Where and How to Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda are available for purchase directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Kampala or the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali. Alternatively, you can purchase these permits via a trusted local tour operator. Currently, Uganda offers around 176 gorilla trekking permits daily, which are allocated to habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda has 96 gorilla permits available daily for gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park.

For those who wish to spend more time with the gorillas, the gorilla habituation experience allows a four-hour encounter with the primates in their natural habitat in Bwindi. However, only four permits are issued per day for this unique experience, and since there are 2 gorilla families available for gorilla habituation, only 8 permits are available daily for trekking.

Many travelers often inquire about the process of booking gorilla permits, where to purchase them, the cost, and the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. To confirm a slot for your trek, securing a permit in advance is essential. Whether booking directly through UWA, RDB or via a reliable tour operator, early reservations ensure availability for gorilla trekking in either Bwindi, Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda.

How to Book gorilla permits in Uganda

To book gorilla permits in Uganda, first confirm your planned travel dates. Then, send an email to (email) so that we can check the availability of gorilla trekking or habituation permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once we verify that permits are available for your selected dates, we will inform you and send an invoice for payment.

After receiving your payment, we will immediately purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga National park. Due to limited availability and high demand, it is recommended to book your gorilla permits at least 3-6 months in advance, as they sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Book gorilla permits In Rwanda

To secure gorilla permits in Uganda, start by confirming your travel dates. Next, send an email to (email) so we can check permit availability with the Rwanda development Board. If permits are available for your preferred dates, we will notify you and provide an invoice for payment.

Once we receive your payment, we will promptly purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy as confirmation of your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park. Due to high demand and limited availability, it is advisable to book your permits at least 2-3 months in advance, as they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the cost of Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda?

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit varies depending on your residency status. For foreign non-residents, the price is $800 per person per trek. Residents pay $700 per person, and East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan) pay Ugx300,000. This permit grants you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 22 habituated gorilla families, with 21 located in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, meaning 176 permits are available daily for trekking.

Additionally, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows for a more extended interaction with the mountain gorillas. This experience, available only in Bwindi Forest, costs $1500 per person and provides a 4-hour encounter with semi-habituated gorillas under the supervision of researchers and trackers.

In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents and rest of Africa citizens, and $250 for East African Citizens.

What is the age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

The minimum age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is 15 years, while the maximum age is typically 85 years, depending on the individual’s fitness level. For elderly trekkers, Bwindi Forest offers the option of using sedan chair carriers. These chairs are provided for those who are unable to walk into the forest due to limited mobility. Potters will carry you to and from the forest during your trek. The cost of hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500, and it can be arranged in advance or on the day of the trek. Contact us for more information.

What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. These months make travel to the park easier and offer clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense compared to the wet season. This makes it easier for visitors to trek, and the roads are more passable during this period.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

When going for gorilla trekking, it’s important to wear comfortable, durable walking shoes or boots, as conditions can be very muddy, especially during the rainy season. There are also uphill sections that may be steep and strenuous. It’s advisable to wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants.

Here are some items you should consider packing for your gorilla trek:

  • Insect repellent
  • Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
  • Wet wipes
  • Water bottle
  • Camera with lenses
  • Comfortable walking or hiking boots and socks
  • Gardening gloves for handling dense vegetation
  • Sandals or slip-on shoes for resting
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Rain jacket
  • Sweater or fleece for cooler temperatures
  • Swimwear
  • Binoculars for game or bird watching

How to Access Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla trekking

Bwindi Forest National Park can be accessed by both road and air.

By road, the southern sector of the park can be reached from Entebbe or Kampala, with an 8-9 hour drive. Once you reach Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road, you’ll see the Uganda Wildlife Authority signpost. Follow the signs to your booked accommodation in either the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector. However, if you want to avoid long driving distances, you can land in Kigali and then embark on a 4-hour Journey to Bwindi or Mgahinga.

By air, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip, which serves the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Scheduled and chartered flights are available through domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Your tour operator can arrange a transfer from the airstrip to the park.

Accessing Volcanoes National park

There is a 3-hour journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival from the airport, your driver-guide from Mukuru valley safaris welcomes you, and then head to Volcanoes National Park.

Why book your gorilla permits with Eco Adventure Safaris?

At Mukuru Valley Safaris, we provide personalized service with a focus on the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are dedicated to the well-being of our guests and staff, while also positively impacting the communities and natural areas we operate in.

Contact us for more information on how to buy gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda, we’ll swiftly respond to your inquiry.