Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla Trekking Permits: Your Ticket to a Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Encounter
Embarking on a gorilla trekking safari is more than just an adventure—it’s a life-changing moment. Whether you’re drawn to the misty highlands of Rwanda or the dense rainforests of Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are your key to an exclusive access experience. These permits offer direct access to mountain gorillas, allowing you a rare encounter with these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Why Gorilla Trekking Requires a Permit
The Role of Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking is a permit-controlled experience regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB). These official UWA/RDB issued permits are a legal requirement for tracking and essential for ensuring the safety of both the gorillas and visitors.
By limiting the number of tourists each day, authorities preserve the wellbeing of gorilla families while providing travellers with an intimate, up-close encounter. Each permit not only grants access but also supports conservation, helping protect the endangered mountain gorilla population.
Where to Trek: Rwanda vs. Uganda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda offers easier accessibility and a more luxurious trekking experience. In Volcanoes National Park, gorilla families are well habituated, and trekking is often shorter. However, permits are highly sought-after and tend to sell out fast, especially during peak travel months.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, Uganda
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park offer a more immersive wilderness journey. Although treks can be more physically demanding, Uganda provides a more affordable option with equally unforgettable connections with nature.
How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price
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Cost: $1,500 per person (as of 2025)
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Issued by: Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
This premium price reflects Rwanda’s focus on high-end, low-impact tourism. The permit includes park entry, guides, trackers, and one hour with a gorilla family.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Price
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Cost: $800 per person (as of 2025)
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Issued by: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Uganda offers a more budget-friendly option with the same direct access to mountain gorillas, making it ideal for longer safaris or families.
Booking Tips: Don’t Miss Out!
Book Early to Secure Your Spot
Because of limited availability, you must book early—at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Gorilla trekking permits are only available in limited numbers each day, and they sell out months in advance, especially during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February).
How to Buy Gorilla Trekking Permits
You can obtain permits in two ways:
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Through a licensed tour operator – This is the most convenient way as they handle all logistics.
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Directly from UWA (Uganda) or RDB (Rwanda) – This option is cheaper but may involve back-and-forth communication and bank transfers.
Whether you’re going through an agency or applying yourself, be sure to secure your permit today—they’re only a few spots available each day across parks.
What’s Included in a Gorilla Trekking Permit?
Each permit includes:
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Entry to the national park
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A professional ranger and tracker
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One full hour face-to-face with gorillas
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A contribution to community development and conservation
Although the experience might seem brief, that one unforgettable hour is filled with awe, emotion, and wonder as you watch gorillas groom, play, feed, or rest—just a few metres away.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny
More Than Just a Permit
Think of your gorilla trekking permit as more than an entry ticket. It’s a passport to a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a unique opportunity that supports habitat protection and the communities that coexist with gorillas.
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Every permit funds conservation and anti-poaching patrols
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Locals benefit through employment and revenue sharing
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Tourism helps fund health and education projects in surrounding villages
This way, your journey helps ensure the gorillas you visit today will be here for future generations.
When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking?
Dry Season (High Demand)
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June to September and December to February
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Trails are easier to navigate, and sightings are more frequent
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Permits are in highest demand, so book early
Wet Season (Lower Demand)
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March to May and October to November
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Fewer tourists and greener scenery
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Chance for last-minute availability, but trails may be slippery
What Happens If Permits Are Sold Out?
If your travel dates are fixed and permits are sold out, don’t panic—here are some tips:
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Be flexible with park options (Bwindi has four trekking sectors)
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Consider neighbouring parks like Mgahinga
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Travel during shoulder seasons
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Check with multiple operators for cancellations or extra allocations
Some operators have reserved permits for package travellers—your best bet is to book a complete tour early.
Combining Gorilla Trekking with Other Experiences
For an enhanced trip, combine gorilla trekking with:
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Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes or Mgahinga
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Cultural village visits to Batwa communities
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Big Five safaris in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Parks
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Your gorilla trekking permit becomes part of a larger adventure, combining wildlife, culture, and conservation into one breathtaking journey.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences on the planet. It’s a chance to step into the world of mountain gorillas, guided by conservation and fueled by adventure. But opportunities are limited—only a few hundred permits are available daily across Rwanda and Uganda.
✅ Don’t Miss Out:
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Book early to secure your spot
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Choose your destination wisely
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Support responsible tourism through your permit
This is your rare encounter with one of Earth’s most iconic species—don’t let it pass you by. A gorilla trekking permit is more than a document; it’s the gateway to an unforgettable connection with nature.
FAQs About Gorilla Trekking Permits
🔹 Is the gorilla trekking permit refundable?
Most permits are non-refundable, but some operators allow date changes with advance notice.
🔹 Can children go gorilla trekking?
Only individuals aged 15 and above are allowed to participate.
🔹 How long can I stay with the gorillas?
You’re allowed one hour with the gorilla family to minimise stress and human impact.
🔹 Can I get a discount on the permit?
Occasionally, discounts are offered during low season or for East African citizens.
