How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda and Rwanda

The gorilla trekking permit is unlike any other wildlife ticket in Africa. It cannot be purchased on the day. It cannot be transferred between people. It is issued for a specific date, a specific sector, and — in many cases — a specific gorilla family. If you miss your permit date, it is non-refundable. If you book too late, there are no permits available. Understanding this system is the single most important step in planning an East Africa primate safari.

Uganda: The Permit System

Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at USD 700 per person per trek. Each permit covers one gorilla trek (one hour with a habituated gorilla family) in one of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest's four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo — or at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Permits can be booked directly through the UWA website (ugandawildlife.org) or, more reliably for international travellers, through a licensed tour operator. Tour operators buy permit allocations and manage the booking complexity of matching your travel dates with available families in the right sector. For peak season (June–August), permits at popular sectors like Buhoma can sell out six months in advance. For Rushaga (the most prolific sector with the most families), slightly more flexibility exists.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) permit costs USD 1,500 per person, is limited to four visitors per day, and is only available in the Rushaga sector. GHEX permits should be booked 4–6 months in advance regardless of season.

Rwanda: The Permit System

Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) at USD 1,500 per person per trek. Ten gorilla families are open for trekking in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of eight visitors per family per day — giving a total of 80 permits per day across the park.

RDB permits can be booked directly through the RDB website (rdb.rw) or through a licensed tour operator. Rwanda's premium pricing means the park is never overcrowded, but permits still sell out for peak season dates months in advance. The luxury lodge operators in the Virunga foothills often have permit allocation relationships with RDB — booking your accommodation and permit through the same operator can simplify the logistics considerably.

When to Book

The booking window that works for most travellers is three to four months in advance for shoulder season (September–November, March–May) and five to six months for peak season (June–August, December–February). If you have a specific date in mind — particularly if you're combining gorilla trekking with a flight connection or a group trip — book as early as possible. Permits sell out; dates don't reappear.

For the cross-border itinerary (Bwindi gorillas in Uganda + Volcanoes gorillas in Rwanda), the standard approach is to secure both permits first, then book accommodation and flights around the fixed permit dates. Do not book flights first.

What the Permit Includes

Both Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits include: one gorilla trek with a habituated gorilla family, guided by a UWA or RDB ranger; one hour with the gorilla family (timed precisely); park entry for the trekking day; and a gorilla trekking certificate signed by the ranger after the trek. The permit does not include: accommodation, transport, guide-driver fees, porter hire, or any other services. Those are arranged separately as part of your safari package.

What Happens If You Can't Trek

Uganda: If a visitor is unable to trek on their permit date due to illness (particularly respiratory illness — visitors with colds or flu are excluded to protect gorillas from human pathogens), the UWA may reschedule the permit at its discretion, subject to availability. This is not guaranteed. Travel insurance that covers safari permit non-refundable bookings is strongly recommended.

Rwanda: RDB has a formal permit rescheduling policy — permits can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the trek date subject to availability. Same-day cancellations are non-refundable.

Booking Through a Tour Operator

For most international travellers, booking gorilla permits through a licensed tour operator is significantly easier than direct booking — particularly for cross-border itineraries, group bookings, or complex logistics. A reputable operator manages permit allocation relationships with both UWA and RDB, handles the payment process, and takes responsibility for securing your permit before your safari begins. When you arrive at the park headquarters on trekking day, your permit is already confirmed and your family assignment is made the morning of the trek based on fitness levels and group composition.