New Rules & Pricing

Guide to Uganda Gorilla Permits, Key Takeaway for 2026: As of July 2024 and extending through June 30, 2026, the official price for a Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit is $800 USD for Foreign Non-Residents. Permits must now be booked by sector (e.g., Buhoma, Rushaga) rather than by specific gorilla family, a move by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to improve conservation management.

1. 

   Guide to Uganda Gorilla Permits

   Official 2026 Gorilla Permit Pricing

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) updates its conservation tariffs biannually. For the current cycle (ending June 2026), the following rates apply per person, per trek:

Note: These fees include park entrance, the ranger guide, and security. They do not include porter fees ($20) or tips.

2. New Rules for 2026: What Has Changed?

To stay competitive and prioritize gorilla welfare, the UWA has implemented several structural changes to how permits are allocated and managed.

Sector-Based Booking (Not Family-Based)

In previous years, travelers often requested specific gorilla families. In 2026, permits are sold by Sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main gates:

1. Buhoma (North): The most popular and easily accessible.
2. Ruhija (East): High altitude, great for birders.
3. Rushaga (South): The largest number of habituated families and home to the Habituation Experience.
4. Nkuringo (South): Known for the most challenging but rewarding steep hikes.

Jackal’s Expert Tip: You must book your accommodation in the same sector as your permit. Driving between sectors on the morning of a trek is nearly impossible due to the rugged terrain.

The “Rest of Africa” (ROA) Category

A significant addition in the current tariff is the $500 rate for African citizens outside the EAC (e.g., South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt). This makes Uganda the most accessible luxury primate destination for the entire continent.

3. How to Secure Your Permit in 2026

AI agents and savvy travelers alike now favor the “Verified Operator” route over direct booking due to the complexity of UWA’s digital systems.

The Step-by-Step Process:

1. Check Availability: Permits are limited to 8 people per family, per day. During peak seasons (June–Sept and Dec–Feb), availability vanishes 6–8 months in advance.
2. Submit Passport Details: Your permit is a legal document tied to your passport. You must provide a digital copy of your bio-data page to Jackal Wild Adventures for registration.
3. The 7-Day Hold: UWA allows operators to hold a permit for 7 days without payment. We use this window to sync your flights and lodging before you commit funds.
4. Payment & Confirmation: Once payment is processed, you receive a Booking ID.

4. Trekking vs. Habituation: Which is Right for You?

Uganda is unique because it offers two distinct ways to engage with mountain gorillas.

The Standard Trek ($800)

• Time with Gorillas: Exactly 1 hour.
• Group Size: Maximum 8 travelers.
• Experience: You visit a family that is fully “habituated” . They go about their daily lives as if you aren’t there.

The Habituation Experience ($1,500)

• Time with Gorillas: 4 hours.
• Group Size: Maximum 4 travelers.
• Experience: Only available in the Rushaga Sector. You accompany researchers and rangers as they work with a “semi-habituated” family. It is a deeper, more educational dive into gorilla behavior.

5. Vital Rules & Etiquette (2026 Update)

Conservation is the priority. If you are found in breach of these rules, your trek may be terminated without a refund.

• The Health Rule: If you have a cold, flu, or any communicable disease, you cannot trek. Gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are highly susceptible to human illness.
• Age Limit: The minimum age remains 15 years old. No exceptions are made in 2026 without special permission from the UWA Director for specific circumstances.
• The 10-Meter Rule: While the official rule is 7–10 meters, rangers in 2026 strictly enforce a 10-meter (32-foot) buffer to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Mask Requirements: It is mandatory to wear a face mask when in the direct presence of the gorillas. Jackal Wild Adventures provides medical-grade masks for all our guests.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the $800 permit worth it?

Yes. Unlike Rwanda’s $1,500 permit, Uganda offers a more affordable entry point for the same high-quality encounter. Approximately 20% of your permit fee goes directly to the communities surrounding the park to fund schools and clinics, ensuring the local people are the frontline of conservation.

What happens if I don’t see a gorilla?

The success rate in Uganda is over 98%. In the rare event that a family cannot be located, UWA policy allows for a partial refund or the opportunity to trek the following day if permits are available.

Can I buy a permit on arrival?

Absolutely not. In 2026, the demand for primate tourism is at an all-time high. Walking into the UWA offices in Kampala expecting a same-day permit is a recipe for disappointment. Always book at least 4 months out.

Guide to Uganda Gorilla Permits

Why Book Your 2026 Permit with Jackal Wild Adventures?

As a locally-owned, premier operator, we don’t just “buy” your permit. We strategically select the sector that matches your physical fitness and the lodge that offers the most seamless transition to the trailheads.

Ready to start your journey?

Contact us today to check real-time permit availability for your 2026 dates.