Gorilla trekking permits can be bought from three official sources, depending on the country you plan to visit: the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda, or park offices and licensed tour operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tourists can also buy permits through a trusted tour operator in any of the three countries, which often saves time and avoids paperwork delays.
A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows tourists to enter gorilla national parks and trek mountain gorillas. Without one, park rangers will not allow entry into the forest, so buying the correct permit is the first and most important step in planning a gorilla safari. Booking your permit well in advance is the best way to avoid missing out, since permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season.
Where to Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla permits are bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, either directly at their offices in Kampala or through a licensed tour operator working on your behalf. A gorilla permit costs 800 USD per person per trek for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person per trek for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East Africans.
Uganda remains the most affordable of the three countries for gorilla permits, which is part of why it draws the largest number of gorilla trekkers each year. Travelers wondering why gorilla trekking costs so much can find the full breakdown of where permit fees go.
Where to Buy Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, gorilla permits are bought from the Rwanda Development Board, either online or through a registered tour operator. A gorilla permit costs 1,500 USD for tourists from outside Africa and 200 USD for East African citizens.
Rwanda’s permits cost more than Uganda’s, but the country is known for shorter drive times to the park and a more luxury-focused trekking experience.
Where to Buy Gorilla Permits in Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla permits are bought from park offices or through a licensed tour operator. A gorilla permit costs 400 USD per person for foreigners, 200 USD for Congolese citizens, and 300 USD for SADC nationals.
Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits of the three countries, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers willing to combine gorilla trekking with a visit to Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano near Virunga National Park.
Requirements for Buying a Gorilla Permit
Before a permit can be issued, tourists need to meet a few basic requirements that apply across all three countries. A valid passport confirms where the tourist is from and is used to verify age and eligibility to trek. A valid visa is required to enter Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, and tourists cannot buy a permit without one. Finally, tourists must present proof of payment before a gorilla permit can be issued in any of these three countries, and it’s worth checking in advance whether permits are refundable in case travel plans change.
Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists go into dense forests to search for mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking takes place in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, across four national parks. In Uganda, trekking happens in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park, and in Congo, it takes place in Virunga National Park.
Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters.
