Guide to gorilla trekking permits

Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo are the only places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. These incredible animals are the largest primates, weighing as much as 200kg, and they’re also one of the most endangered species, with only about 1,060 left in the wild as of 2025. Going on a gorilla trek is one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife adventures. However, before you can go, you’ll need to buy a gorilla trekking permit. Here is what you need to know about it.

What Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

If you want to see gorillas in the wild, you’ll need a permit.

This permit allows you to join one trek and spend an hour with the gorillas.

The length of the trek depends on where the gorillas are that day.

In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued for two national parks. The most famous is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about 500 mountain gorillas and 25 habituated gorilla families.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has just one habituated family group.

In Rwanda, the gorilla permit is for Volcanoes National Park, which has 12 habituated gorilla families.

In the DR Congo, the permit is for Virunga National Park, which has around 10 habituated gorilla families.

The gorilla family numbers can change, though, because gorilla families sometimes split or join together.

Why Is a Gorilla Permit Required?

The purpose of this gorilla permit system is twofold.

Firstly, it helps the park authorities to control how many people visit each gorilla family each day.

Secondly, the money from the permit fees supports the conservation of endangered gorillas and their habitat, as well as to the well-being of people living near the parks.

How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?

As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is US$1,500 for visitors from outside Africa.

Rwandans and other East African Citizens pay US$200.

Foreign residents of Rwanda and citizens or residents of other African countries pay US$500.

In Uganda, the permit costs US$800 for foreign nonresidents, US$700 for foreign residents, US$80 for East African citizens, and US$500 for citizens of other African countries.

In Congo (DRC), a gorilla trekking permit costs US$400, but the only place to track mountain gorillas is Virunga National Park, which has been closed to tourism since March 2020. This was initially due to COVID-19, but the park has yet to reopen due to major security issues that seem unlikely to be resolved in the medium term.

Are There Discounted Gorilla Trekking Permits?

Yes, discounted gorilla trekking permits are available in Rwanda.

During the low tourism season, from November to May, Rwanda offers a 30% discount on permits, reducing the cost for non-African residents to US$1,050.

To get the discount, visitors must prebook at least two nights at Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park, or one night at each.

However, Uganda does not offer any discounts on gorilla permits.

What Is a Habituation Permit and How Much Does It Cost?

A habituation permit lets you be part of the process that helps wild gorillas get used to being around humans, which is important for tourism. This permit is only offered in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

It costs US$1,500 per person, which is more than a regular permit, but it allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, instead of just one.

How Do I Get a Rwandan Gorilla Permit?

Independent travelers who want to book a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit can do so directly online through the Rwanda Development Board website.

However, if you are traveling with a Rwanda tour operator, it’s more common to let them handle the booking.

In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government agency that oversees tourism and wildlife conservation.

You can book permits directly with UWA, but the easiest way is to go through a reliable Uganda tour operator.

Orugano Safaris, for example, includes a gorilla permit as part of the total cost of a gorilla safari.

If you are just looking to book a permit with us, we charge a service fee of USD 30.

Since permits for specific dates often sell out well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to August and December to February), it’s best to secure your permit as soon as practical.

However, during the quieter months, there’s a good chance you can get a permit last-minute.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park typically has 96 gorilla permits available each day. This is divided into eight permits for each of the 12 habituated gorilla families that tourists can visit.

There are also eight other habituated gorilla family groups in the park, but these are harder to access and are mostly visited by researchers. If one of the visitor-friendly gorilla groups happens to cross into Uganda or the DRC, a group usually visited by researchers will be opened up for tourists instead.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?

Each habituated gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has a limit of eight permits issued daily.

This means over 200 permits are available each day in Bwindi, along with eight permits for Mgahinga Gorilla Park. 

What Does the Gorilla Permit Cover?

Whether you’re trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, the gorilla permit only covers park entry, the guided trek, and up to one hour with the gorillas.

It doesn’t cover porter fees, tips for trackers and guides, or any costs for accommodation, transport, meals, or other activities.

Is There an Age Limit for Gorilla Permits?      

All three countries that offer gorilla trekking have agreed on a minimum age of 15 years.

There is no maximum age limit for gorilla trekkers.

But since it’s a physically demanding activity, older travelers or those with mobility issues should carefully consider if they’re fit for the trek.

Is It Possible To Cancel a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?

If you cancel your trip to Rwanda or don’t show up on the day, for any reason, you won’t get a refund for your gorilla permit.

You also can’t sell or transfer your permit to someone else, as your passport details will be checked against the permit before the trek.

However, if you book through an operator, you can usually reschedule your trek for another day, as long as you give at least 30 days’ notice. The only exception is if the gorilla group you’re assigned to unexpectedly moves. In this case, you’ll have the option to try again the next day or get a full refund.

If you spend the  whole day tracking but don’t see any gorillas, you’ll receive a 75% refund.

Can You Cancel a Gorilla Permit In Uganda?

If you’ve only paid a deposit, there will be no refund if you cancel. However, if you’ve paid for your permit in full, the following cancellation rules apply:

• 75% refund if you cancel 91 days or more before your trek
• 50% refund if you cancel 46 to 90 days before
• 25% refund if you cancel 9 to 45 days before
• No refund if you cancel 0 to 8 days before

If you can’t trek due to illness (which will be confirmed on site), you may receive a 50% refund. This policy is in place to encourage people to be honest about feeling unwell, as even a simple cold can be dangerous for gorillas.

Questions About Gorilla Trekking?

We will be happy to answer all your questions about highlights, accommodations and possible travel routes!