Gorilla Trekking Permit Booking Guide 2025-2026

Gorilla Trekking Permit Booking Guide 2025-2026

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you secure your gorilla trekking permit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in these incredible locations. Find out how to book permits, where to trek, current pricing, and why advance booking is essential.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

To secure a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, first confirm your travel dates. Then, reach out to us by email so we can check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll send an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we’ll immediately secure your permits and provide you with a scanned copy for your records.

Advance booking is highly recommended—ideally 2-3 months ahead of your trip—as permits are limited and sell out fast. Early booking ensures a spot for your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Africa

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Key gorilla trekking destinations include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

For an encounter with lowland gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo offers a unique experience.

To ensure your preferred dates and park location, start planning and booking your gorilla trek at least five months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season from June to September. You can book permits directly or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Uganda’s gorilla permits allow trekkers an hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Prices are as follows:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for residents
• $75 per person for East African citizens

With 17 habituated gorilla families, Uganda offers 136 trekking permits daily. For a more immersive experience, Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest. At $1500 per permit, this four-hour experience provides extended time with gorillas under the guidance of experts and researchers.

Book your permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator, such as Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda’s gorilla permits provide access to Volcanoes National Park and are priced at:

• $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 per person for East African citizens

With 12 gorilla families in the park, Rwanda offers 96 daily permits. Secure your permits either through the Rwanda Development Board or through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and Booking Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

In DR Congo, gorilla trekking is available in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas. Pricing is structured around the season:

• Virunga National Park: $400 per person in high season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October) and $200 per person in low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December).
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park: $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East Africa residents, and $20 for Congolese citizens.

You can book permits directly with Virunga National Park or through a tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Notes

When booking your gorilla trekking permits, remember that the permit price generally covers only the trekking experience. Costs for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other services are separate. For detailed packages that include these additional expenses, feel free to reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions.

Whether you’re dreaming of trekking Uganda’s dense forests, Rwanda’s scenic volcanoes, or Congo’s remote jungles, early planning and permit booking are key to a memorable and seamless gorilla trekking adventure.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, while the maximum age typically extends up to 85, depending on individual fitness levels. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, elders or trekkers with limited mobility can now enjoy a special option to participate through the use of sedan chairs. These chairs are carried by experienced porters, allowing those unable to make the trek on foot to be transported in and out of the forest. You can reserve a sedan chair ahead of your visit or arrange one on the day of the trek, with costs typically ranging from $400 to $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

A gorilla permit is essential for tracking gorillas in Africa, and it’s generally expected that travelers will use their permits on the scheduled trekking date. Cancellation policies for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo typically mean that there are no refunds for cancellations made within 8 days or less before the trek date. However, due to recent adjustments for COVID-19, cancellation policies in these countries have become more flexible. For example, in Uganda, treks affected by the pandemic now allow permit holders to reschedule twice, with new trekking dates valid through December 2022. Contact us for the latest details on cancellations or rescheduling.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, though the dry months—January, February, and June through early September—are often ideal. These drier periods make park travel easier and provide better visibility of the gorillas, as the forest vegetation tends to be less dense.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

For a safe and comfortable trekking experience, certain gear is recommended. The forest can be muddy and challenging to navigate, particularly during the rainy season. Wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots or hiking shoes, and consider long-sleeve shirts and lightweight trousers to protect yourself from vegetation and insects. Here are some essentials:

• Insect repellent
• Torch or flashlight with spare batteries
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle
• Camera and lenses
• Comfortable walking boots and socks
• Gardening gloves for added grip
• Sandals or walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• Sweater or fleece for cooler moments
• Swimwear for accommodations with pools
• Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching

Why Book Gorilla Trekking with Us in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in crafting unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our expertise is highly rated on TripAdvisor, and we focus on creating eco-conscious, high-quality adventures that support wildlife conservation and benefit local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer diverse adventures, from chimpanzee trekking and Big Five safaris to mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. We also organize safaris across top African destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Let us help you book your gorilla trekking permits and make your African safari dream a reality.