Uganda and Rwanda are the only safe places in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in the wild. These extraordinary primates, weighing up to 200 kg, are among the planet’s most endangered species, with only about 1,060 remaining in the wild. Experiencing them up close is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — but it requires a gorilla trekking permit, which is limited and in high demand. This guide explains exactly how to book one.
Do I Need to Book Gorilla Permits in Advance?
Yes — gorilla permits must be booked well in advance, often three to six months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season or as part of a large group. Early booking gives you the best choice of gorilla families to track and nearby accommodations. While last-minute permits may be available during the low season or for small groups, availability is not guaranteed. This is particularly true in Uganda, where demand is high due to Rwanda’s higher tracking fees drawing some tourists away.
When Are Peak (Busy) Tourism Seasons?
The peak tourism seasons for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are June to October and December to early January, coinciding with European school holidays. Each habituated gorilla family can only be visited for one hour per day, and trekkers must be at least 15 years old to participate in Uganda and Rwanda.
Where Can I Buy Gorilla Trekking Permits?
Gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through a registered tour company in Uganda and Rwanda. Independent travelers can also book permits for Rwanda directly via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Booking through a tour operator has several advantages: they offer local expertise on accommodations and gorilla family locations, know the remote areas well, and have drivers skilled at navigating challenging terrain, like Bwindi’s steep, slippery dirt roads. Tour companies can also coordinate additional activities and accommodation if you plan to extend your trip. For example, Trek Wild Gorillas includes a permit in the total cost of a gorilla safari. If you only want to book a permit, we charge a USD 30 service fee.
Information Required to Book a Permit
To secure a gorilla tracking permit, you will need to provide:
- Preferred date(s): Suggest multiple options in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Passport details: Scan and email a copy of your passport. Permits are non-transferable and your ID will be checked at the pre-tracking briefing.
- Payment: Bank wire transfer is preferred. Some operators accept credit cards but may charge a 3–9% surcharge.
Once your details are submitted, the tour company can make a temporary reservation with the relevant authority. You will receive a scanned copy of your permit within days or weeks. Upon arrival, your guide will provide the original permit, or you can collect it from the UWA (Uganda) or RDB (Rwanda) office if traveling independently. The permit is strictly non-transferable.
Tips on Purchasing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
When booking a gorilla tracking permit in Uganda, you must specify which park you plan to visit — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the day of your trek, UWA staff will assign you a gorilla family based on your fitness level and interests. Uganda’s gorilla families are spread across a wide area, so it’s important to book accommodation within an hour’s drive or a short walk from the trek starting point. International visitors must purchase permits through a tour company, as independent booking is not generally available.
Tips on Purchasing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda
Reserving permits in Rwanda is slightly easier. All treks begin at Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, so you don’t need to specify a lodge or gorilla family. Before the trek, RDB staff will assign a gorilla family according to your fitness and preferences. Permits and tours in Rwanda can be booked through a tour company or directly via the Rwanda Development Board’s online portal. You can also purchase permits in person at the RDB ‘One Stop Centre’ in Kigali, located on the ground floor of RDB’s Head Office on KN 5 Road, KG 9 Avenue, Gishushu. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is US$1,500 for visitors from outside Africa. Rwandans and other East African citizens pay US$200, while foreign residents of Rwanda and citizens or residents of other African countries pay US$500. In Uganda, the permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents, US$80 for East African citizens, and US$500 for citizens of other African countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla trekking permit costs US$400, but the only location for mountain gorilla tracking, Virunga National Park, has been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19 and ongoing security issues.
Are There Discounted Gorilla Trekking Permits?
Discounted gorilla trekking permits are available in Rwanda during the low tourism season from November to May. During this period, Rwanda offers a 30% discount, reducing the cost for non-African residents to US$1,050. To qualify for the discount, visitors must prebook at least two nights at Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park, or one night at each. Uganda does not offer any discounts on gorilla permits.
What Is a Habituation Permit & How Much Does It Cost?
A habituation permit allows you to participate in the process of helping wild gorillas become accustomed to human presence. This is only offered in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The permit costs US$1,500 per person, which is more than a regular permit, but it allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas instead of just one.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park typically offers 96 gorilla permits per day, divided as eight permits for each of the 12 habituated gorilla families open to tourists. There are also eight other habituated families, mostly reserved for researchers. If a visitor-friendly group crosses into Uganda or the DRC, one of the researcher groups may be opened to tourists instead.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?
In Uganda, each of the 26 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is limited to eight permits per day, providing over 200 permits daily for Bwindi. Mgahinga Gorilla Park also issues eight permits per day for its habituated group.
What Does the Gorilla Permit Cover?
Whether trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, the gorilla permit covers park entry, the guided trek, and up to one hour with the gorillas. It does not cover porter fees, tips for trackers and guides, or any accommodation, transport, meals, or additional activities.
Is It Possible To Cancel a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?
If you cancel your trip to Rwanda or do not show up, your gorilla permit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. If you book through a tour operator, you can usually reschedule for another day with at least 30 days’ notice. If your assigned gorilla group unexpectedly moves, you may either trek the next day or receive a full refund. If you spend the day tracking but do not see any gorillas, a 75% refund is provided.
Can You Cancel a Gorilla Permit In Uganda?
If you have only paid a deposit, no refund is given for cancellations. If you have paid in full, a 75% refund is available for cancellations 91 days or more before the trek, a 50% refund for cancellations 46 to 90 days before, a 25% refund for cancellations 9 to 45 days prior, and no refund for cancellations within 0 to 8 days. If illness prevents trekking and is confirmed on site, a 50% refund may be granted. These rules encourage honesty, as even minor illnesses can be dangerous for gorillas.
