BOOK YOUR GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS TODAY!
Gorilla Permits Booking Information
Uganda and Rwanda are the only safe places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. These gentle giants can weigh up to 200 kg and are one of the world’s most endangered animals — with only about 1,060 left. Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But to do it, you need a special permit.
These gorilla trekking permits are limited and often sell out fast. At ugandarwandagorillas.com, we make it easy and stress-free to book your Gorilla Trekking or Gorilla Habituation permit. We guarantee your permit is secured, so you won’t miss out on your dream trip. We are a local tour company based in Uganda.
This means we know the tourism system very well and can give you accurate information and helpful travel tips. Our booking process is clear, honest, and fast — saving you time and giving you peace of mind. Let us help you plan an unforgettable gorilla adventure!
Do I Need to Book Gorilla Permits in Advance?
Yes — you should always book your gorilla permits well in advance. Most travelers book two to six months ahead, especially if they plan to visit in the high season or are traveling in a group. Booking early gives you more choices, including which gorilla family you will track and which lodges you can stay in nearby. While you might find last-minute permits in the low season, they are not guaranteed. This is especially true in Uganda, where permits often sell out quickly because many visitors choose it over Rwanda due to lower prices. To avoid disappointment, secure your permits as early as possible.
When Are Peak (Busy) Tourism Seasons?
The busiest times for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are from June to October and December to early January. These months match the long dry seasons and European school holidays, so many travelers choose to visit then. Because each habituated gorilla family can only be visited once per day — and by a limited number of trekkers — permits can sell out quickly in these months. Remember, you must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking in both countries.
Where Can You Buy Gorilla Trekking Permits?
In both Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through a registered tour company. Independent travelers also have the option of booking Rwanda permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Booking through a tour operator is often the easiest and most reliable choice. A trusted operator will help you select the right gorilla family to track, recommend nearby lodges, and handle all the logistics. They know the remote areas well and provide skilled drivers who can navigate challenging roads, such as Bwindi’s steep and muddy tracks. They can also arrange extra activities and accommodation if you want to extend your safari. At ugandarwandagorillas.com includes the permit in the total cost of a gorilla safari. If you prefer to book only the permit, there is a service fee of USD 30.
Information Required to Book a Gorilla Permit
To secure a gorilla trekking permit, you will need to share your preferred tracking dates and a copy of your passport. It’s always a good idea to provide more than one date in case your first choice is already booked. Once we have your details, we will make a temporary reservation with the relevant authority. A scanned copy of your confirmed permit will be sent to you within a few days or weeks. When you arrive, your guide will hand you the original permit.
Tips on Purchasing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
When booking a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you must choose which park you want to visit — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the day of your trek, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) staff will assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level and interests. Because gorilla families in Uganda are spread over a wide area, it is very important to book accommodation near your trek starting point — ideally within an hour’s drive or walking distance. International visitors generally need to purchase permits through a tour company, as independent booking is not available.
Tips on Purchasing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda
Buying a permit in Rwanda is a little simpler. All treks start from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, so you do not need to choose a specific lodge or gorilla family ahead of time. Before the trek begins, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) staff will assign you a gorilla family based on your fitness and preferences. Permits and tours can be booked either through a tour company or directly via the RDB online portal. You can also purchase permits in person at the RDB “One Stop Centre” in Kigali, located at the RDB Head Office on KN 5 Road, KG 9 Avenue, Gishushu. The office is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$1,500 for international visitors. Rwandan citizens and other East African nationals 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.
Are There Discounted Gorilla Trekking Permits?
Rwanda offers discounted permits during the low season from November to May. During this time, visitors receive a 30% discount, reducing the cost to US$1,050 for non-African residents. To qualify, you must pre-book at least two nights in Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park, or one night in each. Uganda does not offer discounted gorilla permits at any time of year.
What Is a Habituation Permit & How Much Does It Cost?
A habituation permit allows you to join rangers and researchers as they help wild gorillas get used to human presence — a process called habituation. This experience is available only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The permit costs US$1,500 per person and lets you spend up to four hours with the gorillas, compared to just one hour with a regular trekking permit.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park offers 96 gorilla permits per day — eight for each of the 12 habituated gorilla families available to tourists. Another eight families are reserved mostly for research. If one of the tourist groups crosses into Uganda or the DRC, a research family may be opened to visitors instead.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?
Uganda has 26 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a maximum of eight permits issued per family each day. This means Bwindi offers more than 200 permits daily. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park issues another eight permits per day for its single habituated family.
What Does the Gorilla Permit Cover?
A gorilla permit includes park entry, the guided trek, and one hour with the gorillas. It does not include porter fees, tips for guides or trackers, accommodation, meals, transport, or other activities.
Can You Cancel a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?
Gorilla permits in Rwanda are non-refundable and non-transferable if you cancel or fail to show up. However, if you booked through a tour operator, you can usually reschedule for another date if you give at least 30 days’ notice. If your assigned gorilla group unexpectedly moves too far to track, you may either trek the next day or receive a full refund. If you complete the trek but do not see any gorillas, you will receive a 75% refund.
Can You Cancel a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
Refunds in Uganda depend on how far in advance you cancel and whether you have paid in full:
- 91+ days before trek – 75% refund
- 46–90 days before trek – 50% refund
- 9–45 days before trek – 25% refund
- 0–8 days before trek – no refund
If you have only paid a deposit, there is no refund for cancellations. If you are sick on the day of the trek and this is confirmed by a UWA doctor, you may receive a 50% refund. These policies protect the gorillas, as even mild human illnesses can be dangerous for them.
