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Uganda Low Season Gorilla Trekking 2026 and 2027 | USD 600 Permits | Wander and Wonder Tours

April, May and November in Uganda

Meet the mountain gorillas for USD 600 and have the forest almost to yourself

While most travellers wait for the dry months, the Uganda Wildlife Authority opens a quiet window each year. The permit is cheaper, the forest is emerald and the trails are calm. Twelve safaris are ready for you to reserve, from budget road trips to a three day luxury fly in.

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Quick answers

Uganda gorilla trekking in low season at a glance

USD 600Gorilla trekking permit per person for foreign non residents. The standard rate is USD 800.
3 monthsThe UWA low season months are April, May and November.
1 or 4 hoursOne hour on a standard trek, up to four hours on the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
BwindiHome to about half of all mountain gorillas alive, in southwest Uganda.
AprilMayNovember

Rwanda charges USD 1,500 for the same one hour. In Uganda you save well over half, and you can pair gorillas with chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls on one itinerary. Permit dates are fixed once purchased, so we reserve early for you.

The story

A Tuesday morning you will retell for the rest of your life

Mist hangs in the trees. Your ranger raises a hand and the forest goes quiet. Then a silverback, calm and enormous, looks straight at you and goes back to his breakfast. Low season gives you this, with fewer boots on the trail and a price that lets you stay an extra night.

Ready to book

Budget low season gorilla safaris

Half board lodges, a 4x4 and a driver guide.

4 DaysBudget

4 Day Low Season Gorilla Trekking Safari

Four days. Three nights. One hour that changes how you see the world, face to face with a mountain gorilla family.

Bwindi. Includes Gorilla trekking permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Bwindi via Mbarara, stop at the Equator. Overnight at Gorilla Haven's Lodge or similar, half board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla trekking with UWA rangers, then one hour with your gorilla family. Rest and tell the story over dinner.
  3. Day 3 Morning at leisure, then a canoe on Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight at the lake.
  4. Day 4 Scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch en route.
Close itinerary

From USD 1,823 per person sharing

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5 DaysBudget

5 Day Low Season Gorilla Habituation Experience

Most people get one hour with gorillas. You will get four, walking beside a family still learning to trust humans.

Rushaga. Includes Gorilla habituation permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Rushaga, Bwindi south. Overnight at Gorilla Haven's Lodge or similar, half board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla Habituation Experience with researchers and trackers, up to four hours with the family.
  3. Day 3 Batwa cultural encounter and a forest walk, second night in Rushaga.
  4. Day 4 Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a canoe ride, overnight by the water.
  5. Day 5 Return to Kampala through Lake Mburo, with a stop for the zebras.
Close itinerary

From USD 3,613 per person sharing

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6 DaysBudget

6 Day Gorillas and Chimpanzees Low Season Safari

Chimpanzees in the morning canopy, tree climbing lions in the savannah, gorillas in the mist. Three great apes of Uganda in one trip.

Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Includes Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Kibale. Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp, half board.
  2. Day 2 Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, then on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight at Simba Safari Lodge.
  3. Day 3 Game drive across the Kasenyi plains, then Ishasha and on to Bwindi. Overnight at Gorilla Haven's Lodge or similar.
  4. Day 4 Gorilla trekking, then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for the night.
  5. Day 5 Canoe at sunrise, drive to Lake Mburo for an evening nature walk.
  6. Day 6 Return to Kampala with lunch en route.
Close itinerary

From USD 2,653 per person sharing

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7 DaysBudget

7 Day Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Gorilla Safari

The Nile thunders through a ten metre gap, then the forest takes over. A full Uganda circuit on a budget that still ends with gorillas.

Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Includes Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Murchison Falls via Masindi. Overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
  2. Day 2 Morning game drive, afternoon Nile delta and falls experience. Second night at Red Chilli.
  3. Day 3 Drive to Fort Portal and Kibale. Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp.
  4. Day 4 Chimpanzee tracking, then Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight at Simba Safari Lodge.
  5. Day 5 Ishasha sector and the road to Bwindi. Overnight at Gorilla Haven's Lodge or similar.
  6. Day 6 Gorilla trekking, relax and share the day with your guide.
  7. Day 7 Return to Kampala with lunch en route.
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From USD 2,943 per person sharing

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Midrange low season gorilla safaris

Full board lodges, private vehicle and extra comfort at every stop.

4 DaysMidrange

4 Day Midrange Low Season Gorilla Trekking Safari

Full board comfort in the forest, a private 4x4 and a guide who knows the trails by heart.

Bwindi. Includes Gorilla trekking permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Bwindi. Overnight at Dorotia's Eco Lodge Resort or similar, full board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family. Lodge dinner by the fire.
  3. Day 3 Batwa trail or village walk, then Lake Bunyonyi for the night.
  4. Day 4 Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 2,452 per person sharing

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5 DaysMidrange

5 Day Midrange Gorilla Habituation Experience

Four hours with a gorilla family in the making, followed by lakeside evenings and proper rest.

Rushaga. Includes Gorilla habituation permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Rushaga. Overnight at Dorotia's Eco Lodge Resort or similar, full board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla Habituation Experience, up to four hours with the family.
  3. Day 3 Recovery morning, Batwa cultural encounter, second night in Rushaga.
  4. Day 4 Lake Bunyonyi canoe and overnight stay.
  5. Day 5 Via Lake Mburo to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 4,523 per person sharing

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6 DaysMidrange

6 Day Midrange Queen Elizabeth and Gorilla Safari

Savannah sunrise, a Kazinga Channel afternoon with hippos, then the quiet of the gorilla forest.

Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Includes Gorilla trekking permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Queen Elizabeth. Overnight at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge, full board.
  2. Day 2 Game drive across Kasenyi and a Kazinga Channel launch cruise. Second night in the park.
  3. Day 3 Ishasha for tree climbing lions, then to Bwindi. Overnight at Dorotia's Eco Lodge Resort or similar.
  4. Day 4 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family.
  5. Day 5 Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, canoe and overnight.
  6. Day 6 Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 3,353 per person sharing

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8 DaysMidrange

8 Day Midrange Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari

The complete Pearl of Africa. Falls, forest, savannah and gorillas, at an unhurried pace with full board lodges.

Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Includes Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Murchison Falls. Overnight at Pabidi Safari Lodge.
  2. Day 2 Game drive and Nile cruise to the falls. Second night at Pabidi.
  3. Day 3 Drive to Kibale. Overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge.
  4. Day 4 Chimpanzee tracking, then Queen Elizabeth. Overnight at Irungu Forest Safari Lodge.
  5. Day 5 Morning game drive and Kazinga cruise, then Ishasha to Bwindi. Overnight at Dorotia's Eco Lodge Resort or similar.
  6. Day 6 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family.
  7. Day 7 Lake Bunyonyi canoe and a night on the lake.
  8. Day 8 Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 4,525 per person sharing

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Luxury low season gorilla safaris

Mahogany Springs, Paraa, Mweya and Kyaninga, with Aerolink flights for the short escape.

3 DaysLuxury

3 Day Luxury Fly In Gorilla Safari with Aerolink

Skip the long road. Fly from Entebbe, meet the gorillas in the morning, be home with the story by day three.

Bwindi. Includes Gorilla trekking permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir. Return Aerolink flight included.

  1. Day 1 Aerolink flight Entebbe to Kihihi, transfer to Bwindi. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge or similar, full board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family. Spa or forest walk in the afternoon.
  3. Day 3 Transfer to Kihihi and fly back to Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 4,772 per person sharing

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4 DaysLuxury

4 Day Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari

Mahogany Springs Lodge, a private vehicle and a guide for your family alone. Gorillas without compromise.

Bwindi. Includes Gorilla trekking permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Bwindi. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge or similar, full board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family. Lodge dinner under the stars.
  3. Day 3 Batwa cultural trail, lodge spa and a slow afternoon. Second night at the lodge.
  4. Day 4 Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 5,148 per person sharing

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5 DaysLuxury

5 Day Luxury Gorilla Habituation Experience

For travellers who want the deepest gorilla experience in Uganda, four hours and a luxury lodge to return to.

Rushaga. Includes Gorilla habituation permit, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Rushaga. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge or similar, full board.
  2. Day 2 Gorilla Habituation Experience, up to four hours with the family.
  3. Day 3 Rest, spa and Batwa cultural encounter. Second night at the lodge.
  4. Day 4 Scenic day at Lake Bunyonyi, canoe and lunch. Return to the lodge.
  5. Day 5 Drive to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 8,156 per person sharing

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7 DaysLuxury

7 Day Luxury Uganda Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari

Paraa, Kyaninga, Mweya and Mahogany Springs. Four of Uganda's finest lodges linked by one private guide.

Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Includes Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, vehicle, driver guide, lodging and a surprise souvenir.

  1. Day 1 Kampala to Murchison Falls. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.
  2. Day 2 Game drive and Nile cruise to the falls. Second night at Paraa.
  3. Day 3 Drive to Kibale. Overnight at Kyaninga Lodge.
  4. Day 4 Chimpanzee tracking, then Queen Elizabeth. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
  5. Day 5 Kazinga cruise, Ishasha, then Bwindi. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge or similar.
  6. Day 6 Gorilla trekking and one hour with your family.
  7. Day 7 Return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Close itinerary

From USD 9,244 per person sharing

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All prices are in US dollars per person sharing, travel in April, May or November. Chimpanzee tracking is included in the packages that visit Kibale at the USD 200 low season permit. Park entry and boat fees are confirmed at booking. Budget tours by road are available on request.

Uganda or Rwanda

Which country gives you more gorilla for your money

Uganda low seasonRwanda
PermitUSD 600 (USD 800 standard)USD 1,500
Longer encounterHabituation, up to 4 hoursNot offered
Combine withChimps, big game, Nile fallsGolden monkeys, Nyungwe
Gorilla parksBwindi and MgahingaVolcanoes

Questions

What travellers ask before they book

When is low season for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority low season months for discounted gorilla permits are April, May and November. Foreign non resident visitors pay USD 600 for a gorilla trekking permit instead of USD 800.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in low season?

A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 600 per person in April, May and November. Habituation permits are priced separately and our habituation packages use the USD 1,800 tariff. Please confirm current rates with us before paying.

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Both protect mountain gorillas. Rwanda permits cost USD 1,500 for one hour, while Uganda permits cost USD 800, or USD 600 in low season. Uganda also offers the four hour habituation experience, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife and Murchison Falls on the same trip.

Will it rain during low season?

April, May and November are green, wet months. Mornings are often clear, the forest is lush and trails are muddier. Gorillas are tracked every day in all weather, and we supply porter advice and packing guidance.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and habituation?

Trekking gives you one hour with a habituated family. The Gorilla Habituation Experience gives you up to four hours with a family still being introduced to people, in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.

How do I reserve a permit with Wander and Wonder Tours?

Press the Reserve my permit button on any package. It opens an email to bookings@wanderandwonderug.com with the package name, summary and price filled in, so we can match your request instantly.

The gorillas are not waiting, and neither are the permits

Low season permits are limited and dates are fixed once bought. Press Reserve my permit on any safari or talk to us now.

Email bookingsWhatsApp +44 7826 805254