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
Mountain gorillas cannot be visited without a permit, and the strict limit on how many are issued each day is precisely what keeps the habituated families undisturbed and the whole experience special rather than routine.
Here is how the permit system works across Uganda and Rwanda, and how to make sure you secure one.
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 a permit actually buys you
- Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda
- How far in advance to book
- What the day itself involves
01
What a permit actually buys you
A permit allows one hour with a single habituated gorilla family, in a group capped at eight visitors, accompanied by trackers and armed rangers for safety. The fee goes directly towards funding conservation work and the communities living around the parks.
02
Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park permits are the pricier of the two options but offer easier access from Kigali. Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest permits cost less and the park has more families available to track, plus the option of a longer habituation experience for those wanting more time observing a family.
03
How far in advance to book
During peak months, roughly June to September and December to February, permits can be fully booked months ahead. Securing permits as soon as your itinerary is confirmed, rather than waiting, is the only reliable way to avoid disappointment.
04
What the day itself involves
Treks start early with a briefing from rangers, followed by anything from one to several hours of hiking through forest depending on where the family is that day. Hiring a porter is well worth it for most visitors, and the hour spent with the gorillas tends to pass remarkably fast.
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 does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
Permit prices are set by national park authorities and are periodically revised, so current pricing is best confirmed at the time of booking rather than relying on older published figures.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Yes, fifteen years old in both Uganda and Rwanda, and this rule is strictly enforced.
What if I'm not particularly fit?
Trekking groups are generally assigned based on fitness level, and porters as well as sedan-chair style assistance are available in Bwindi. Being upfront about your fitness ahead of time allows the trek to be planned accordingly.