Before booking your trip, it is important to understand the cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, including booking procedures and requirements.
This guide covers permit prices, where to book, and essential tips to help you plan your gorilla trekking adventure.
As soon as you think of visiting Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo for gorilla trekking, the first item to click at your mind should be obtaining a valid gorilla permit. It is a must-have document and you can only confirm your travel dates after you have secured one.
Not to have issues at last minute, we encourage and advise all our clients to ensure their gorilla permits are secured 2-6 months earlier than the actual date of visiting Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo for gorilla trekking. Booking Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo gorilla permit is now easier, simply reach out to our reservation team and we shall do everything on your behalf.
Uganda Gorilla Permits 2026/2028
Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost foreign non-residents USD800 per person per day per gorilla family, USD600 for foreign residents and UGX. 250,000 for citizens in East Africa. To obtain a valid Uganda gorilla permit, there are 2 options.
The easiest way to book a Uganda gorilla permit is dealing with a reputable tour operator on ground and the other option is contacting the reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The process involved to have your permit booked is tedious that is why dealing with tour company/operator relieves you from the stress.
Maximum of 8 people trek a single gorilla family in Uganda and there are over 25 habituated gorilla groups. This translates into over 168 valid gorilla permits that are always available for reservation by tourists with plans to travel to Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Interestingly also, Uganda has all 2 areas for tourists to meet their dreams- you can visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Location: Mgahinga and Bwindi are geographically positioned in the Southwestern part of Uganda and by road, it takes visitors approximately 8-10 hours to drive from Kampala.
For ground travel, you don’t have to worry how you can connect up to Bwindi or Mgahinga. We have ultimately comfortable full-time 4×4 rental cars at affordable rates and professional driver guides to take through your adventure. Alternatively, we can arrange fly in gorilla safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits 2026/28
In Rwanda- The Land of a Thousand Hills, gorilla permits are available for reservation at USD1500 per person per day. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri is the only area of interest for every trekker with plans to go Rwanda gorilla safaris.
About 12 habituated families of mountain gorillas exist here and they translate into 96 gorilla permits. Volcanoes National Park gorilla permits can be obtained via our reservation team or directly via Rwanda Development Board reservation team.
Gorilla Permits in Congo 2026/28
Visiting DR Congo is a great opportunity to encounter both mountain gorilla and eastern lowland gorillas. Like Uganda and Rwanda, a valid permit is required in order for you to explore mountain gorillas in Congo Virunga National Park or lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Each of Congo gorilla trekking permits costs USD400 per person per day. We have made it simple for tourists to book their permits, simply reach out to our team and you won’t go through the long process or you can contact the park authorities directly.
How to Book and Secure Your Trek
Once you identify open dates, you can move forward with reserving and paying for your permits with Silverback Gorilla Safaris. We facilitate the process by accepting partial or full payments and then physically obtaining the documentation directly from the UWA headquarters on your behalf.
Because of high demand, early reservation is critical. It is generally recommended to finalize payment at least 2 to 3 months before your scheduled arrival. That said, spontaneous travelers can occasionally snag last-minute permits, which are subject to availability.
Securing a trekking pass for mountain gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks requires contacting an approved tour company, like Silverback Africa Safaris, to verify online slots through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Booking 2 to 3 months ahead is highly recommended because these gorilla passes rapidly sell out on the basis of first come, first serve.
Ownership of a Gorilla Permit Following Purchase
Acquiring a gorilla permit from the Wildlife Authorities generates an official transaction receipt. This document displays a unique booking identification number required for verification during registration at the Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Kahuzi Beiga or Bwindi trekking stations.
Travelers do not receive the actual physical permit card until seven days prior to their scheduled excursion.
When booking through an agency, clients receive a digital copy of this transaction slip as proof of reservation and date confirmation.
Possession of the permit remains valid from the moment of payment until park check-in on the day of the activity.
Upon arrival for the trek, the physical card is collected by park rangers and returned to the central office for recycling.
Validity Period of a Gorilla Permit.
Gorilla trekking permits remain active exclusively from the payment date until the designated tracking session concludes.
Once the scheduled date passes, the associated booking reference lapses and cannot be reused. Timely preparation is essential to guarantee alignment with your reserved itinerary slot.
