Gorilla trekking permits: how they work and how to get one
Permits are deliberately scarce, which is exactly what protects the gorillas and makes the hour you spend with them feel so rare. Here is how the system actually works.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking · Uganda gorilla trekking · gorilla safari holidays
Securing a mountain gorilla permit is the essential first step of any East African safari. These strictly limited documents ensure the habituated families remain undisturbed, preserving the exclusivity of this profound wildlife encounter.
Managed by national authorities, the system protects both the primates and the integrity of your trek.
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits compared
| Factor | Uganda (Bwindi) | Rwanda (Volcanoes) |
|---|---|---|
| Relative permit cost | Lower | Higher |
| Access from capital | Longer transfer | Allow roughly 2–3 hours from Kigali, depending on traffic and your lodge |
| Number of families to track | More options | Fewer, but well-established |
Highlights
- What the permit includes
- Uganda vs Rwanda
- Booking timelines
- The trekking experience
01
What the permit includes
A permit grants one hour with a specific gorilla family in a group of eight. The fee funds vital conservation and local community projects. You are accompanied by expert trackers and armed rangers to ensure safety throughout the forest.
02
Uganda vs Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers premium permits with shorter drives from Kigali. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more affordable and features more habituated groups. Uganda also offers a unique four-hour habituation experience for those seeking deeper immersion.
03
Booking timelines
Permits for peak seasons—June to September and December to February—often sell out six months ahead. We recommend securing yours immediately upon confirming your itinerary to avoid disappointment.
04
The trekking experience
Days begin with a ranger briefing before hiking through dense vegetation. The trek duration varies based on gorilla movement. Hiring a local porter is highly recommended to assist with bags and difficult terrain.
Dos
- Book permits well ahead of your travel dates
- Hire a porter — it supports the local community
- Wear long sleeves, gloves and sturdy waterproof boots
- Keep the 7-metre distance from the gorillas
- Carry a rain jacket, water and snacks
Don'ts
- Don't trek if you have a cold or flu
- Don't use flash photography
- Don't eat or drink near the gorillas
- Don't stare directly into a silverback's eyes
- Don't exceed the one-hour visit
What's usually included
- Gorilla trekking permit (when booked with us)
- Ranger and tracker guides on the trek
- Lodge near the park
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- Meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda · standard gorilla permit | US$1,500 | Per foreign visitor, per trek. Resident and promotional eligibility differs; accommodation, transfers and porter hire are separate.Rwanda Development Board booking portal |
| Uganda · low-season gorilla permit | US$600 | Foreign non-resident, April, May or November. UWA announcement dated 26 February 2026; these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
| Uganda · standard gorilla permit from 2027 | US$800 | Foreign non-resident, per trek. The cited revised tariff takes effect 1 January 2027; confirm the applicable rate for earlier travel.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do permits cost?
Prices are set by park authorities and revised periodically; please consult us for current rates during your planning phase.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, a minimum age of fifteen is strictly enforced in both nations.
What if I have limited mobility?
Rangers assign groups by fitness levels. In Bwindi, sedan-chair services are available for those needing physical assistance.
