Purchasing Uganda gorilla permits Via Auto

Purchase of permits Via AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) is currently not available in Uganda, and this is because the Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of the permits, and these can only be purchased directly from UWA by citizens and a trusted tour operator registered with AUTO. Tour operators don’t issue out permits but purchase them on behalf of the tourist from UWA. The reason why it is only UWA responsible for the gorilla permits is that it is easier to regulate the number of permits printed per day and to avoid overbooking of the gorilla permits for the same dates by different tourists. Uganda prints about 152 gorilla permits per day and this is to regulate the number of people accessing the National Park and avoid human congestion.

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The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) is the official body that is responsible for all registered tour operators in Uganda. Note that it is not the gorilla issuing and selling body but helps with regulating the tour operators and how they run their businesses. When you belong to AUTO, you have several advantages of getting to know about the statuses of gorilla permits and other safari destination updates. You can easily access the website to check for the availability of the gorilla permits when you belong to AUTO.

Cost of the gorilla permit in Uganda

A gorilla permit is a legal document that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to all tourists planning to gain access to the trekking destinations. Gorilla trekking is not possible if you do not have the gorilla permit and this has to be purchased in advance. In 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority increased the cost of the gorilla trekking permit, and this was done to improve the services rendered at the park headquarters and to make sure that conservation goes on. The cost of the gorilla permit in Uganda is the same for both destinations and it is as below.

Foreign non-residents USD800

Foreign residents USD700

African citizens USD500

EAC citizens UGX300,000.

Note that the Uganda Wildlife Authority does not offer discounts during the low season on the cost of the gorilla permit, and they are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost of the habituation permit is a bit higher and the cost is as below:

Foreign non-residents USD1500

Foreign residents USD1000

African citizens USD1000

EAC citizens UGX750,000.

The cost of the gorilla permit depends on the category of tourists visiting the country and these are Foreign non-residents, Foreign non-residents, citizens from other African countries and East African Citizens (these are from countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan).

Note that there are no standby permits sold in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks anymore, and these have to be purchased in advance before traveling to Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari. However, in instances where there is a no-show, especially because of sickness, you can be offered the permit for purchasing by the Spec of the National Park, but this is rare, and you will not be offered any discount in such circumstances.

What is included in the gorilla trek permit

The gorilla trekking permit covers several essential things that are needed for the gorilla trek because, without them, gorilla trekking would not be possible. The gorilla permit cost includes and covers the following.

Guide fees: The guide fees are covered under the permit cost, and this acts as their salary, improving their livelihood. Guides are trained by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they undergo retreats and seminars to refresh their memory and add new knowledge about the gorillas and their natural habitat. Guides know the different Mountain gorilla families and their characteristics and help with conservation measures.

Maintenance of the parks: The national parks where gorilla trekking takes place need to be well taken care of and the money used is got after the sale of the gorilla permit. Maintenance involves improving services at the park headquarters, working on the trails and maintaining the road system. Ranger guides need machetes to sometimes clear the path for the trekkers and radio calls to ease communication.

Security: Bwindi and Mgahinga are found in remote areas and with the help of the government and other security agencies, 24/7 security has to be provided. The park provides armed rangers that are trained by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect the Mountain gorillas and trekkers.

Community projects: 20% of the total cost of the gorilla permit is used to uplift the communities around the national parks by constructing roads, health facilities, road maintenance and projects that help uplift the livelihood of the locals living around the national park.

How to purchase Gorilla Trek Permits 2025

Purchasing a gorilla permit involves several steps depending on whether you plan on purchasing the permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, if you are a citizen or a trusted tour operator. When you start planning a gorilla safari to Uganda, identify the trek dates you hope to take on gorilla trekking and identify if you are hoping to do it solo or with several people you are traveling with. This helps to check for the availability of the permits you wish to purchase on your intended date.

Our consultants at Encounter Africa Safaris check for the availability of the permits using the Uganda Wildlife Authority website and will get back to you with the available status. In cases where the permits are not available, you will be advised to alter the dates so that you cover the ones that are available especially if you do not have a special occasion like anniversaries. When the permits are available, we will ask for payments to be made as soon as possible for the permits to be purchased.

