New Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit Price Effective July 2026
Low Season Chimpanzee Trekking Discounts available in Uganda
Low Season Gorilla Trekking Discounts in Uganda Now Available. Uganda has introduced discounted low season gorilla trekking permits, creating an excellent opportunity for travelers who want to experience mountain gorillas at a lower cost while still enjoying the same unforgettable wildlife encounter. These special permits apply during the low season months of April, May and November. During this period, travelers can track mountain gorillas in the dense rainforests of southwestern Uganda while paying significantly less than the standard permit price.
This new pricing structure allows more visitors to access one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on earth. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which protect populations of endangered mountain gorillas. The discounted permits make these experiences more accessible while still maintaining strict conservation rules and limited visitor numbers.
The new rates are set at 600 USD for Foreign Non Residents and 500 USD for Foreign Residents during the low season months. These prices represent a substantial reduction compared to the regular permit prices that will rise to 800 USD for Foreign Non Residents and 700 USD for Foreign Residents starting in July 2026. Low Season Gorilla Trekking Discounts in Uganda Now Available this offers travelers a rare opportunity to see mountain gorillas while benefiting from considerable savings.
Understanding the Low Season Gorilla Permit Discount
The low season permit program was introduced to encourage tourism during Uganda’s quieter months. April, May and November coincide with the country’s rainy seasons, when international visitor numbers traditionally decline. By reducing permit costs, Uganda Wildlife Authority hopes to stimulate travel while maintaining conservation funding.
Even though these months fall within the rainy season, gorilla trekking continues every day. The forests remain open, the gorilla families are still accessible, and trained rangers guide visitors safely through the jungle. Rainfall in these months often occurs in short bursts rather than constant storms, meaning treks can still be completed successfully.
Travelers who choose these months often enjoy several advantages. The forests are lush and vibrant, the landscape is incredibly green, and wildlife sightings can be spectacular. Lower visitor numbers also mean a quieter and more personal trekking experience.
Where Gorilla Trekking Takes Place in Uganda
Uganda offers two national parks where mountain gorillas can be tracked. The most famous destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda along the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. Bwindi contains nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and hosts multiple habituated gorilla families that visitors can track each day.
The park is divided into four main trekking sectors. Buhoma in the north is the oldest and most established sector with good infrastructure and historic lodges. Ruhija lies in the eastern part of the park and is known for beautiful forest scenery and excellent bird watching. Rushaga in the south offers the highest number of gorilla families and also hosts the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Nkuringo, also in the southern region, provides dramatic views and rewarding trekking experiences.
The second location is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is smaller but incredibly scenic. The park lies within the Virunga Mountains and borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga hosts the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which has become increasingly stable and available for trekking.
Both parks offer the same one hour viewing experience with mountain gorillas once they are located. Visitors trek with trained rangers and trackers who monitor the gorilla families daily.
Why Low Season Gorilla Trekking Is Still an Amazing Experience
Some travelers worry that visiting during the rainy season may affect their trekking experience. However, many experienced safari travelers actually prefer these months because the forest environment becomes even more vibrant and alive.
During April, May and November, Bwindi’s rainforest transforms into a dense green jungle filled with mist and dramatic lighting. Photographers often appreciate these conditions because soft cloud cover creates beautiful lighting for wildlife photography. The forests also feel cooler and fresher, making long treks more comfortable.
Another advantage is that gorilla families often remain at slightly lower altitudes when food is abundant. This can sometimes reduce trekking times compared to the dry season when gorillas may travel further into higher terrain.
Visitor numbers are also lower during these months. This means less congestion at park headquarters, quieter trails, and a more relaxed atmosphere during the trekking experience.
Important Booking Rules for Discounted Permits
Although the discounted permits provide excellent value, travelers should be aware of an important rule. Low season gorilla trekking permits cannot be rescheduled once they are booked. This policy means travelers must carefully confirm their travel dates before making payment.
Because the permits are date specific and non transferable, it is essential for travelers to plan their flights, accommodation and transportation carefully. Tour operators usually recommend booking flights and accommodation first, then confirming gorilla permits immediately afterward.
For travelers with flexible schedules, the discounted permits provide one of the best wildlife travel deals in Africa.
A Sample Three Day Gorilla Trekking Itinerary During the Low Season
Many travelers combine gorilla trekking with a short safari itinerary. Below is an example of a typical three day gorilla trekking trip from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
On the first day travelers are picked up early in the morning in Kigali and drive through the beautiful countryside of Rwanda toward the Uganda border. The journey continues into southwestern Uganda where the landscape changes into rolling hills and terraced farmland. After crossing the border, the drive continues toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travelers arrive at their lodge in the afternoon where they relax and prepare for the following day’s trek.
On the second day travelers wake early for breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a pre trekking briefing. Rangers explain the rules of gorilla trekking, safety guidelines and conservation efforts. Visitors are then assigned to specific gorilla families based on trekking ability and group size. The trek into the forest begins with experienced guides and trackers leading the way.
The trekking time can range from one to several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, visitors spend one magical hour observing their behavior. During this time travelers watch gorillas feed, groom each other, play and interact naturally in their forest home. After the visit the group returns to the starting point and then transfers back to the lodge for relaxation.
On the third day travelers return to Kigali or continue their safari in Uganda with wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi or Kibale Forest National Park.
Best Time to Take Advantage of the Low Season Discount
The discounted permit program applies in April, May and November. Each of these months offers unique advantages for travelers.
April and May are part of the long rainy season in Uganda. During this time the forest is extremely green and vibrant. The scenery throughout southwestern Uganda is stunning with mist rising from the mountains and fresh vegetation covering the hillsides.
November marks the short rainy season and is often an excellent month for gorilla trekking. Rain showers are typically shorter and the forest remains lush and beautiful.
Travelers who do not mind occasional rain often discover that these months provide a more peaceful and authentic experience compared to the busier dry seasons.
Combining Gorilla Trekking With Other Safari Experiences
Many visitors combine their gorilla trekking trip with other wildlife experiences in Uganda. One popular extension is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos and many antelope species. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel allows visitors to observe large concentrations of wildlife along the water’s edge.
Another excellent addition is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is known as the primate capital of the world and hosts one of the largest chimpanzee populations in East Africa.
Travelers may also visit Lake Bunyonyi after their trek. This scenic lake is surrounded by terraced hills and offers a relaxing environment after the physical effort of gorilla trekking.
Why Uganda Remains the Best Value Destination for Gorilla Trekking
Uganda continues to be one of the most affordable destinations for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. Compared to neighboring countries, Uganda offers lower permit prices while still providing the same intimate experience with endangered mountain gorillas.
The introduction of discounted low season permits strengthens Uganda’s position as a leading destination for primate tourism. Travelers can enjoy world class wildlife experiences, diverse landscapes and warm local hospitality while supporting conservation and community development.
For travelers who are flexible with their schedules, the low season discount represents an exceptional opportunity to see one of the rarest animals on earth while saving hundreds of dollars. Uganda’s mountain gorillas remain one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters available anywhere in the world. With the introduction of these seasonal discounts, more travelers now have the chance to step into the rainforest, follow expert trackers, and spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Low Season Gorilla Trekking Discounts in Uganda Now Available contact Eco Adventure Safaris here to book for you a discounted gorilla trekking tour.