A Uganda gorilla trekking permit drops to $600 per person during April, May, and November — a $200 saving over the standard $800 peak-season rate, confirmed as an ongoing UWA tariff since February 2026. Combined with lodge rates that typically fall 15–30% in these months, a couple travelling in low season can realistically save $1,000–$2,000 combined against an otherwise identical peak-season trip, with no difference in the quality of the gorilla encounter itself.
Quick facts
- Low-season permit: $600 foreign non-resident / $500 foreign resident
- Low-season months: April, May, November
- Peak-season comparison: $800 foreign non-resident
- Lodge rate reduction: Typically 15–30% below peak-season pricing
- Important restriction: Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled once booked
- Trekking quality: Identical — the same habituated families, guides, and one-hour encounter as peak season
The gorillas don't know what season it is
The single most important fact in the low-season case: the encounter itself does not change. You trek to the same habituated families, accompanied by the same rangers and trackers, for the same hour, regardless of month. What changes is everything around the trek — permit cost, lodge rates, and how many other groups you share the trail and the season with.
What actually changes in April, May, and November
Permit savings. The $600 low-season rate, confirmed by UWA as an ongoing feature of the current tariff structure rather than a one-off promotion, saves $200 per person over peak season outright — before any other cost is considered.
Lodge rates. Bwindi's luxury lodges, which charge $400–$2,000 per room per night in peak season, typically discount 15–30% in low-season months. On a 6-night stay, that discount alone can outweigh the permit saving.
Crowds and trail traffic. Peak season concentrates demand into June–September and December–February. Low-season months see meaningfully lower trail traffic, which for many travellers is worth as much as the financial saving — a quieter forest, easier logistics at the sector briefing point, and less competition for permits in your preferred sector.
Trail conditions. This is the genuine trade-off. April, May, and November fall within Uganda's wetter months, meaning muddier trails and a higher chance of overcast skies during your trek. The forest itself is at its most lush during these months, which many photographers and repeat visitors actually prefer — but pack accordingly; see our gorilla trekking packing guide for wet-season specifics.
Running the numbers: a couple's 6-night comparison
| Cost line | Peak season | Low season | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla permits (2 people) | $1,600 | $1,200 | $400 |
| Lodge (6 nights, mid-range luxury, 2 people) | ~$6,000 | ~$4,500–$5,100 | $900–$1,500 |
| Combined saving | $1,300–$1,900 |
Figures are illustrative and will vary by lodge and sector; the pattern — permit saving plus a larger lodge-rate saving — holds consistently across the three low-season months.
The one rule that catches travellers out
Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. If your travel dates move after booking, the standard cancellation terms apply rather than a straightforward date change. This makes low season a strong fit for travellers with firm, confirmed dates, and a less comfortable fit for anyone still holding flexible plans. Confirm your dates before paying, not after — see the booking sequence in our full permit booking guide.
Who low season suits best
Low season fits travellers who prioritise value and a quieter trail over guaranteed dry conditions, who have flexibility to travel outside the traditional June–September and December–February windows, and who are comfortable with the occasional wet trail in exchange for a meaningfully lower total trip cost. It's a weaker fit for travellers with only one possible travel window who are not prepared to accept some chance of rain, or anyone who anticipates needing to shift their dates after booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the $600 low-season gorilla permit a permanent rate or a limited promotion? It's an ongoing feature of UWA's current tariff structure, confirmed in February 2026 for April, May, and November, rather than a one-off promotional offer. It applies alongside the standard $800 peak-season rate for the rest of the year.
Is the gorilla trekking experience worse in low season? No. You trek to the same habituated families with the same guides and rangers for the same one-hour encounter regardless of season. The difference is entirely in surrounding conditions — trail wetness, crowd levels, and cost — not the quality of time spent with the gorillas.
How much can I save travelling in low season instead of peak season? A couple can typically save $1,000–$2,000 combined between the $200-per-person permit discount and a 15–30% reduction in lodge rates over a typical 6-night stay, though the exact figure depends on lodge choice and sector.
Can I change my dates after booking a low-season permit? No. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled once booked. If your dates need to change, standard cancellation terms apply rather than a date swap, so confirm your travel window is firm before paying.
What's the trade-off with trekking in April, May, or November? Trails are wetter and skies more often overcast during these months, since they fall within Uganda's rainier periods. The forest is correspondingly lush, which many repeat visitors and photographers prefer, but pack for mud and rain rather than dry-season conditions.
See the full 2026–2027 pricing breakdown in our Uganda Gorilla Permit Booking Guide, or compare low-season value against Rwanda's year-round $1,500 rate in our Uganda vs Rwanda comparison.