Gorilla permits are essential to all gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A valid gorilla permit is what is required of all trekkers intending to visit gorillas regardless of the destination. The cost of gorilla permits varies depending on the destination and obtaining one should be done at least 2-6 months earlier before the actual visit to see gorillas.
The peak months (June, July, August & September, December, and January to February) are months characterized by high demand for gorilla permits. Last minute booking usually favor when it is off season when low numbers of trekkers are recorded across gorilla safari parks.
The Rwanda gorilla permits 2024
If your dream gorilla destination is Rwanda, a valid permit is required. A single Rwanda gorilla permit is issued to guests at USD 1500 per person. Rwanda gorilla permits can be obtained online through the reliable tour operator or directly via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Uganda gorilla permits
As of 2024-2026, Uganda gorilla permits can be obtained at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. The foreign residents intending to visit Uganda gorillas can secure their permits at USD 700 per person. The 21 habituated gorilla families in Uganda translate to 168 gorilla permits.
Uganda permits are obtainable less of stress through the reliable tour operator or directly via the reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Obtaining Uganda gorilla permit means a lifetime opportunity to explore gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Congo gorilla permits
Congo’s Virunga National Park consists of 8 habituated gorilla families and each group is allocated to holders of valid gorilla permits. A single D.R. Congo gorilla permit can be secured at USD 400 per visitor. The beauty about booking the D.R. Congo gorilla permits is that you have more than mountain gorillas to explore. You can either head to the Virunga National Park to enjoy mountain gorilla trekking adventure or Kahuzi-Biega National Park where you can have a chance to track habituated Eastern lowland gorillas.
Cancellation policy of gorilla permits & penalties
Gorilla permit cancellation policy for Uganda gorilla permit as per Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is applied as follows;
- No refund can be made to a visitor for any cancellation made from 0-8 days to the gorilla trekking day.
- Refund of 25% of the gorilla permit cost can be made for cancellation of 4-45 days prior to gorilla trekking.
- 46-90 days cancellation of tour prior to actual trekking of gorillas attracts refund of 50%.
- 91 days cancellation before the actual visit to see gorillas attracts refund of 75 percent. And this is for guests who have made full payment of gorilla permits. Those who made deposits aren’t liable for the refund.
Procedure for booking a permit
- Contact Us –to make things easier and ensure your permit is booked early, consider reaching out to our team early enough. We are 100% prepared to make your dream come true and we are reachable via our active website emails or even social media platforms.
- Availability of permits & dates –before the gorilla permits are secured, first, availability is ascertained by the tour operator and if the dates you intend to go to track gorillas exist, the permits are booked.
- Personal details –All interested visitors in gorilla trekking require to present their details, especially the gorilla trekking dates of preference; your passport, full names, nationality and other details that our team will require to share.
- Payment –our team is in position to visit the offices of UWA or Rwanda authorities to book a permit on your behalf, but a certain percentage of deposit will be required for you to pay. All payments must be made to active and valid payment modes provided to you by our team. Inquire from our team the details if they are the right before you make any payments.
- Confirmation – once everyone is done, confirmation is sent to you confirming booking of gorilla permit.
Mountain gorillas are among the must-see primates on gorilla tour in Africa. These live in the tropical rainforests of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Trekking to see mountain gorillas is only possible while on African safari in the 4 national parks –Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes NP, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in Kabale in the far Southwestern Uganda is a spectacular Bwindi National Park is a scenic rainforest park. This protected area was founded in 1991 and spans over the land area of 331sq.km. Within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are 459 of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas and trekking with these large apes involves exploring any of the 4 regions; Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo.
Gorilla groups that are distributed across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park include among others Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Mukiza, Mubare, Christmas, Kahungye, Busingye, Katwe, Posho, Bweza, Rwigi and Kutu, etc.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri is situated in Northwestern Rwanda and is where 12 habituated gorilla families reside. Gorilla trekking in this park begins at Kinigi area with briefing and allocation of gorilla groups. The Rwanda gorilla groups include Hirwa, Susa A, Ugenda, Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Group 13 and Titus family.
Virunga National Park Congo
Spanning over 7800sq.km, Virunga N/Park is one of the oldest park, established in 1925. The primary creation of Virunga was to offer refuge to the section of the present endangered mountain gorillas. Virunga NP supports diversity of other faunal species including elephants, primates, and more than 706 species of birds.
Kahuzi-Biega & Maiko National Park
Still within the D.R. Congo, there are Eastern lowland gorillas living in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park. The lowland gorilla treks in D.R. Congo are conducted in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park where five gorilla families have been fully habituated and opened for trekking.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro
Situated in Kisoro, Mgahinga is another special place to find the world’s most sought for primates, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This is also the smallest of the 10 Uganda National Parks and has the land area coverage of 33.7sq.km.