Uganda has introduced a Preferred Green Season gorilla permit rate of USD 600 (down from USD 800) for travel in April, May, and November, effective from April this year and continuing unless the Uganda Wildlife Authority changes it.
This is the same gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, but with fewer visitors and greener landscapes in these months. Permits are limited per day and cannot be rescheduled once confirmed, so planning early matters.
There are few wildlife encounters that truly shift perspective. Sitting quietly in the presence of a wild mountain gorilla family is one of them.
Uganda has now made that experience more accessible during select months of the year.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has confirmed that gorilla trekking permits remain at $800, with a newly introduced Preferred Green Season rate of $600 available in April, May, and November.
The encounter itself does not change.
The forest remains ancient.
The gorillas remain wild.
The conservation standards remain strict.
What changes is the timing — and the atmosphere.
The Bwindi Advantage
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s great biological treasures. It protects more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The 2025 Bwindi Chimpanzee Census confirmed a population of 426 chimpanzees, reinforcing Bwindi’s rare ecological distinction. It is the only forest in Africa where travelers can potentially encounter both gorillas and chimpanzees within the same ecosystem.
Uganda Wildlife Authority has confirmed its 2026–27 tariff structure. Gorilla permits remain at $800. The newly introduced Preferred Green Season rate of $600 applies during April, May, and November.
For discerning travelers, this presents a meaningful opportunity: the same world-class gorilla encounter, fewer trekkers on the trails, tangible support for local communities, and a more intimate atmosphere.
Why the Green Season Appeals to Travelers
Low season is not a compromise. For many seasoned safari travelers, it is preferred.
Exclusivity
Trails are quieter, allowing for a more private gorilla encounter.
Curated Value
The $600 Green Season permit creates flexibility within a bespoke itinerary without reducing quality.
Scenic Beauty
April, May, and November bring deep green landscapes and misty forests that enhance the atmosphere.
Tailored Service
Our professional guides ensure seamless movement from airstrip to lodge to trekking trail.
Community Impact
Porters and support teams come directly from surrounding communities. Your safari directly supports local families.
For more insight into year-round travel, see our guide: Why Uganda is Perfect for Gorilla Trekking.
Luxury Lodges and Experiences
A gorilla trek is only part of the journey. At Nandi Adventures, we pair your permit with Uganda’s leading forest lodges, where comfort and setting matter just as much as the encounter itself. This is a sample of some of the lodges we partner with to give you an exclusive experience of comfort in the wilderness.
Erebero Hills by Asilia
A refined addition to Bwindi, Erebero Hills blends contemporary design with panoramic forest views. Spacious suites and thoughtful service create a restorative retreat. This luxurious property by Asilia opens it suites this year in July.
A&K Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Located within Bwindi itself, this lodge offers rare proximity to trekking start points. Its intimate scale and eco-conscious design appeal to luxury travelers.
Silverback Lodge
Overlooking rolling hills, Silverback Lodge balances luxurious warmth with modern comfort on the edge of a 25,000 year old forest.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Dramatically positioned above the clouds, this lodge offers private cottages, fireplaces, and elevated dining experiences.
For more inspiration, see our guide: Where to Stay in Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Tariff Adjustments
Beginning January 1, 2027, UWA will adjust selected primate experience tariffs:
Gorilla Habituation: $1,800 (previously $1,500)
Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking: $300 (with Green Season rate of $200)
Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation: $400
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking: $200
African passport holders will also benefit from expanded discounted rates across several experiences.
Gorilla trekking permits remain at $800 standard, with the $600 Preferred Green Season rate continuing for April, May, and November unless revised.
Who Should Consider Traveling During the Preferred Green Season?
This window is ideal for:
- Luxury travelers seeking exclusivity
- Honeymooners valuing privacy
- Photographers drawn to soft light and dramatic skies
- Families balancing experience and timing
- Travelers comparing Rwanda and Uganda
Permits remain limited daily and cannot be rescheduled once confirmed.
How Nandi Adventures Designs Green Season Safaris
By aligning your dates with the seasonal permit window, you gain both value and atmosphere.
We design privately guided journeys that include:
- Realistic pacing and balanced drive times
- Carefully matched lodge selection
- Experienced professional guides
- Seamless internal flights where appropriate
- Conservation-aligned experiences
Low season does not mean compromise. It means thoughtful timing. We monitor permit availability directly and can typically confirm availability within six hours of receiving your inquiry.
Inquire now to check permit availability and begin shaping your Uganda experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the green-season Uganda gorilla trekking permit rates apply?
The $600 rate applies in April, May, and November in 2026 and 2027 unless revised by UWA.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2026?
The standard rate remains $800. The Preferred Green Season rate is $600 during April, May, and November.
How much is a chimpanzee tracking permit in Uganda during low season?
$200 per person for foreign non-residents in Kibale during Green Season months.
Why is the Green Season ideal for luxury travelers?
Fewer visitors, richer landscapes, softer light, and a more personal forest experience.
Can Green Season permits be rescheduled?
No. They cannot be rescheduled once confirmed.
Is gorilla trekking affected by rain?
Treks operate daily. Rain is possible, but sightings remain strong year-round.
Should I book my 2027 primate trek now?
Yes. Permits are limited daily. Booking 6–9 months in advance is recommended.