If unexpected circumstances prevent travel on the selected day, adjustments must be made. You should request a date modification through your travel provider or park authorities at least fourteen days before the original tour.
Gorilla Trekking Permits Policies & Cancellation Terms
General Non-Refundabilities & Exceptions
As a standard policy, all gorilla trekking permits are final and cannot be refunded. Nevertheless, for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), refunds can take place under very specific conditions:
- Medical Disqualification: If a traveler cannot participate in the trek due to sudden sickness, a full refund of the fee may be granted. This is subject to the approval of the Warden in Charge and is strictly applicable only to guests who have already traveled to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Tracking Failures & Wildlife Sightings: If gorillas cross international borders out of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, preventing the trek from happening, affected visitors will receive a total refund. Conversely, if a group treks for an entire day but ultimately fails to locate the primates, a 75% refund of the permit cost will be issued. Please note that all monetary reimbursements are processed exclusively by the Reservations Office at the UWA Central Headquarters in Kampala.
- Standard Cancellation Penalties: For voluntary cancellations, UWA deducts specific administrative fees based on how close the cancellation is to the scheduled trekking date:
- 0 to 8 days remaining: No refund is given (100% retained by UWA).
- 9 to 45 days remaining: 75% is retained (25% returned to the customer).
- 46 to 90 days remaining: 50% is retained (50% returned to the customer).
- 91 days or more remaining: 25% is retained (75% returned to the customer).
What to pack for the Gorilla Trekking Safaris:
Packing for a gorilla trekking safari requires a balance of protection, comfort, and weight consideration.
- Long-Sleeved Shirts & Trousers: Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics are essential to protect your skin against stinging nettles, sharp branches, and biting insects.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Waterproof boots with excellent ankle support and deep tread are a must because the terrain is slippery and steep.
- Long Socks: You will need to tuck in your trousers into your socks to stop insects such as safari ants, tsetse flies from crawling up your legs.
- Thick Gardening Gloves to grab onto vines, branches, and thorny bushes for stability and stamina during steep climbs.
- Waterproof Rain Jacket because unpredictable, and heavy downpours can happen at any time.
- Walking Poles: Strongly recommended for navigating steep, uneven inclines.
- Refillable Water Bottles: You will need at least 2 liters of water for the trek. Single-use plastic bottles are heavily discouraged and banned in the National Parks in order to preserve and conserve wildlife.
- Camera to capture moments in the wild.
- Insect Repellent for keeping mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and midges away from your body
- Sunscreen & Wide-Brimmed Hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo gorilla permit?
It is better to have your gorilla permit booked early enough 2-6 months before the actual date of visiting the park for gorilla trekking.
High demand for gorilla permit is usually experienced during the dry or peak months from June, July, August, September or December, January to February.
What is included in a gorilla trekking permit?
A permit generally covers park entry, guided trekking, and a limited period observing a gorilla family, subject to local regulations.
What are the requirements for obtaining gorilla trekking permits?
You typically need a valid passport, a confirmed permit, and compliance with the park’s age and health requirements.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is generally 15 years in Uganda and Rwanda. Check the applicable rules for your destination before booking.
Can I buy a gorilla trekking permit on arrival?
It may be possible if permits are available, but advance booking is strongly recommended because daily visitor numbers are limited.
What is the difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Uganda offers trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park, and Congo has offered trekking in Virunga National Park, subject to security and operational status.
How many people can visit a gorilla family per day?
In Uganda and Rwanda, a habituated gorilla family is generally visited by a maximum of eight tourists per trekking session.
Are gorilla trekking permits refundable or transferable?
Refund and transfer policies depend on the issuing authority and the circumstances. Always confirm the terms before paying.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking?
The drier periods, usually June to September and December to February, are popular because trails are often easier to navigate.
Which National Parks offer gorilla trekking?
Uganda has Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks; Rwanda has Volcanoes National Park. Congo’s Virunga National Park has offered mountain gorilla trekking when operational.
Can I trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip?
Yes. You can combine both countries in one itinerary, provided you arrange the necessary permits, transport, and border-crossing requirements.
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
Understanding gorilla trekking permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo helps you plan a memorable safari. For assistance with permits, bookings, and safari arrangements, contact Silverback Gorilla Safaris at info@silverbackgorillasafaris.com and let us help you plan your gorilla trekking adventure.