Can I book a Uganda gorilla permit myself?

Not as a foreign visitor. UWA's tariff says permits for foreign non-residents and rest-of-Africa visitors can only be booked through licensed tour operators.

Can I book a Rwanda gorilla permit myself?

Visit Rwanda says permits can be booked through the Irembo platform as well as through licensed tour operators. RDB's online permit system itself is for operators.

Are gorilla permits refundable?

In Rwanda, RDB makes no refund for late arrival, flight delays or cancellation. In Uganda, UWA publishes no refund terms, so get them in writing before paying.

Can I change the date of my gorilla permit?

Usually, for a fee. UWA fines 25% of the permit fee for a late reschedule and does not allow low-season permits to be rescheduled. RDB charges 20% and reschedules automatically if you ask more than seven days before.

How far ahead should I book?

As soon as your dates are fixed. Each family takes eight visitors a day, and the drier months of June to August and December to February fill first.

Gorilla permits

How do you book a gorilla trekking permit?

In Uganda, foreign visitors get gorilla permits through a licensed tour operator: the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells permits for foreign non-residents and visitors from the rest of Africa only through operators, and since 1 March 2026 a permit is secured only when it is paid in full. In Rwanda, permits are booked with the Rwanda Development Board, through licensed operators or the Irembo platform. Either way the permit is for a fixed date — and in Uganda a fixed sector of the park — so settle your dates and route first.

Checked against official sources on 13 September 2026. Sources

Uganda

Through a licensed tour operator. UWA's tariff states that all gorilla and chimpanzee permits for foreign non-residents and rest-of-Africa visitors can only be booked through licensed tour operators.
Paid in full at booking. UWA suspended its seven-day hold from 1 March 2026; permits are now secured on full payment when booked.
For one sector. A Bwindi permit is for a specific sector, and UWA fines 50% of the permit fee for tracking in a different location.
Changing the date. UWA charges 25% of the permit fee for a late reschedule, and low-season permits (April, May and November) cannot be rescheduled at all.
Cancellations. UWA's booking terms page publishes no cancellation or refund terms. Ask for the terms in writing before you pay.

Rwanda

Where to book. Visit Rwanda says permits can be booked through the Irembo platform or a licensed tour operator. RDB's own online permit system is for travel and tour operators.
Deposits. Operators can hold permits by paying 40% to 99% of the fee in advance and must pay the balance at least 30 days before the visit.
Changing the date. RDB charges 20% of the permit fee to reschedule. More than seven days before the visit it is automatic; within seven days it needs RDB's approval.
No-shows and cancellations. A permit not used on its date expires. RDB makes no refund for late arrival, flight delays or cancelling the trip for any other reason; rescheduling an expired permit after an unforeseen event, with evidence, is at RDB's discretion.

Side by side

From UWA's tariff and its 26 February 2026 tariff letter, and from RDB's booking portal, checked 13 September 2026.
	Uganda (UWA)	Rwanda (RDB)
Who books for foreign visitors	Licensed tour operators	Licensed tour operators, or the Irembo platform
When you pay	In full, at booking	Operators: 40% to 99% deposit, balance 30 days before
Valid for	One date, one sector	One date
Changing the date	25% fine for a late reschedule; low-season permits cannot be changed	20% fee; automatic more than 7 days out
Refunds	No published terms	None for late arrival, delays or cancellation

What permits cost, by residency

How we book yours

Confidence Africa Tours holds Uganda Tourism Board tour operating licence UTB/RTT/TO/2024/101156. We check permit availability for your dates and the sector that fits your route before anything is committed, then secure the permit and build the rest of the trip around it.

Permits are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family per day, and the drier months go first, so the earlier your dates are fixed the more choice of sector you have.

Our licences and memberships

Common questions

Can I book a Uganda gorilla permit myself?: Not as a foreign visitor. UWA's tariff says permits for foreign non-residents and rest-of-Africa visitors can only be booked through licensed tour operators.
Can I book a Rwanda gorilla permit myself?: Visit Rwanda says permits can be booked through the Irembo platform as well as through licensed tour operators. RDB's online permit system itself is for operators.
Are gorilla permits refundable?: In Rwanda, RDB makes no refund for late arrival, flight delays or cancellation. In Uganda, UWA publishes no refund terms, so get them in writing before paying.
Can I change the date of my gorilla permit?: Usually, for a fee. UWA fines 25% of the permit fee for a late reschedule and does not allow low-season permits to be rescheduled. RDB charges 20% and reschedules automatically if you ask more than seven days before.
How far ahead should I book?: As soon as your dates are fixed. Each family takes eight visitors a day, and the drier months of June to August and December to February fill first.

Sources

Every fact on this page was checked on 13 September 2026 against these sources. Rules change on the authorities’ schedule, not ours, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.

Planning questions

What happens on a gorilla trekking day?The briefing, the walk, the hour with the family, and the rules.
What does a Uganda safari cost?Official permit and park fees, driving or flying, lodges and season.
Do you need a visa for Uganda?Uganda's tourist visa, the East Africa Tourist Visa and yellow fever.

Want us to check permits for your dates?

Send your dates and roughly where you want to go, and we will tell you what is available before you commit to anything.

Plan my trip Permit prices