How far in advance do i have to book my gorilla permit

A gorilla permit or a gorilla pass is a document issued by the government of Uganda through the Uganda Wildlife Authority to allow travellers to trek the mountain gorillas in a specified region of Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park through a registered tour operator.

Besides the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda has the second most affordable gorilla permit at USD 800 per gorilla permit per person, including the park entrance fees for that day, however, the gorilla permits are sold on a first come first serve basis which may require a booking to guarantee the permits.

Why book in advance?

Gorilla trek permits in Uganda must be booked 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if travelling during the high season (June to September and December to February). There are only 160 permits printed per day in Uganda, which usually causes scarcity, which is why you need to book in advance.

Only 8 people are allowed to visit a single gorilla group daily and there are only a handful of gorilla families in Uganda making it so difficult to get during the peak season from June to September and From December to February when most travellers take their summer and Christmas holidays.

How to book a gorilla permit

• Make contact with us

First, you will need to make contact with any of our offices in Africa or overseas where our African travel specialist will provide travel information about the gorillas and Uganda.

• Choose itinerary

You will proceed and choose the best holiday package you would like after receiving travel information from our experts and this will help determine which part of Bwindi Forest, we will need to secure permits from and the lodge.

• Pick travel dates

You will communicate to us your preferred travel dates and our safari consultant will check the availability of gorilla permits for the specified date and we will notify you and continue to book them temporarily for 48 hours. 

• Make a decision and receive a quote

After all documents are set, we will expect you to make decision in less than 48 hrs. After our consultant will send you a quote to make a 40% reservation fee for the permit.

• Make the first instalment and Send a copy of the passport

You will proceed to make the first instalment via bank transfer and share with us proof of payment and a copy of your passport with us and we will proceed with the reservation. 

Note: this policy does not apply to Rwanda, for Rwanda, you have to pay the full amount for Gorilla permits upon reservation to guarantee the permits.

• Receive proof of payment from us

After all is done, we will share scanned copies of your booked and paid gorilla permit documents and share with you. 

• 4 weeks before travel make the final payment

4 weeks before your date of travel we will send you the final quote and you will proceed to make the final payment, we will print your gorilla permits and we will hand them over to you with other travel documents for your safari and you will be ready to enjoy your memorable safari with us.