Gorilla permits are legal documents that every holidaymaker on gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo must present before the park authorities to be allowed to trek one habituated gorilla group family.
Gorilla trekking is one of Uganda’s unforgettable wildlife experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in the dense and lush forest feeding, playing, grooming and interacting with one another.
Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are known for their gorilla conservation destinations.
Before planning a gorilla trekking safari, travelers need to understand the permit requirements, costs, booking procedures and regulations that apply in their chosen country.
This ultimate guide explains to travelers how gorilla trekking permits work in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, what travelers should consider when comparing destinations, and how to plan a successful gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo.
The cost of a gorilla trekking pass depends on the country, visitor category and the type of experience you would like to encounter.
Permit prices may change when wildlife authorities introduce new rates, making it important to check the latest official information before confirming a safari to East Africa.
Obtaining your gorilla permit is one essential step one should consider when planning for gorilla trekking trip. To acquire a valid Uganda, Rwanda and Congo permits, a visitor should be above 15 years.
Gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo offer you a great opportunity to go trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and the Eastern Lowland gorillas in the Congo Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Mountain gorillas exist only within the tropical rain-forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
A section of these large apes also thrives within Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo.
Before the actual date of your gorilla trek, it is always important to have your gorilla permit booked in advance at least 2-6 months earlier.
Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda.
Booking gorilla permits in Uganda provides holidaymakers on Uganda safari a chance to track mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi National Park is a 331sq.kms protected area, perched suitably in Kanungu, Southwestern Uganda. This is where over 459 of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas thrive. It also shelters over 26 habituated gorilla groups, translating to about 160 gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone in its four sectors such as Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ruhija.
Mgahinga is the smallest of the 4 parks where gorilla trekking is done and still has only one group of mountain gorillas that has been already habituated for gorilla tourism. This represents only 8 gorilla permits making Uganda, a destination with about 168 gorilla permits.
Whether your plan is to go trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, the cost of Uganda gorilla permits varies depending on visitor category on Uganda gorilla safari tour.
How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda.
Obtaining Uganda gorilla permits is possible for visitors on gorilla safari through a reputable tour operator/company or travelers can deal directly with the reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
It should be also noted that Uganda is the only place in the world where gorilla habituation experience is done and this is only provided in Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for 2026-2027.
Permits for the standard gorilla trekking experience can be acquired at US Dollars 800 per person for the Foreign Non Residents for year 2026.
Gorilla habituation in Rushaga sector of Bwindi goes for USD1500 for the Foreign non-residents, USD1000 for foreign residents, USD1, 000 for other African members and UGX 750,000 for East Africa Community.
However, effective 1st January, 2027, the standard gorilla permits for Foreign Non Residents will cost USD800, USD700 for foreign residents, USD500 for Africans, and UGX300, 000 for East African citizens.
On the other hand, the gorilla habituation permits shall be purchased at USD1800 for foreign non-residents, USD1600 for foreign resident per person, USD1, 000 for other African members and UGX 750,000 for East Africa Community.
Gorilla trekking Tickets in Rwanda.
Acquiring gorilla permits in Rwanda offers you a great chance to get up close with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which is located in the Northwestern region of Rwanda near the Virunga Volcanic mountains.
This is the only park where habituated mountain gorilla families are found in Rwanda.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for 2026-2027.
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost USD1, 500 for non-foreign residents, USD500 for foreign residents, USD 500 for African citizens, USD500 for foreign residents and USD200 for East Africa Community costs.
How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda can be obtained by arranging with our reservation team to book your Rwanda gorilla permit or book directly with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is comprised of 13 habituated gorilla families and these translate into 104 gorilla permits.
A well-planned booking should include the permit date, transportation to Volcanoes National Park, accommodation and any additional activities included in the itinerary.
Visitors should also check the applicable park regulations and arrival requirements before departure.
Gorilla Tracking Licenses in DR Congo.
Acquiring gorilla permits in Congo is a great opportunity for you to go trek either mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park or trek the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
However, gorilla trekking in DR Congo requires particular care and planning because park operations, security conditions and visitor access can change.
DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for 2026-2027.
The Congo gorilla permits for both Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks are issued at US Dollars 400 for foreign non-residents during the standard season & USD200 during the low season, and USD150 for Foreign Residents.
The requirements for reserving a gorilla permit; to book for a gorilla permit in Congo, you should be 15 years and above, posses a valid passport, visa and make payment as per details provided to you by the tour operator or respective park authority.
What Is Included in a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla trekking permit generally includes:
- Gorilla trekking experience.
- Park entry for the trekking activity in the specified sector.
- Services of an armed authorized guide during the trek.
Other Costs to Budget for Besides the Gorilla Permits.
A gorilla trekking permit is only one part of the overall safari cost. Travelers should also consider:
- Accommodation: Lodges, hotels or other accommodation near the trekking destination.
- Transportation: Airport transfers, experienced driver/guide, private vehicles, fuel and transfers between destinations.
- Meals and drinks: Depending on the accommodation package and itinerary.
- Visa and entry requirements: Applicable immigration costs for each country you intend to visit.
- Porter services: Optional assistance from the locals with bags and challenging slippery terrain during the trekking experience.
- Travel insurance: Appropriate cover for the planned trip and activities.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking.
The best time to visit the four gorilla trekking destination ; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in Congo is all year round.
However, the best time is during the dry season which happens from June to September and December to February.
During this period there is little rainfall and roads are passable to access the national parks. More so, gorilla trekking trail can be out of slippery and muddy thus making the gorilla experience worth it.
What to Consider When Booking Gorilla Permits.
Before booking a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, consider the following:
- Permit price: Confirm the applicable rate for your visitor category and travel date.
- Availability: Check whether permits are available for your preferred trekking date.
- Booking authority: Book through the relevant wildlife authority or a reputable licensed tour operator.
- Trekking destination: Choose the park and, where possible, the trekking sector that has your desired adventures.
- Payment terms: Confirm the payment deadline, accepted payment methods and booking confirmation.
- Cancellation policy: Understand the rules for cancellations, refunds and rescheduling.
- Travel arrangements: Coordinate your permit date with accommodation, transport and border-crossing requirements.
- Age requirements: Confirm the minimum age of 15 and other visitor regulations before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Permits.
1. How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
The price depends on the visitor category and permit type. Check the latest Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs.
2. How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD1500 for non- foreigner ,USD500 for foreign residents who have stayed in Rwanda for more than 2 years.
3. Can I trek gorillas in DR Congo in 2027?
Confirm current park operations, security conditions and permit availability before planning your trip.
4. How old must you be to trek gorillas?
The commonly applied minimum age in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is 15 years. Confirm current regulations before booking.
5. Does a gorilla permit include accommodation?
No, accommodation is generally separate unless included in your safari package.
6. How early should I book a gorilla permit?
Book as early as possible, particularly if you plan to travel during peak season. Peak season starts from the month of June to September and December to Mid -March.
7. Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, subject to permit availability, border requirements and your travel schedule.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Ready to experience mountain gorillas in their natural habitat feeding, grooming, interacting and playing? Silverback Gorilla Safaris can help you plan your itinerary and arrange permits, accommodation and transportation in Uganda and Rwanda, subject to availability.
Contact us: info@silverbackgorillasafaris.com