Gorilla permits: frequently asked questions

In Uganda US$800 for foreign non-residents (US$600 in April, May and November). In Rwanda US$1,500. Uganda’s Gorilla Habituation Experience costs US$1,800. Gorilla treks in DR Congo are currently closed. Rates as of 2026 – always check current rates before you travel.

In Rwanda you can book through the Rwanda Development Board’s online platform. In Uganda, foreign non-residents book through a licensed tour operator, which reserves the permit with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Specialists such as Roadtrip Africa arrange the permit together with transport and lodges. See how to buy a gorilla permit.

For June–September and December–February, four to six months ahead. In the low season you can often book closer to the date, but there are no guarantees.

Refund rules are strict and set by the park authorities; cancelling close to the date usually means losing most or all of the fee. Get the current conditions in writing and consider travel insurance.

Permits are personal and dated. Changes are only possible under the park authority’s rules and are not guaranteed; discounted low-season permits in Uganda are date-specific.

Not guaranteed, but success rates are very high because trackers locate the family each morning. If the gorillas are not found, the parks have their own policies for a partial refund or another attempt.

Anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours or more to reach the gorillas, plus one hour with them and the walk back. Plan for a full day. See your trekking day.

15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda. Younger children can enjoy other activities such as community walks, canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi or, in Rwanda, golden monkey trekking from age 12.

Yes, when you follow the rangers’ instructions. Habituated gorillas are calm around people, and armed rangers accompany every group. Mountain gorillas are gentle by nature; the main risks are slips and falls on steep terrain.

The rule is to keep at least 7 metres away, but gorillas don’t know the rules: sometimes they walk right past you. Always follow the guide.

It’s optional but highly recommended. A porter carries your bag, helps you on steep sections and earns an important income for his or her family.

Rwanda is quicker to reach from Kigali; Uganda is cheaper and offers more variety (four Bwindi sectors, Mgahinga, the Habituation Experience, chimps and savannah safaris). Compare them on our Rwanda page.

Yes. Uganda in particular is very suitable for a self-drive. A 4×4 is recommended for the last stretches to the trailheads. Roadtrip Africa offers self-drive trips with the gorilla permit included, and you can add a local driver-guide if you prefer not to drive.

Three to five days is enough for gorillas only from Kigali. Ten to sixteen days lets you combine gorillas with chimpanzees, safaris and lakes. See plan your gorilla trip.

Yes, with a permit for each trek. Many visitors do two treks to visit different families or sectors, for example one in Uganda and one in Rwanda.

The dry seasons (June–September, December–February) are the most comfortable; April, May and November are the cheapest in Uganda. See best time for gorilla trekking.