Plan with confidence

Gorilla permits, explained

The permit is the heart of any gorilla trek — your reserved hour with a wild mountain gorilla family, and the funding that keeps them protected. Here is how the system works in Uganda and Rwanda, with the current figures in one place.

The numbers

What permits cost

Per person, foreign non-resident rates, as of June 2026. Permits are issued by the wildlife authorities, not by tour operators; these are their fees, separate from any safari package.

Uganda — Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga

$800

Set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). One hour with a habituated family. In April, May and November, a low-season rate of $600 applies — low-season permits cannot be rescheduled once issued.

Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park

$1500

Set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). One hour with a habituated family. A reduced rate applies between November and May for itineraries that add at least two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe (one night in each also qualifies). That rate is $1050.

Habituation — Bwindi, Rushaga

$1500

The four-hour habituation experience runs in Bwindi's Rushaga sector; UWA has announced a rise to $1,800 under the next tariff cycle.

Chimpanzees — Kibale Forest

$250

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, with a $200 low-season rate in April, May and November.

Figures compiled from the authorities’ published tariffs as reported in June 2026. Permit fees are set by the wildlife authorities and change on their schedule, not ours — we confirm the current rate with every quote.

Choosing

Uganda or Rwanda?

Both are extraordinary. The right choice comes down to your route and your budget rather than to the gorillas themselves. Uganda’s permits cost roughly half Rwanda’s and Bwindi holds the largest population of mountain gorillas anywhere, but it is a long, scenic drive from Entebbe. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a short drive from Kigali, which suits tighter itineraries. Many of our travellers combine the two countries in one journey — and because we run trips in both countries, we will say which one fits yours.

Good to know

Questions travellers ask about permits

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
As of June 2026, a Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and valid in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. In the low-season months of April, May and November a discounted $600 rate applies.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
As of June 2026, a Rwanda gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park costs $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A reduced rate applies between November and May for itineraries that add at least two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe (one night in each also qualifies). That reduced rate is $1050.
What does the permit fee actually buy?
Park entry on the day, the ranger guides and trackers who locate your gorilla family at first light, and one hour in the family's company. The fee is also the engine of gorilla conservation — it funds protection of the parks and a share goes to surrounding communities.
Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Yes — 15 in both Uganda and Rwanda.
How far ahead should permits be booked?
Daily numbers are strictly limited in every park, and the driest months sell out first. Book months ahead for June to August and December to February; we secure permits on your behalf as soon as your dates are confirmed.
What is the gorilla habituation experience?
A four-hour visit to a gorilla family still being accustomed to people, alongside researchers and rangers, in Bwindi's Rushaga sector. As of June 2026 it costs $1500 per person for foreign non-residents; UWA has announced a rise to $1,800 under the next tariff cycle.

Put one to use

Safaris that include a gorilla trek

Weighing the two countries against each other? Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking compares permit cost, access, terrain and trek difficulty side by side.

Deciding between the two treks themselves? Gorilla or chimpanzee trekking compares the terrain, the effort and what the hour is actually like.

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