A gorilla trekking permit is a strictly limited, dated pass issued by the government wildlife authority of the country you’re trekking in, and it is the single most important piece of planning for a gorilla safari; the rest of the itinerary is built around confirmed permit dates, not the other way round. Permits are priced and booked separately from accommodation, guiding and transport.
Uganda gorilla permits
Issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, the standard rate as of late 2026 is around USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents and USD 700 for foreign residents, with a reduced low-season rate (typically April, May and November) of around USD 600 and USD 500 respectively. East African citizens pay a separate, much lower local rate. Gorilla habituation experience permits in Rushaga sector are priced higher given their longer duration.
Rwanda gorilla permits
Issued by the Rwanda Development Board for Volcanoes National Park, the standard rate as of late 2026 is around USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, with reduced rates for foreign residents of Rwanda and other African nationals, and a separate lower rate for Rwandan and East African citizens. Rwanda does not generally offer a discounted low season rate the way Uganda does.
What the permit includes
The permit fee covers park entry for that trekking day, an armed ranger-guide, trackers who locate the family that morning, and a strictly enforced one hour with the gorillas once found. It does not include a porter (optional, hired locally and well worth it), transport to the park, or accommodation.
Booking, availability and our policy
Permits are limited in number per day per sector and genuinely do sell out, especially in peak months (June–September and December–February), so booking several months ahead is strongly advised. Once a permit is booked and paid for, it is non-refundable, and if a safari with a booked permit is postponed, a new permit must be purchased for the new dates. This is a fixed rule of the issuing authorities, not an Offmap policy, and applies regardless of how far in advance the change is requested.
Book your gorilla permit
Tell us your preferred country and travel dates and we will confirm current pricing and secure your permit. Visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected].
