Can I Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari Now?

Can I Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari Now? Yes, you can book a Uganda gorilla safari now. Gorilla trekking in Uganda runs every day of the year, permits are on sale for the rest of 2026 and for 2027, and licensed operators like Pick and Transfer Safaris can confirm your trip within days of your enquiry.

Whether you want to trek next week, over the Christmas holidays or during the peak months of 2027, the process is the same. You choose your dates and trip, we check permit availability in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and once payment is made, your gorilla permit is secured with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

There are, however, a few important things to know before you book. UWA changed its booking rules in 2026, new discounted low-season permits are now available, and some permit prices change on 1 January 2027. In this guide, we explain current availability, the new rules, prices, the booking process step by step, and the safaris you can book today.

Why So Many Travellers Ask “Can I Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari Now?”

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences on earth, but it is also one of the most limited. Only eight visitors can see each habituated gorilla family per day, and permits for popular dates sell out months in advance. That leaves many travellers wondering whether it is still possible to book, especially at short notice.

The good news is that Uganda has more habituated gorilla families than any other country, spread across Bwindi’s four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) and Mgahinga. This gives Uganda far more daily permits than Rwanda or the DR Congo, which means there is usually availability somewhere, even when your first-choice sector is full.

It is also worth knowing that Uganda’s standard gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda. That value, combined with better availability, makes Uganda the most practical place to book a gorilla safari at short notice.

Gorilla Permit Availability: What You Can Book Right Now

Availability depends on when you want to trek. Here is a general guide for travellers booking in late 2026:

Travel period	Season	Typical availability	Our advice
Next 2 – 4 weeks (late October)	Short rains	Often good, especially in Rushaga	Book immediately; last-minute trips are possible
November 2026	Low season (discounted permits)	Good	Excellent value; book soon to lock in the lower rate
December 2026 – February 2027	Peak dry season	Limited, especially around Christmas and New Year	Book as soon as possible
March – May 2027	Long rains (discounts in April and May)	Good	Great for budget travellers
June – September 2027	Peak dry season	Fills up early	Book now for the best choice of dates and lodges

Permit availability changes daily as other travellers book, so the table is only a guide. The fastest way to know for sure is to send us your dates. We check live availability with UWA and reply within 24 hours.

Can I Book a Last-Minute Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

Yes. Last-minute gorilla safaris are often possible in Uganda, especially outside the peak months. Because Uganda has more than 20 habituated gorilla families, there is a good chance of finding a permit in at least one sector, even with only a week or two of notice.

To improve your chances of a last-minute booking:

• Be flexible with your sector. If Buhoma is full, Rushaga or Nkuringo may still have permits. Rushaga has the most gorilla families in Bwindi.
• Be flexible with dates. Moving your trek by a day or two can open up availability.
• Start from Kigali. The southern sectors are about four hours from Kigali, making short-notice trips easier. See our Uganda gorilla safaris starting from Kigali.
• Consider Mgahinga. Its single family has only eight permits a day, but cancellations do happen.
• Pay promptly. Under the current UWA rules, permits are only secured once full payment is made, so a fast payment protects your spot.

For very short trips, our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali and 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali are the easiest to arrange at short notice. Kenlink Tours offers a comparable 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

Booking for November: The New Low-Season Discount

In 2026, UWA introduced discounted low-season gorilla and chimpanzee permits for trekking in April, May and November, in both 2026 and 2027. During these months, the gorilla trekking permit for foreign non-residents drops from USD 800 to around USD 600.

November is a short rainy season, but showers usually fall in the afternoon, and mornings are often clear for trekking. The forest is lush, there are fewer visitors and many lodges also offer lower rates. If your dates are flexible, booking a gorilla safari for November 2026 is one of the best-value options available right now.

Booking for the Christmas and New Year Holidays

December is one of the busiest months for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Families travel during the school holidays, and many visitors combine gorillas with a festive season break in East Africa. Permits around 20 December to 5 January go especially fast.

If you want to trek during the holidays, contact us right away. We can check every sector, suggest alternative dates and secure lodge rooms near your trekking point before they sell out. Our team is based in Kisoro and works throughout the holiday season.

Booking Now for 2027: Why Early Is Smart

If you are planning ahead, booking your 2027 gorilla safari now has real advantages:

• Best choice of dates and sectors, especially for June to September 2027
• Best lodge availability near your trekking sector
• Protection from price changes. UWA’s new tariff takes effect on 1 January 2027. The standard gorilla trekking permit is expected to stay at USD 800, but other permits rise. The gorilla habituation experience, for example, increases from USD 1,500 to USD 1,800. Permits bought before 1 January 2027 are generally charged at current prices, even for 2027 trekking dates. Ask us to confirm before you pay.

We recommend booking at least four to eight months ahead for peak season, and even earlier for groups or for Mgahinga.

