How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda or Rwanda: A Comprehensive Guide

Learn how to book a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda with ease. Discover permit costs, where to apply, and tips to secure your spot for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers a rare opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, an experience that draws thousands of eco-tourists annually.

With only about 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park, securing a gorilla permit is essential.

These permits, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB), regulate access to protect gorillas and fund conservation.

What is a Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla permit is a government-issued document granting access to trek and observe mountain gorillas for one hour in their natural habitat. Issued by UWA in Uganda and RDB in Rwanda, permits are mandatory for all trekkers over 15 years old.

They include park entry fees, ranger services, and armed guides for safety. Permits are limited to minimize human impact on gorillas, with only eight people allowed per gorilla family daily, ensuring an intimate experience while protecting these endangered primates.

• Purpose: Regulates tourism to protect gorillas from disease and disturbance, funds conservation (75% of Uganda’s permit fees support gorilla protection), and supports local communities (10% in Uganda).
• Types:
  • Standard Permit: Allows one hour with gorillas ($800 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda).
  • Habituation Permit (Uganda only): Permits four hours with semi-habituated gorillas in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector for $1,500.

Why Book a Gorilla Permit in Advance?

Gorilla permits are highly competitive due to limited daily availability:

• Uganda: Bwindi has 24 habituated gorilla families, issuing 192 permits daily across four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga). Mgahinga has one family, offering eight permits. Total: ~200 permits daily.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated families, issuing 96 permits daily.

During peak seasons (June–September, December–February), permits sell out 6–12 months in advance due to high demand from tourists seeking dry weather for easier trekking.

Booking early ensures your preferred dates and park sector, as delays may force you to settle for less convenient options or low-season dates (March–May, October–November). Early booking also allows better planning for accommodation, transport, and additional safari activities.

 Costs of Gorilla Permits in 2025

Permit prices vary by country and visitor status, reflecting conservation priorities and market positioning:

3.1 Uganda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek.
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person.
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 (~$80).
• Gorilla Habituation Permit: $1,500 per person (four hours, Rushaga sector only).
• Inclusions: Park entry ($40), one-hour gorilla interaction, ranger and guide fees.

3.2 Rwanda

• All Nationalities: $1,500 per person per trek.
• Discounts:
  • 30% off ($1,050) for visitors to other Rwandan parks (Akagera, Nyungwe) for 3+ days in low season (November–May).
  • 15% off ($1,275) for conference guests pre/post MICE events.
  • $15,000 for private group trekking with personalized guiding.
  • $30,000 for a three-day “behind-the-scenes” experience (minimum three visitors).
• Inclusions: Park entry, one-hour gorilla interaction, ranger and guide fees.

3.3 Comparison

• Uganda: More affordable, with more gorilla families (24 vs. 12) and permits (200 vs. 96), making it easier to secure. Ideal for budget travelers.
• Rwanda: Higher cost but offers luxury options (e.g., Bisate Lodge) and shorter travel times from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Suited for premium experiences.

Note: Permit fees exclude accommodation, transport, meals, porters ($15–$20), or trekking gear. A three-day Uganda gorilla tour costs ~$1,300–$2,000 per person, while Rwanda’s may start at $1,800.

Where to Trek Gorillas

Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:
  • Location: Southwestern Uganda, bordering DRC.
  • Sectors: Buhoma (north), Ruhija (east), Nkuringo (south), Rushaga (southwest).
  • Gorilla Families: 24 habituated groups (e.g., Mubare, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Kutu).
  • Permits: 192 daily, allocated by sector. Rushaga offers habituation permits.
  • Trekking: 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on gorilla location. Steep, muddy trails require moderate fitness.
  • Access: 8–10 hours’ drive from Entebbe or chartered flights to Kihihi airstrip.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
  • Location: Southwestern Uganda, near Rwanda and DRC.
  • Gorilla Family: Nyakagezi group (eight permits daily).
  • Trekking: Less demanding terrain, but fewer permits due to one family.
  • Access: 9–11 hours’ drive from Entebbe or flights to Kisoro airstrip.

 Rwanda

• Volcanoes National Park:
  • Location: Northwestern Rwanda, near Musanze.
  • Gorilla Families: 12 habituated groups (e.g., Susa A, Kwitonda, Amahoro).
  • Permits: 96 daily, issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Trekking: 1–6 hours, with volcanic terrain and bamboo forests. Moderate to high fitness required.
  • Access: 2–3 hours’ drive from Kigali, making it more accessible than Uganda’s parks.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit can be done directly through government authorities or via tour operators. Tour operators are recommended for convenience, especially for international travelers.

Booking Through Government Authorities

• Uganda (UWA):
  • Process: Email or call UWA’s Kampala office to check permit availability. Provide full name, nationality, passport number, and preferred trekking date. If available, pay via bank transfer, Visa, or credit card to UWA’s account. Send proof of payment to receive a scanned permit.

• • Challenges: Direct booking is cumbersome for non-residents due to slow responses and bureaucratic processes. Only Ugandans or foreign residents can book directly in person.
  • Contact: reservations@ugandawildlife.org or +256 414 355 000.
• Rwanda (RDB):
  • Process: Book online via the RDB website (www.rdb.rw) (www.rdb.rw) or email their reservation office. Provide passport details and trekking dates. Pay via bank transfer or card. Receive a scanned permit upon payment confirmation.

• • Contact: reservations@rdb.rw or +250 252 576 514.
  • Note: RDB’s online portal is user-friendly, but peak-season permits require early booking.