After the purchase has been made, you will be requested to provide a few personal details like full names as they appear on the passport, passport expiry date, nationality and other details that will be deemed important. These details are used and added to your profile at the back of the gorilla permit card on the black strip. These same details are used when issuing your certificate after completing gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla permit refunds and cancellations

Gorilla permits are an essential part of gorilla trekking, but there are times when tourists miss out due to unavoidable circumstances. Note that the permits are only valid from the time they were purchased till the trekking date. In case one feels like they might miss out on the trekking with valid reasons, you should reschedule at least two weeks before the trek date by writing a formal letter to the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority through your tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris.  Note that the Uganda Wildlife Authority only issues refunds when you fail to make it because you are sick on the trek date and this has to be proven by the wardens in charge. Tourists who also fail to make it because of bad weather, failing to leave their country of origin or any other valid reason have to provide evidence to be able to get the refund. Permits are generally non-refundable but due to some circumstances, the following are considered when a refund schedule has been asked.

• When visitors track gorillas the whole day and fail to locate them, they will be granted a 75% refund of the trekking fee. Note that all the refunds are effected from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters at the Reservation office.

• When making a refund, UWA retains a certain percentage when you cancel and below is the cancellation policy.
• A 75% refund made to the client if you cancel 91 days and above before the trekking date
• A 50% refund is made to the client when you cancel 46 to 90 days before the trek date
• A 25% refund is made when you cancel 9 to 45 days before the trek date
• No refund is made if a client cancels 0 to 8 days before the trek date.

Do I own the gorilla permit after purchase?

Yes, you own the gorilla permit from the day of purchase to the day of trekking and after this, the ownership of the permit goes back to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. When you purchase the gorilla permit through a trusted tour operator, a copy of the permit is attached for record purposes and to confirm that the permit has been purchased on your behalf. When you get to Uganda, the permit will be with your driver guide who will hand it over to you. On the day of the trek, you will leave your gorilla permit at the park headquarters with UWA authorities who will send them back to the headquarters in Kampala.

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is different for each person but the best one can have on their safari. Tracking time for gorillas in both Bwindi and Mgahinga is between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm, and this is after attending a briefing in the morning where you are told about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking; you will also be divided into groups of 8, assigned gorilla families to trek and thereafter the trekking starts. The trekking can take about 1 to 6 hours and this all depends on where the gorilla family you have assigned is located on the day of the trek. After locating the Mountain gorillas, you will have to spend an hour with the Mountain gorillas and thereafter head back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate of participation.

Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda

In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the only gorilla trekking safari destinations in the country. Mgahinga is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has Bout 21 habituated Mountain gorilla families, which are found in the sectors of the National Park, which include Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija. Two families in the Rushaga sector were set apart for gorilla habituation, which is only offered in Rushaga.

Both national parks are found in southwestern Uganda with Bwindi having the highest number of Mountain gorillas in the world. It is also the only place in Uganda and the world where gorilla habituation involves studying and making sure that the gorillas get used to the presence of humans.

Why you need to choose a tour operator under AUTO for your gorilla safari

Tour operators licensed by AUTO are the best when planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda because they ensure that you have and receive the best service and safety during the exercise. The safari operators undergo vetting and are expected to uphold exceptional standards that are established by the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and the Uganda Tourism Board. The reasons for choosing a licensed tour operator for purchasing gorilla permits and organizing gorilla safaris include the following.

Tour operators licensed under AUTO are the only ones that are authorized to sell gorilla, chimpanzee and Golden Monkey trekking permits. This is to make sure that you’re buying a gorilla permit from professionals and trustworthy groups of people.

Choosing an AUTO member ensures that you are working with professionals who have a proven track record. Ensure that you are getting a reputable tour operator for your adventure.

An AUTO tour operator has exclusive access to the most sought-after gorilla permits, and they ensure that you get your spot when you book and purchase the permits in time.

AUTO tour operators have extensive knowledge about Uganda and where gorilla trekking is carried out. Their expertise allows them to provide the right answers to the tourists about gorilla trekking and enrich the safari experience.

When you select an AUTO tour operator, you have peace of mind knowing that you are working with a reputable company ensuring that you are making the best choice when it comes to gorilla trekking.

Contact us for more information.