How to Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari Now: Step by Step

Booking a gorilla safari with Pick and Transfer Safaris is simple. Here is exactly what happens from your first message to your trek:

1. Send us your enquiry. Fill in our contact form, email info@pickandtransfersafaris.com or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us your preferred trekking dates, number of travellers, nationality or residency status, starting point (Kigali or Entebbe) and preferred comfort level.
2. Receive a tailored itinerary and quote. Within 24 hours, we send you a proposed itinerary, the total price and the gorilla permit availability for your dates and preferred sector.
3. Adjust your trip. Want an extra night, chimpanzee tracking, a different lodge or a Rwanda extension? We revise the plan until it is exactly right.
4. Confirm and send your details. Once you are happy, send us the full names, nationalities and passport numbers of all travellers, exactly as they appear in the passports.
5. Pay for the gorilla permits. Under current UWA rules, permits are only secured after full payment. We purchase your permits as soon as payment is received.
6. Pay the safari deposit. A deposit confirms your accommodation, vehicle and guide. The balance is usually due before arrival.
7. Receive your confirmation. We send you a booking confirmation, permit details, a final itinerary and a pre-departure information pack.
8. Prepare and travel. Apply for your visa, get your yellow fever vaccination, pack your gear and get ready to meet the gorillas.

The whole process can be completed in just a few days, or even faster for last-minute trips.

The New UWA Permit Payment Rules Explained

In early 2026, UWA changed how gorilla permits are reserved. Previously, tour operators could hold a permit for a few days before full payment. Since 1 March 2026, that temporary reservation has been removed. A permit is only reserved with proof of full payment.

What this means for you:

• No more holding permits. You cannot reserve a gorilla permit without paying for it in full.
• Speed matters. If two people want the last permit for the same family on the same day, the one who pays first gets it.
• Book with a licensed operator. Foreign non-residents book permits through UWA-registered tour operators. We handle the purchase and paperwork for you.
• Permits are generally non-refundable. Cancellation terms are strict, so we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

This change makes it even more important to decide early and pay promptly once you have chosen your dates.

What Information Do You Need to Book a Gorilla Permit?

To purchase a gorilla permit, we need:

• Full name of each traveller as written in the passport
• Passport number and nationality
• Residency status (foreign non-resident, foreign resident, East African citizen)
• Preferred trekking date and park or sector
• Payment for the permit

Please double-check your passport details. UWA checks identity documents at the briefing, and errors can cause problems on the day.

Payment Options

Pick and Transfer Safaris offers secure payment options for international travellers, including bank transfer and card payments. We confirm the exact amount, currency and payment method in your quote. Always pay through official channels shared by our team, and never through unverified third parties.

Can I Book a Gorilla Permit Directly with UWA?

UWA’s rules state that foreign non-residents should book gorilla and chimpanzee permits through licensed tour operators. Booking through an operator also has practical benefits: we check availability across all sectors, match your permit to the right lodge, arrange transport to the briefing point and handle any changes. Booking a permit without transport and accommodation in the right sector can leave you hours away from your trailhead on the morning of the trek.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices: 2026 and 2027

Here are the main permit prices for foreign non-residents. Prices for foreign residents and East African citizens are lower.

Permit	Until 31 Dec 2026	From 1 Jan 2027
Gorilla trekking, standard months	USD 800	USD 800 (expected)
Gorilla trekking, April, May and November	About USD 600	About USD 600
Gorilla habituation experience (Bwindi)	USD 1,500	USD 1,800
Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale	USD 250	Confirm with us
Rwanda gorilla permit, for comparison	USD 1,500	USD 1,500

UWA tariffs can be updated at short notice, so always confirm the price with us before payment. Each permit includes park entry for the day, the services of UWA rangers and trackers, and one hour with the gorillas (or up to four hours for habituation).

How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost if I Book Now?

Your total cost depends on how many days you travel, your accommodation level, your group size and the season. As a guide, here are typical starting prices per person for two people sharing, including the gorilla permit:

Safari	Starting price per person
2 days gorilla tour from Kigali	From USD 1,200
3 days gorilla safari	From about USD 1,400
5 days gorillas and chimpanzees	From about USD 2,200
7 days Uganda safari	From about USD 2,800
10 days primates and wildlife	From about USD 3,800

Prices usually include permits, park fees, private 4×4 transport, a professional driver-guide, accommodation, meals and drinking water. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and drinks are extra. Booking during the November or April–May low season, or travelling as a group, lowers your cost.

Gorilla Safaris You Can Book Now with Pick and Transfer Safaris

Here are some of our most popular gorilla safaris, all available to book today:

• 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali: an express trek in Mgahinga for travellers with a single free day.
• 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali: our most popular short trip, with one night near Bwindi.
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari: a classic short safari from Entebbe.
• 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda: gorillas plus Lake Bunyonyi or culture.
• 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari: both great apes in one trip.
• 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari Starting from Rwanda: a primate circuit beginning in Kigali.
• 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour: chimps, gorillas and Big Five game drives.
• 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife: our most complete Uganda itinerary.
• 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure: the best of both countries in a week.