Booking Through Tour Operators

• Process:
  • Contact a licensed tour operator, like us, Maranatha Tours & Travel  via email or phone.
  • Provide preferred trekking dates, park (Bwindi, Mgahinga, or Volcanoes), and passport details (name, number, nationality, date of birth).
  • Operator checks permit availability with UWA or RDB.
  • Pay a deposit or full amount (permit fee + $50–$100 service fee for standalone permits). Operators often include permits in all-inclusive packages.
  • Receive a scanned permit receipt, with the physical permit delivered at the trek briefing.
• Advantages:
  • Streamlined process, saving time and effort.
  • Operators secure permits for specific sectors or families, aligning with your accommodation.
  • All-inclusive packages cover transport, lodging, meals, and additional activities (e.g., chimpanzee tracking).
  • Local expertise on park logistics and gorilla families.
• Recommended Operators: Maranatha Tours & Travel, Afriktrekholidays, Hail Tours Uganda, (AUTO or UTB-accredited in Uganda, RDB-registered in Rwanda).
• Service Fees: $50–$100 per permit for standalone bookings; often waived in full packages costing $1,140–$6,000 for 3–9 days.

Required Information

• Full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth.
• Preferred trekking date and park sector (for Bwindi).
• Payment proof (scanned receipt).
• Permits are non-transferable and valid for a specific date and gorilla family.

Best Time to Book and Trek

 Booking Timeline

• Peak Season (June–September, December–February): Book 6–12 months in advance due to high demand. School holidays and dry weather increase competition.
• Low Season (March–May, October–November): Book 3–6 months ahead. Wetter conditions reduce demand, offering more flexibility and Rwanda’s discounted permits.
• Last-Minute Booking: Possible in low season but risky. Contact operators like Encounter Africa for last-minute availability.

6.2 Best Trekking Seasons

• Dry Seasons (June–September, December–February): Less rain, drier trails, and easier hiking. Average temperatures in Bwindi: 11°C mornings, 23°C afternoons. Ideal but crowded.
• Wet Seasons (March–May, October–November): Muddy trails and frequent rain, but fewer tourists and lush scenery. Rwanda offers permit discounts.
• Year-Round Trekking: Gorilla trekking operates daily, but weather impacts trail conditions.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

 Uganda (UWA)

• 0–8 Days Before Trek: No refund.
• 9–45 Days: 25% refund.
• 46–90 Days: 50% refund.
• 91+ Days: 75% refund.
• Illness: 50% refund with warden’s recommendation if unable to trek (e.g., flu, to protect gorillas). Rescheduling may be possible, subject to availability and fees.
• Note: Refunds apply only to full payments, not deposits. Tour operators may have stricter policies.

 Rwanda (RDB)

• General Policy: 50% refund for illness (e.g., flu) verified by a warden, as sick visitors are barred to protect gorillas. No standard refunds for other cancellations.
• Rescheduling: Possible with advance notice, subject to availability and fees.
• Special Cases: Full refunds or future trekking options may apply for verified medical issues.

Tip: Check operator-specific cancellation terms, as they may differ from UWA/RDB policies. Purchase travel insurance to cover permit losses.

Additional Costs and Considerations

 Accommodation

• Uganda: Budget lodges ($50–$130/night), mid-range ($150–$300), luxury ($400–$1,000, e.g., Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp).
• Rwanda: Budget ($50–$150), mid-range ($200–$500), luxury ($1,000–$3,000, e.g., Bisate Lodge).
• Tip: Book lodging near your trekking sector to avoid long drives.

 Transport

• International Flights: $600–$2,500 round-trip, depending on origin.
• Domestic Flights: $300–$600 for chartered flights to Kihihi (Bwindi) or Kisoro (Mgahinga).
• Road Transport: $70–$150/day for a 4×4 vehicle with driver, excluding fuel. Driving from Entebbe/Kigali to parks takes 2–11 hours.

Trekking Gear and Services

• Porters: $15–$20, highly recommended for carrying bags and assisting on steep trails.
• Gear: Hiking boots, rain jacket, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, camera. Rent or buy locally if needed ($10–$50).
• Tipping: $10–$20 for guides, $5–$10 for porters, per person.

 Visas and Border Crossings

• Uganda Visa: $50 (single-entry), applied online.
• Rwanda Visa: Free for many nationalities (e.g., U.S., UK) or $50. Check RDB requirements.
• East African Tourist Visa: $100, covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Tips for a Successful Gorilla Trek

• Choose the Right Park:
  • Bwindi: More gorilla families, higher permit availability, budget-friendly.
  • Mgahinga: Smaller, scenic, but limited permits.
  • Volcanoes: Luxury experience, shorter travel, higher cost.

• Book Early: Secure permits 6–12 months ahead for peak season. Use operators like Realm Africa Safaris for efficiency.

• Prepare Physically: Treks last 1–7 hours on steep, muddy trails. Moderate fitness is required. Practice hiking beforehand.
• Follow Rules:
  • Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas.
  • No trekking if sick (flu can harm gorillas).
  • Maximum eight people per group, one hour with gorillas.
  • No flash photography or loud noises.
• Pack Smart:
  • Waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and a daypack.
  • Water, snacks, and a first-aid kit (operators may provide some).
• Use Local Operators: AUTO-accredited (Uganda) or RDB-registered (Rwanda) operators ensure reliability and support local economies. Check reviews on Google, TripAdvisor.
• Combine Activities: Add chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris (e.g., Queen Elizabeth National Park), or cultural tours to maximize your trip.

Ethical and Conservation Considerations

• Conservation: Permit fees fund gorilla protection, research, and anti-poaching efforts, increasing gorilla populations from 600 in the 1980s to ~1,000 today.
• Community Support: 10–15% of Uganda’s fees support local communities, funding schools and infrastructure.
• Health: Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. Strict health screenings protect them from flu or other illnesses.
• Sustainability: Choose operators committed to eco-friendly practices, like Laba Africa or Nkuringo Safaris, to minimize environmental impact.