Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Limited

As you plan your Uganda safari, please remember that Gorilla trekking remains Uganda’s most iconic safari experience. Every day, only a limited number of permits are issued for habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and only 2 permits for Gorilla Habituation, where you get to spend 4 hours with the gorillas, compared to the normal permit that gives you 1 hour with the gorillas – a very deeply emotional moment, that everyone yearns for.

Why are Gorilla permits limited?

This is a conservation move aimed at protecting the mountain gorillas, to preserve their wild behaviour and natural environment. Only 8 visitors are allowed per group per day, with strict rules and regulations to be adhered to. This means that permit numbers are strictly controlled to protect mountain gorillas,  thus availability can become limited during peak travel periods of December – March & June- September.

We advise you to reserve gorilla permits for December 2026 and March 2027  as soon as possible to secure the preferred trekking dates and locations/lodge.

Why Booking Early Matters

Secure Your Preferred Gorilla Trekking Dates

Many travelers plan their entire safari around gorilla trekking.

Booking as early as now ensures you can obtain permits on your desired travel dates.

Have Access to the Best Safari Lodges

The most popular luxury, mid-range, and boutique lodges near Uganda’s major national parks often reach capacity months in advance during peak seasons. Booking as early as now gives you the privilege to stay in the Lodge of your choice and your preferred room categories.

Enjoy Better Safari Planning

Gorilla permits determine the flow of the itinerary, but when permits are secured early, accommodations are secured well ahead of time, and your safari itinerary can be planned more efficiently, allowing seamless connections between destinations.

Benefit from Flexible Payment Schedules

Of course, when you book early enough, you are required to deposit 30% 0r 50% the balance paid up 1 month before arrival. This allows travelers to spread costs over several months.

December 2026 – March 2027

This season is the high/peak season, where we see many travelers start their journeys. This period is among the most sought-after safari seasons in Uganda. For travelers planning to do a gorilla trekking and chimp tracking safaris this season, Gorilla permits and chimp permits get sold out quickly, thus you are advised to secure the permits for the particular intended dates of your travel. Once permits are secured, we move to secure accommodation, and your final itinerary will be crafted based on availability. For every wildlife safaris, honeymoon safari,  birding tour, and photography expedition, you are encouraged to secure accommodations as early as possible.

Uganda offers an exceptional blend of primate encounters particularly Gorilla and Chimp encounters with Big Five wildlife viewing in Queen, Kidepo, Lake Mburo & Murchison falls National park, stunning landscapes of the Virunga volcanoes, Lakes with backdrops of rolling hills like the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, Lake Mulehe, Lake Mburo, and authentic cultural experiences, making it one of Africa’s top safari destinations.