Gorilla Permits
Complete Guide to Costs, Booking & New Rules
If you’ve started looking into a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda, you’ve probably already run into the word “permit” more times than you expected. It’s the single most confusing part of planning this trip — and also the part most likely to derail your dates if you leave it too late. Here’s what a permit actually is, what it costs, and how to book one without the stress.
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla permit is a limited, dated pass issued by the national wildlife authority — the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, or the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda — that allows one person to join a single trek to see one specific gorilla family on one specific day. Only a fixed number of permits are issued per day, per park, which is why availability during peak months disappears fast.
How Much Does It Cost?
Permit prices are set directly by the government and are separate from your tour package cost. They change periodically, so rather than quote a number that might be outdated by the time you read this, we include the current rate in every quote we send — ask us when you reach out and we’ll confirm the exact figure for your travel dates.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices
Standard Gorilla Trekking Permit (1 Hour)
| Visitor Category | High Season Price | Low Season Price (Apr, May, Nov) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) | $800 | $600 |
| Foreign Residents | $700 | $500 |
| Other African Passport Holders | $500 | $500 |
| East African Citizens | ~300,000 UGX | ~300,000 UGX |
Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 Hours)
For travellers seeking a deeper immersion, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) — a permit allowing up to four hours alongside a semi-habituated gorilla family .
| Visitor Category | GHEX Permit Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Residents | $1,500 (current rate until 30 June 2026) |
The GHEX is available exclusively in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, with only eight permits issued daily (four per gorilla group) . The rate is expected to increase after the upcoming tariff review, so early booking is strongly advised .
The 2026 Low-Season Discount
In February 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced the formal introduction of discounted low-season gorilla permits a major development for budget-conscious travellers .
During April, May, and November, foreign non-residents can now secure a standard gorilla trekking permit for $600** (a saving of **$200 on the standard rate) .
Important caveat: Low-season permits are non-reschedulable. Once booked for a specific date within these months, the date cannot be changed .
2026 Booking Rules: What Has Changed
The “Pay and Book” Rule
Effective 1 March 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority has eliminated the previous “soft hold” system. Tour operators could previously reserve permits for up to seven days without payment, leading to permit hoarding and phantom sell-outs .
Under the new rule, full payment is required at the time of booking to secure any permit . Permits are now issued electronically — the old practice of physically handing permits to tour operators has been replaced with official receipts and electronic transmission to the operator’s official email address .
Electronic Permit Issuance
In January 2026, UWA announced a major procedural change: reservation officers will no longer issue permits directly after payment. Instead, once payment is made, an official receipt is issued, after which the Head of Reservations processes the permit and transmits it electronically . The revised workflow is designed to enhance transparency and accountability
“The biggest mistake we see is travelers booking flights before confirming permit availability. Permits sell out; flights don’t.”
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For July–August and December–February travel — the driest, most popular trekking months — we recommend securing your permit at least 3–6 months ahead. Shoulder season dates have more flexibility, but availability still isn’t guaranteed once you get within a few weeks of travel.
What Happens If My Dates Change?
Permits are tied to a specific date and are largely non-transferable once issued, so a date change usually means forfeiting the original permit and purchasing a new one if availability allows. This is exactly why we book your permit, flights, and accommodation together — so a schedule shift gets caught and adjusted before it becomes a lost booking.
Quick Checklist Before You Book
Confirm your travel dates are flexible enough to match permit availability
Decide Uganda, Rwanda, or both — permit cost and trek difficulty differ
Book permits before flights, not after
Budget separately for the permit and the rest of your tour package
Ask about physical fitness requirements if you have any health concerns
Written by the Predom Team
We plan gorilla treks and East Africa safaris every week from our office in Lusaka, this guide reflects what we actually walk clients through, not general research.
Ready to book a gorilla trek?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm permit availability and current pricing.
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Have more questions about your trip?
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