Booking Gorilla Permits

Your Essential Guide to Booking Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Securing a gorilla permit is the single most critical step in planning your unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas of East Africa. This “golden ticket” not only grants you access to their forest homes but also directly contributes to their conservation. Given the high demand and limited number of permits issued daily, understanding the booking process is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the booking systems in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Why You Must Book in Advance

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a strictly controlled activity designed to minimize human impact on the gorillas. In both countries, only eight people are allowed to visit each habituated gorilla family per day, for a maximum of one hour. With a limited number of families available for trekking, the total number of permits is small.

It is strongly recommended to book your permits at least six months to a year in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). Last-minute availability is extremely rare.

2025 Gorilla Permit Costs

The cost of a permit varies significantly between the two countries, which is often the deciding factor for many travelers.

• Uganda: The standard permit costs $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents. Permits for foreign residents are $700, and for East African citizens, 300,000 Ugandan Shillings. Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience for $1,500 USD, which allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family.
• Rwanda: A permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person for all nationalities. Rwanda positions itself as a high-end, low-volume tourism destination, and the premium price reflects this. Discounts are sometimes available for longer stays in the country that include visits to other national parks like Akagera and Nyungwe.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Uganda’s permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government body that manages the country’s national parks. You have two main options for booking:

1. Booking Directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

This is the most direct method and ensures you pay the exact permit price without any markup.

• Step 1: Contact UWA: Send an email to the UWA reservations office. In your email, clearly state the desired dates for your trek, the number of permits you need, and your preferred trekking sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo) or if you wish to trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s wise to provide alternative dates.
• Step 2: Check Availability: The UWA staff will respond via email, confirming availability for your requested dates and providing a booking form.
• Step 3: Make Payment: Once you return the completed form, UWA will provide you with their bank details for an electronic funds transfer. Payment must be made in US dollars. Be aware that you will be responsible for covering all bank charges.
• Step 4: Confirmation: After they receive the payment, UWA will send you a confirmation and receipt. You will then need to pick up the physical permit from their head office in Kampala before your trek, or arrange for it to be sent to the park headquarters.

2. Booking Through a Licensed Local Tour Operator

This is the most common and often the most convenient method for international travelers.

• Advantages: Tour operators often purchase permits in bulk, so they may have availability when the UWA website shows none. They handle the entire process for you – from checking availability and making payments to picking up the permits. This saves you the hassle of international bank transfers and communication. Most importantly, they will arrange your transportation, accommodation, and other activities as part of a complete tour package.
• Process: Simply contact a reputable tour operator like us. We will ask for your preferred dates and a scanned copy of your passport. Once you agree on an itinerary, they will secure the permit on your behalf as part of your overall tour payment.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, permits for Volcanoes National Park are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The booking process is similar to Uganda’s.

1. Booking Directly with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

• Step 1: Contact RDB: You can email the reservations department or visit the IREMBO platform, Rwanda’s official online portal for government services, which sometimes handles permit bookings. Email is often more reliable for direct inquiries. State your desired date and number of permits.
• Step 2: Confirmation and Payment: RDB will confirm availability and guide you through the payment process, which is typically via bank transfer.
• Step 3: Receive Permit: Once payment is confirmed, RDB will issue your permit.

2. Booking Through a Licensed Local Tour Operator

As with Uganda, this is the most seamless option. Rwandan tour operators are highly professional and efficient.

• Advantages: The primary advantage in Rwanda is convenience. Given the short distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (2-3 hours), operators can easily package a 2 or 3-day gorilla trekking tour that includes permits, a driver/guide, accommodation, and transfers. They handle all the logistics, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience.
• Process: Contact a registered Rwandan tour operator with your preferred dates. They will confirm permit availability and build an itinerary for you. Your permit fee will be included in the total package cost. They will collect the permit for you, and your guide will have it ready on the morning of your trek.

Booking a gorilla permit is the first step on a journey of a lifetime. Whether you choose the adventurous trails of Uganda or the majestic volcanic slopes of Rwanda, securing your permit well in advance ensures your place in one of the most exclusive and rewarding wildlife encounters on Earth.

To book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda or Rwanda today- simply contact us now by sending an email to [email protected] or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.