This page contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
<aside> ❗
Check official advice before you book. Governments disagree about Uganda right now. The US State Department rates the whole country Level 4 (Do Not Travel), a rating dating from June 2026, during the Ebola outbreak. It was still in place when we checked in October 2026, after the WHO had declared the outbreak over in late August. The UK, Germany, Spain and Austria advise against specific areas instead: the DRC border region, the South Sudan border and Karamoja, with exact areas differing by country. Germany also names Semliki National Park and advises caution in Bwindi and Mgahinga, which lie close to the DRC border. Read your own government's current page for the exact areas, ask your insurer in writing whether a warning for part of Uganda changes your cover, and check cancellation terms on permits and lodges before you pay.
</aside>
Book earlier than feels necessary. Uganda issues a limited number of gorilla permits daily, and peak-season dates sell out fast enough that waiting a few extra weeks can cost you the date entirely, not just a better price.
<aside> ❗
That's a different planning problem than most safari trips, where the main tradeoff is just cost versus wildlife visibility
</aside>
June to September and December to February are Uganda's dry seasons, when trails are firmer and easier to move through. This is also when demand and prices are both highest — for peak months like June through August, permits can be effectively sold out within 3 months of release, so "book early" isn't exaggeration here.
April, May, and November are Uganda's low season, and unlike most "off season is cheaper" advice, this one comes with an actual permit discount: $600 instead of the standard $800, on top of smaller crowds. The tradeoff is muddier, more difficult trails — April specifically is the wettest month of the year — so this suits travelers who are reasonably fit and not deterred by tougher underfoot conditions.
For peak season (June–August especially), aim for 6–12 months ahead — 98% of permits for these dates are typically gone within 3 months of release. Shoulder months need less lead time, roughly 3–5 months. Low season offers more flexibility, but "book as soon as your plans are firm" still applies, especially since a 2026 rule change removed temporary reservation holds — permits now require full payment at the time of booking, so there's no way to soft-hold a date while you decide.
Gorilla trekking tours and permits: browse and compare Uganda gorilla trekking trips by date to see how availability and pricing actually move across the season.
Accommodation: search lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga by date
Guides for Africa travel planning — real costs, route comparisons, and booking links. Follow along on Pinterest →