How to Reschedule Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

How to Reschedule Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Life happens—plans change. If you’re unable to travel on the original dates booked for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, it is possible to reschedule your gorilla permit. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has guidelines to help you change your dates, provided certain conditions are met.

Gorilla Permit Rescheduling Guidelines

Here’s what you need to know when rescheduling a gorilla permit in Uganda:

• Two Reschedules Max: You’re allowed a maximum of two reschedules for the same permit.

• Availability Matters: New dates and locations are subject to permit availability at the time of your request.

• First Reschedule – Free: Your first reschedule is free, provided your preferred new date is available.

• Second Reschedule – 25% Fee: A second reschedule will incur a 25% surcharge on the total cost of the permit.

• Validity Window: The new trekking date must fall within 12 months of your original booking.

• No Refunds: Once a permit is rescheduled, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

• Price Differences Apply: If your new date falls in a higher tariff period, you’ll need to top up the difference.

• Advance Notice Required: Rescheduling requests must be made at least 14 days before the trekking date. Requests made within 14 days may still be accepted but will include a 25% surcharge, subject to availability.

• Promotional or Complimentary Permits: These cannot be rescheduled and will be forfeited if unused.

• Commission Permits: Eligible for rescheduling within one year of issue, but all other rules still apply.

• Same Park, Same Activity: Rescheduling only applies within the same national park and for the same activity (e.g., gorilla trekking or habituation).

If you need assistance with rescheduling your gorilla trekking permit, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process and help you find the best new dates that work with your itinerary.

Getting to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Planning your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? Here’s how you can reach the different gorilla trekking sectors, whether you’re traveling by road or by air.

By Road

Bwindi is accessible from Kampala or Entebbe via a well-maintained highway, and the journey takes about 8–9 hours depending on your final destination:

• Northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija): Branch off the Kabale-Kisoro road and follow signs for the Uganda Wildlife Authority up to your trekking point.

• Southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo): Take the Muko turn-off along the Kabale-Kisoro highway.

By Air

If you’d prefer a quicker journey, you can fly from:

• Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to:

  • Kihihi Airstrip – for Buhoma and Ruhija

  • Kisoro Airstrip – for Rushaga and Nkuringo

Domestic flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda, and Trek Africa Expeditions can arrange your airport transfers to and from your lodge.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safe?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is very safe. It’s one of the country’s most organized and protected tourism experiences.

Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are heavily monitored by tourism police and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. During your trek, you’re accompanied by armed rangers trained to protect you from wild animals and ensure a secure experience in the forest.

An advance team of trackers heads out each morning to locate the gorillas and guide your group to their location, making the experience smooth and efficient.

Is the Road to Bwindi Safe?

The roads to Bwindi Forest are generally safe for tourists. However, driving times and road conditions can vary, especially during the rainy season. The terrain in the park can be steep, slippery, and unmarked, so be prepared for a challenging hike.

Gorilla trekking can last from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the gorilla group’s location. To make the most of your experience, come physically prepared and dress appropriately.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Uganda

As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is:

• $800 – Foreign non-residents

• $700 – Foreign residents in East Africa

• $500 – African nationals (non-EAC)

• $80 – East African citizens

Each permit allows for a one-hour encounter with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda is during the dry seasons:

• January to February

• June to early September

These months offer easier hiking conditions, clearer trails, and better visibility for photographing gorillas due to less dense vegetation.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

To ensure a comfortable and safe trek, pack the following essentials:

• Comfortable hiking boots

• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Garden gloves (for grabbing vegetation during the hike)

• Water bottle

• Camera and lenses (no flash)

• Binoculars

• Sunscreen and a hat

• Flashlight or torch with spare batteries

• Sweater/fleece for chilly mornings and evenings

• Wet wipes

• Sandals or flip-flops for evenings

• Swimwear (some lodges have pools or lakes nearby)

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Accommodation depends on your trekking sector in Bwindi. Here’s a breakdown:

Southern Sectors – Rushaga & Nkuringo

• Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Karungi Camp

• Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Sectors – Buhoma & Ruhija

• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman

• Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp

Trek Africa Expeditions can help you choose the right lodge based on your preferences and budget.

Which Bwindi Sector is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

Each sector offers a unique experience:

• Rushaga: Most popular with many habituated families, making permits easier to obtain.

• Buhoma: Easiest treks; some tourists complete their trek in just 3–4 hours.

• Nkuringo: Most challenging treks due to high elevation—best for experienced hikers.

• Ruhija: Great views and a mix of moderate trekking difficulty.

Regardless of where you trek, you have a 99% chance of seeing mountain gorillas.

Need Help with Rescheduling Your Gorilla Trekking Permit?

If your travel plans change and you need to reschedule your gorilla trekking permit, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll work with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to secure your new dates, ensure all requirements are met, and help you avoid unnecessary penalties.

We also offer a range of customized gorilla trekking tours across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—from budget to luxury options.

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to reschedule your permit or book your gorilla trekking safari with trusted experts.