Gorilla Permits Explained: Uganda vs Rwanda

Spending an hour with a family of mountain gorillas is one of the most moving wildlife experiences anywhere. Only around a thousand mountain gorillas remain, living in the forests where Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet. Every visit is controlled by a permit, and the permit shapes the whole trip: what it costs, how early you book and where you go.

What is a gorilla permit?

A permit is issued by the national wildlife authority and allows one person to trek to one habituated gorilla family on a set date. Groups are limited to eight visitors per family per day, and once you reach the gorillas you spend one hour with them. The permit fee funds park protection and community projects around the forest, which is a large part of why mountain gorilla numbers have been rising.

Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga

Most of Uganda’s gorilla families live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, on the Virunga volcanoes, has a single habituated family. At the time of writing, a Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800 per person for foreign non-residents.

Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where a small group spends up to four hours with a family still being introduced to people. It is more expensive and more demanding, and permits are very limited.

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, around two and a half hours’ drive from Kigali on good roads. At the time of writing, a Rwanda gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person. The higher price is a deliberate choice to keep visitor numbers low and fund conservation. In return, Rwanda is the fastest place to reach the gorillas: it is possible to fly into Kigali, trek the next morning and be home within a few days.

Permit prices are set by each government and can change. Every Volcan quote shows the current permit price as a separate line, so you always know exactly what you are paying for.

How far ahead should you book?

• June to September and December to February are the busiest months. Book six to twelve months ahead.
• Other months are quieter and often available at three to four months’ notice, sometimes less.
• Permits are issued in the traveller’s name and are not refundable once bought, so we confirm your dates and passport details before buying.

Minimum age and fitness

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in both countries is 15. Treks can take anything from one to six hours, over steep and often muddy terrain at altitude, depending on where the family is that day. You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness helps. Porters are available at the trailhead to carry your bag and help on steep sections, and hiring one supports local families.

Uganda or Rwanda?

• Choose Uganda for value, more gorilla families, the option of the habituation experience, and the chance to combine gorillas with chimpanzees in Kibale and a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.
• Choose Rwanda for speed and ease: short transfers, excellent roads and a trip that fits into three or four days, with chimpanzees in Nyungwe or a savannah safari in Akagera as extensions.

What to bring on the trek

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket, gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation, and a small daypack with water and snacks. Leave the flash off your camera: flash photography is not allowed with the gorillas.

Gorilla safaris with Volcan

Our gorilla trips include the 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari, the 4-Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari, the 3-Day Nkuringo Gorilla Safari, the 4-Day Fly-in Gorilla Trekking Safari and the 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari.

Permits are the one part of the trip that cannot be arranged at the last minute. Send us your preferred dates and we will check availability before anything else.