If you are planning to track mountain gorillas in 2027, here is the short version. The standard Uganda gorilla permit stays at US$800 for foreign non-residents. A new US$600 low-season permit applies in April, May and November. The gorilla habituation experience rises from US$1,500 to US$1,800 on 1 January 2027.
This guide explains what each permit costs, who qualifies for which rate, what the low-season discount really means, and how to book without losing your preferred dates.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices 2027 at a Glance
These figures come from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) tariff announced in its 26 February 2026 notice to stakeholders and its revised tariff taking effect on 1 January 2027.
| Permit | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking (standard) | US$800 | US$700 | US$500 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla trekking (low season: Apr, May, Nov) | US$600 | US$500 | n/a | n/a |
| Gorilla habituation experience (from 1 Jan 2027) | US$1,800 | US$1,600 | US$1,000 | UGX 750,000 |
For most international visitors, the row that matters is the first one: US$800 per person for one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What Is New in the UWA Tariff?
There are three changes worth knowing about.
1. The standard gorilla permit does not go up. Earlier talk of a rise to US$1,000 did not materialise. The price remains US$800 for foreign non-residents going into 2027.
2. A formal low season now exists. Gorilla permits for trekking in April, May and November cost US$600 instead of US$800. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale also has a low-season rate of US$200.
3. Gorilla habituation gets more expensive. The four-hour habituation experience in Bwindi moves from US$1,500 to US$1,800 for foreign non-residents from 1 January 2027. The low-season discount does not apply to habituation.
Low-Season Gorilla Permits: Is the US$600 Rate Worth It?
The saving is US$200 per person. A couple saves US$400 and a family of four saves US$800, which is real money on a trip where the permit is the biggest single cost.
What you gain
- A lower total safari price, since permits are usually the largest line item.
- Fewer visitors in the park and more availability for your preferred sector.
- Lush, green forest scenery. Gorilla families are often easier to find because food is plentiful.
What to know before you book
- Low-season permits are reported to be non-reschedulable. If you pick April, May or November, treat the dates as fixed.
- Expect rain. Trails in Bwindi can be muddy and slippery, so good boots, a rain jacket and a waterproof bag for your camera matter more.
- The low-season rate applies to the trek date, not the date you pay.
If you can travel flexibly and are comfortable with some rain, the low season is the best value in Uganda gorilla tourism right now. If you need guaranteed dry weather or flexible dates, the standard rate in June to September or December to February is the safer choice.
Gorilla Habituation Experience: Is It Worth US$1,800?
The regular trek gives you one hour with a gorilla family. The gorilla habituation experience lets you spend up to four hours with a gorilla group that is still being prepared for tourism, alongside researchers and trackers. It takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
It costs more than double the standard permit and suits travellers who want longer, quieter time with the gorillas and are happy to hike for longer. For most first-time visitors the standard permit is the better value. For photographers and repeat visitors, habituation can be the highlight of the whole trip.
Some operators report that permits purchased before 1 January 2027 are charged at the current price even for 2027 travel dates. Confirm this with us before relying on it, because the rule can vary by permit type.
See our 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari if you want to combine two treks.
Chimpanzee Permit Prices for 2027
Many visitors pair gorillas with chimpanzees. From 1 January 2027, Kibale chimpanzee tracking rises from US$250 to US$300 for foreign non-residents. The Kibale chimpanzee habituation experience is listed at US$400. In April, May and November the Kibale tracking rate is US$200.
Looking for a combined trip? Our 3 Days Kibale Forest Safari fits neatly before or after a Bwindi trek.
Uganda vs Rwanda: How Do the Permit Prices Compare?
Rwanda's gorilla permit is US$1,500 per person. Uganda's standard permit is US$800, and the low-season permit is US$600. That gap often pays for several extra days in the country, including game drives, a boat cruise or chimpanzee tracking.
Uganda also offers more gorilla trekking sectors, which means more flexibility in picking a trek that suits your fitness level.
How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2027
Foreign non-residents can no longer buy gorilla permits directly from UWA. They must be booked through a licensed Ugandan tour operator.
Step 1: Choose your dates and sector. Decide when you want to trek and whether you prefer Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo. Each has a different difficulty level and drive time from other parks.
Step 2: Send your details to your operator. Share your preferred dates, number of travellers, passport names and sector preferences. Permits are issued in each traveller's name.
Step 3: Pay for your permits. UWA now expects full payment at the time of booking, and holds on unpaid permits have been discontinued. Expect your operator to ask for the permit cost up front.
Step 4: Arrange the rest of the trip. Book lodging near your trekking sector, transport and any extra activities once your permits are confirmed.
Step 5: Collect your permit. Your driver-guide will hand you the confirmed permit on arrival. Gorilla families are assigned at the morning briefing on the day of your trek.
For a deeper walkthrough, read our guide on how to book a gorilla permit in Uganda online.
When to Book
The dry months, June to September and December to February, sell out first. For those windows, aim to book permits three to six months ahead, and earlier still for popular sectors such as Buhoma. Low-season dates are easier to secure, but the rules on changes are stricter, so choose carefully.
UWA no longer sells standby permits at the park gate, so turning up and hoping for a cancellation is not a plan.
Not sure when to go? Our guide to the best time to visit Uganda covers weather by month.
What the Permit Includes (and What It Does Not)
Included: one hour with a habituated gorilla family, a ranger-guide and trackers, and a briefing before you set off.
Not included: park entry on other days, lodging, transport, meals, porters, tips, travel insurance, flights and your visa. The permit is only one part of the total cost, so see our breakdown of Uganda safari costs and hidden expenses before you set a budget.
Rules to Know Before You Trek
- Minimum age is 15 for gorilla trekking. For chimpanzee tracking in Kibale the minimum age is reported as 12.
- Anyone with a cold, flu or other contagious illness may be refused, because gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases.
- Keep a safe distance, speak quietly and avoid flash photography.
- If you are turned back because of illness on the day, a partial refund may apply under UWA rules. Ask your operator for the current terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2027?
US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Is there a cheaper gorilla permit in Uganda?
Yes. In April, May and November the permit costs US$600 for foreign non-residents and US$500 for foreign residents.
How much is the gorilla habituation experience in 2027?
US$1,800 for foreign non-residents from 1 January 2027, up from US$1,500.
Can I book a Uganda gorilla permit myself?
Foreign non-residents must book through a licensed Ugandan tour operator.
Are Uganda gorilla permits refundable?
Terms depend on the permit and the date. Low-season permits are reported to be non-reschedulable, so confirm the cancellation policy before you pay.
Is Uganda cheaper than Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Yes. Rwanda's permit is US$1,500, almost double Uganda's standard price.
Plan Your 2027 Gorilla Safari With Us
Permit availability changes daily, and the best sectors fill quickly. Tell us your dates and group size and we will check availability, quote the right permit rate and build a safari around it. You can contact us now by emailing to info@ugandasafaribookings.com or calling/ chatting with +256-700135510.
Prices are based on UWA's published tariff and may change. Always confirm current rates with us before booking.