$800
Tracking · FNR
Foreign non-resident
UWA
Gorilla permits in Uganda
Prices, categories, habituation, and how booking actually works through licensed operators.
$700
Tracking · FR
Foreign resident
$500
Tracking · Rest of Africa
Non-EAC African visitors
300k
Tracking · EAC
UGX · East African citizens
UWA is the only issuer. A tracking permit covers the ranger-guided trek, park entry for that day, and a community contribution. It does not cover lodges, transport, or your operator’s fee.
Some operators advertise seasonal discounts (for example wet-month promotions). Treat those as operator/UWA campaigns until they appear on the published tariff PDF — always confirm the invoice line for the permit itself.
Permit prices follow the Uganda Wildlife Authority Conservation Tariff (July 2024–June 2026). Confirm before you pay. Official PDF: UWA tariff PDF. Last editorial check: August 2026.
How to book
Foreign non-residents book through a licensed Ugandan tour operator on UWA’s BARCS system. You will need passport names, passport number, nationality, and date of birth — they must match the document you carry on trek day.
Peak months (June–September, December–February) sell out far ahead. Build 6–10 months of lead time for dry-season dates. Peak-season full payment at booking is the conservative assumption; reservation holds have been tightened.
What the permit is not
- Not a Uganda visa.
- Not a refundable airline-style ticket — operator cancellation terms vary; UWA rules are strict.
- Not interchangeable across countries. A Rwanda permit is a different product.
| Activity | FNR USD | Rest of Africa USD | FR USD | EAC UGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla tracking (Bwindi & Mgahinga) | 800 | 500 | 700 | 300,000 |
| Gorilla habituation experience | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 750,000 |
FAQ
Questions travellers ask first
Is the permit cheaper in the wet season?
The published tariff lists the rates in the table above. Operators sometimes sell promotional permit prices in April, May, or November. Confirm in writing against UWA before you pay.
Does the permit include lodge and transfers?
No. Packages bundle permit + logistics. Always ask your operator to show the UWA permit as a separate line.
Next step
Ready to book a gorilla safari?
Tell us dates, party size, and park preference. We qualify the request and match you with a licensed operator — you are not auto-sold to a list.