Book the Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla trekking permit is the most important step in planning your once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the mountain gorillas of East Africa. Whether you are trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, securing a permit guarantees you an exclusive slot to visit one of the world’s most endangered primates in their natural rainforest habitat.

What Is a Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla permit is an official document issued by the respective wildlife authority — Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda — allowing travelers to join a guided trek to observe a habituated gorilla family. Each group is limited to only eight visitors per day, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas and a high-quality, intimate experience for trekkers.

A permit covers the cost of the park entry, ranger guides, conservation fees, and one precious hour with the gorillas once they are found. Because gorilla trekking is tightly regulated to protect these gentle giants, the number of permits issued daily is limited, making early booking essential.

Gorilla Permit Costs

Permit prices vary by country:

• Rwanda: USD 1,500 per person (Volcanoes National Park)

• Uganda: USD 800 per person (Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks)

• Congo (Virunga): around USD 400 per person (subject to security updates)

While Rwanda’s permit cost is higher, it offers shorter access from Kigali (2.5 hours to Volcanoes NP), while Uganda’s treks are often combined with scenic routes through Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth, or Kibale Forest — adding diversity to the adventure.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

Gorilla permits can be booked in two main ways:

1. Through a Licensed Tour Operator:
   This is the easiest and most reliable option. Authorized safari companies such as Dusk 2 Dawn Explorers, Imvelo Safaris, and Moreen East Africa Safaris can secure your permit directly from UWA or RDB on your behalf. Operators also help plan your full itinerary, arrange transportation, accommodation, and guide services to ensure a seamless trekking experience.

2. Directly from the Wildlife Authority:
   Travelers may contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (for Bwindi/Mgahinga) or Rwanda Development Board (for Volcanoes NP) by email or phone to request permit availability and make payment via bank transfer. However, due to high demand and time zone differences, this option is best for travelers who are familiar with local procedures.

When to Book Your Permit

Permits often sell out months in advance, especially during the high seasons of June to September and December to February. To avoid disappointment, book your permit at least 3–6 months ahead of your planned trek — or earlier if traveling in peak season or with a large group.

What You’ll Need

When booking, you’ll typically provide your full name, nationality, and passport number. Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a permit confirmation or receipt, which your tour operator will present to park authorities on the day of your trek.

Why Booking Early Matters

Your gorilla trekking permit isn’t just an entry pass — it’s your contribution to conservation. A significant portion of every permit fee goes directly toward protecting the gorillas and supporting the surrounding communities through eco-tourism initiatives. By booking your permit responsibly, you become part of Rwanda and Uganda’s ongoing conservation success story.

Final Thought

Booking your gorilla permit is the first step toward one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. The anticipation of that moment — when you finally meet a silverback face-to-face in the misty rainforest — is what makes every preparation worthwhile. Secure your permit early, plan your trek wisely, and prepare for an experience that will forever live in your memory.