the permit fee (USD 400 returned per permit)
- Cancellation less than 30 days before trek date: No refund
- Date change request: UWA may accommodate date changes if requested with sufficient advance notice (minimum 7 to 14 days) — subject to availability on the new date. Contact UWA permits office by email for date change requests. Date changes are not guaranteed but are often accommodated in the off-peak season
- Trek missed due to illness: UWA does not automatically refund missed treks due to traveller illness on the trek day. Travel insurance with “missed activity” coverage is recommended and should be purchased as a specific rider if gorilla trekking is included in your trip insurance claim
How Far in Advance to Book
Peak season (June to September): Book 3 to 6 months in advance for preferred dates and sector combinations. The Buhoma and Rushaga sectors are the most in-demand and fill fastest for July-August dates. Off-peak (October to May): 1 to 3 months in advance is typically sufficient, though January and February are busier than their off-peak classification suggests due to the northern winter holiday travel period. Book gorilla permits before booking flights — confirm the permit date first, then arrange travel around it. Changing a flight is simpler and usually less costly than finding available gorilla permits on short notice.