You can see every trip on our safari packages page.

More Gorilla Safari Ideas from Kenlink Tours

If you are comparing options, Kenlink Tours also runs a wide range of Uganda gorilla safaris. Useful examples include the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, the 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari, the 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Tour, the 7 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, the 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Safari and the 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari. Travellers on a budget can also check their scheduled departure safaris.

Solo travellers who want to share costs can look at Kenlink Tours’ group tours, and those who prefer to drive themselves can arrange a 4×4 through their car hire service.

What to Do After You Book Your Gorilla Safari

Once your gorilla safari is confirmed, use the time before departure to prepare:

• Apply for your visa. Most visitors need a Uganda e-visa (USD 50). If you start in Kigali, the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with multiple entries.
• Get vaccinated. A yellow fever certificate is required to enter Uganda. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention and routine vaccines.
• Buy travel insurance. Choose a policy that covers trip cancellation, medical care and emergency evacuation, since gorilla permits are generally non-refundable.
• Get trek-fit. Walk, hike or climb stairs regularly in the weeks before your trip. Gorilla treks can last from one hour to most of the day on steep, muddy terrain.
• Pack the right gear. Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, a small daypack, insect repellent and a camera without flash.
• Stay healthy. Rangers can refuse entry to visibly sick trekkers to protect the gorillas from human illness, so look after your health before the trek.
• Learn about the parks. Read about Bwindi, Mgahinga and the other places on your itinerary in our destinations section, or browse Kenlink Tours’ Uganda guide.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari Now with Pick and Transfer Safaris

When permits are limited and payment rules are strict, the operator you choose really matters. Here is why travellers book with us:

• We live next to the gorillas. Our office is on the Kabale–Kisoro road, close to Bwindi, Mgahinga and the Rwanda border. We know the sectors, lodges and roads personally.
• Fast replies. We respond to enquiries within 24 hours and can move quickly on last-minute bookings.
• Licensed and UWA-registered. We purchase permits directly with UWA and send you full confirmation.
• Our own hotel. Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro, opposite Nyakabande Airstrip, gives our guests a reliable, comfortable base near the gorilla parks.
• Affordable, honest pricing. Our company was founded to make gorilla trekking accessible to budget and mid-range travellers, with no hidden costs.
• Kigali specialists. We run short gorilla trips from Kigali every week, saving you many hours of driving.
• Responsible travel. Part of our profits supports orphans and vulnerable children through the Kigezi Foundation.

Read more about us and the team that will plan your trip.

Tips for a Smooth Gorilla Safari Booking

• Decide your dates early. The earlier you choose, the more options you have.
• Tell us about your fitness. We can request an easier-to-reach gorilla family when possible.
• Match your lodge to your sector. Bwindi’s sectors are hours apart by road. We always book your lodge close to your trekking point.
• Check your passport validity. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Ask about combinations. Adding chimpanzees in Kibale Forest or a game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park costs less when booked together.
• Consider the habituation experience. If you want four hours with the gorillas, book it before 1 January 2027 to benefit from the current price.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari Now?

Can I book a gorilla safari for next week? Often, yes. Last-minute availability depends on the season and sector. Send us your dates and we will check live permit availability immediately.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking in Uganda? For peak months (June to September and December to February), book four to eight months ahead. For low and shoulder seasons, a few weeks to two months is often enough.

Do I have to pay in full to book a gorilla permit? Yes. Since 1 March 2026, UWA only reserves permits with proof of full payment. The rest of your safari can usually be confirmed with a deposit.

Will the gorilla permit price go up in 2027? Under the new UWA tariff from 1 January 2027, the standard gorilla trekking permit is expected to remain USD 800, while the habituation permit rises to USD 1,800. Discounted permits for April, May and November continue. We confirm the exact price at the time of booking.

Can I get a refund if I cancel? Gorilla permits are generally non-refundable, and UWA’s policies are strict. Our safari cancellation terms are explained in your quote. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Can children join a gorilla safari? Children can join the safari, but the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. Younger children can enjoy game drives, boat cruises and community activities.

Is it safe to book and travel now? Yes. Uganda’s gorilla parks are well protected, and thousands of visitors trek safely every year. We monitor travel conditions closely and keep our guests informed.

Can I book directly through your website? Yes. Use our contact page or the quote form on any tour page, and our team will respond within 24 hours.

Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari Now

So, can you book a Uganda gorilla safari now? Absolutely. Permits are available for the coming weeks, the discounted November season, the busy holiday period and throughout 2027. With Uganda’s lower permit price, more gorilla families than any other country and short routes from Kigali, there has never been a better time to plan your encounter with the mountain gorillas.

The key is to act early. Under UWA’s current rules, permits go to whoever pays first, and the best dates fill up quickly. Send us your preferred dates and group size today, and we will check availability, send you a tailored itinerary and help you secure your permit before someone else does.

Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris now and start your gorilla adventure. We plan, you explore.