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A Guide to Booking Gorilla Permits for 2026–2027

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo? One of the first—and most important—steps is securing your gorilla trekking permit. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we guide travelers through the entire booking process to ensure a seamless experience. In this guide, we answer frequently asked questions and provide detailed information on how to book your gorilla permits, updated pricing for 2026–2027, and what to expect on your trek.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply send us an email. We’ll immediately check the availability of gorilla permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for your preferred trekking date. If permits are available, we’ll reserve them for you and send you an invoice. After your payment is received, we’ll issue your gorilla permit and share a scanned copy for your records.

Since permits are limited and in high demand—especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February)—we highly recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance to secure your spot for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Mountain gorilla trekking is possible in just three countries:

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
DR Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas)

To participate in a trek, a valid gorilla permit is required, regardless of the country. Due to the limited daily quota of permits, especially in high seasons, it’s advisable to begin the booking process at least 4–5 months before your planned travel.

Gorilla Permit Costs (2026–2027)

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit prices are:

Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek
Foreign residents: $700
African citizens: $500
East African citizens: UGX 300,000

Uganda also offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi Forest. This allows you to spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. The cost is $1,500 per person.

Permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park costs:

Foreign non-residents: $1,500
Foreign residents: $500
East African citizens: $200

Rwanda offers 96 permits per day, corresponding to its 12 habituated gorilla families. Permits can be booked via the Rwanda Development Board or through Trek Africa Expeditions.

DR Congo Gorilla Permit Prices

In the DRC, gorilla trekking is offered in two national parks:

Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas)
- High season (Dec–Mar, Jun–Oct): $400
- Low season (Mar–May, Oct–Dec): $200
Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Eastern Lowland Gorillas)
- Foreign non-residents: $400
- East African residents: $200
- DRC citizens: $20

Permits can be secured via the respective park authorities or with assistance from Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Notes About Gorilla Permits

Permit prices exclude accommodation, meals, transport, and flights.
Gorilla permits are non-refundable if cancelled within 8 days of the trekking date.
Permits are date-specific and must be used on the scheduled trekking day.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in all three countries is 15 years. The upper age limit is typically 85 years, depending on your fitness. For older or less mobile visitors, sedan chair carriers are available in Uganda. These chairs, carried by trained porters, make it possible for almost anyone to experience gorilla trekking. Rental ranges between $400–$500.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best times to visit are during the dry seasons:

January–February
June–September

These months offer more comfortable hiking conditions and better visibility in the forest.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

A gorilla trek can be muddy, steep, and humid—so packing the right gear is essential. Here’s what we recommend:

Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants
Gardening gloves (to handle vegetation)
Waterproof rain jacket
Insect repellent
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Daypack with a water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Binoculars for bird or wildlife watching
Camera (with extra batteries and memory cards)
Sweater or fleece for cooler evenings
Swimwear (for hotels with pools)

Gorilla Habituation Experience – Spend More Time with the Gorillas

Want to go beyond the standard one-hour visit? The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is perfect for travelers who want a deeper connection with these majestic animals. This once-in-a-lifetime experience lets you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Forest, accompanied by researchers and trackers.

Trek Africa Expeditions offers customized Gorilla Habituation Safaris that range from budget to luxury and can be tailored to suit your travel plans and preferences. Reach out to us to help plan your perfect safari.

Top Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda

3 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda

Experience the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas deep in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This short yet unforgettable safari is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to tick gorilla trekking off their bucket list.

5 Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Combine the magic of gorilla trekking with classic African wildlife viewing. This six-day journey offers a chance to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and meet the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest.

8 Day Uganda Gorillas and Big Game Safari

Get the best of both worlds—track gorillas in Bwindi and enjoy game drives in Uganda’s top wildlife parks. Perfect for nature lovers wanting a well-rounded safari experience.

All About Gorilla Habituation in Uganda

What is Gorilla Habituation?

Gorilla habituation is a unique experience that allows you to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Unlike the one-hour traditional gorilla trek, this activity gives you deeper insight into how gorillas are slowly introduced to human presence with the help of researchers and conservationists.

Where is Gorilla Habituation Done?

This exclusive experience takes place only in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southern Uganda. While Bwindi has four tracking sectors, only these two host the semi-habituated families used for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Gorilla Habituation vs. Gorilla Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Both experiences take place in Bwindi, but they differ in several key ways:

Time with Gorillas: Habituation gives you 4 hours; trekking offers 1 hour.
Group Size: Habituation groups are limited to 4 people; trekking allows up to 8.
Permit Cost: Gorilla habituation permits cost:
- USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
- USD 1,000 for foreign residents
- UGX 750,000 for East African citizens

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Safari

Booking a Gorilla Habituation Safari requires securing your permit in advance due to the limited availability—only 8 permits are issued daily. Once your travel dates are set, contact Trek Africa Expeditions to check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice. After payment, we’ll confirm your booking and send your scanned permits for your records. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking 2–3 months in advance.

Gorilla Habituation Safari Pricing in Uganda

The permit cost makes up the largest part of your Gorilla Habituation Safari:

Permit: USD 1,500 (foreign non-residents), USD 1,000 (residents), UGX 750,000 (EAC citizens)
Additional Costs: Transport, accommodation, and guide services
For example, our 4-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Safari starts from USD 1,272 per person. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions for a customized quote.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Habituation Trekking

The best time for a Gorilla Habituation Safari is during Uganda’s dry seasons—from June to October and December to March. Trails are easier to navigate, and the thinner vegetation allows for better viewing and photography. Though the wetter months (April, May, and November) may involve shorter treks due to gorillas staying closer to food sources, sightings are still very likely year-round.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation Safari

For easy access to the habituation sites, it’s best to stay in the southern sector of Bwindi—either Rushaga or Nkuringo. Here are recommended options by category:

Budget Lodges (USD 90–100/night): Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, Nshogi Camp
Mid-Range Lodges (USD 150–200/night): Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Luxury Lodges (USD 250–700/night): Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

How to Get to Bwindi for Gorilla Habituation

By Road:
Drive from Kampala or Entebbe through Kabale town, turning at Muko towards Rushaga or Nkuringo. The drive takes 8–9 hours and is filled with scenic views.

By Air:
Scheduled or chartered flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, a short road transfer brings you to Rushaga or Nkuringo. Domestic airlines include AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Trek Africa Expeditions can arrange all transfers.

Why Book Your Gorilla Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we craft personalized and eco-friendly safaris with a strong commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and client safety. We prioritize responsible travel, following the motto: “Take only photographs, leave only footprints.”
In the post-Covid era, we adhere strictly to health guidelines to ensure your safety and comfort at every stage of your safari.