What are the Current Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda and Rwanda?

What are the Current Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda and Rwanda?

The respective government authorities responsible for wildlife tourism determine the current Gorilla permit prices in both Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages all activities related to mountain gorillas. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) handles the sale and regulation of gorilla permits.

Uganda offers two main gorilla experiences: gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience. Currently, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for international non-residents.  It also costs $700 for international residents and $500 for citizens of other African countries. Additionally, it costs 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.

In Rwanda, only gorilla trekking is available. The permit costs $1,500 for international non-residents. It also costs $1000 for international residents and citizens of other African countries, and $200 for East African citizens.

What is a Gorilla Permit?

Current Gorilla Permit Prices- What is a gorilla permit? A gorilla permit is an official document that grants you access to participate in either gorilla trekking or the gorilla habituation experience. It serves as your entry pass to a gorilla safari adventure in Uganda or Rwanda. The permit is valid only for the specific date you booked it for. If you fail to show up on that date without notifying the relevant conservation authorities in advance, you may not be eligible for a refund. For further details, feel free to contact us.

What is Included and Excluded in the Current Price of the Gorilla Permit for Uganda and Rwanda

Current Gorilla Permit Prices- includes and excludes a gorilla permit. The price of a gorilla permit in both Uganda and Rwanda covers park entry fees, one hour of gorilla trekking (or four hours for the habituation experience). It also includes ranger guide services, security, and contributions toward mountain gorilla conservation efforts. However, the permit price does not include expenses such as tips, accommodation, transport, or other personal costs.

In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for international non-residents.  It also costs $700 for international residents and $500 for citizens of other African countries. Additionally, it costs 300,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens. For those who want to do the gorilla habituation experience, the permit costs $1,500 for international non-residents. It also costs $1,000 for international residents, $1,000 for other African nationals, and 750,000 Ugandan shillings for East Africans.

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is currently $1,500 for international non-residents. It also costs $1000 for foreign residents and citizens from other African countries. Also, it costs $200 for East African citizens.

Can I Purchase the Rwanda or Uganda Gorilla Permit in Instalments?

Current Gorilla Permit Prices- Is it possible to buy a gorilla permit in instalments? Yes, it is possible to purchase a gorilla permit for either Rwanda or Uganda in instalments. You may pay 30% of the total cost initially and the remaining 70% at a later date. However, you must complete the full payment at least 90 days before your scheduled gorilla safari. According to the terms and conditions set by the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, if the balance is not paid within this timeframe, your permit may be released back to the public without prior notice and with no refund.

Can I Reschedule a Gorilla Permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

Yes, rescheduling a gorilla permit is possible in both Uganda and Rwanda. However, you must do it within the same calendar year in which you initially booked the permit. In Uganda, you can only reschedule a permit up to two times without any extra charges. However, a third rescheduling may incur a surcharge. In Rwanda, rescheduling a gorilla trekking permit may attract a fee regardless of how many times you change it.

To request a new date, travelers must submit a written request to the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board, providing a valid reason for the change and suggesting the preferred new date. The permit will then be moved based on availability at the time of the request.

For permits purchased in instalments, the full balance must be paid before a rescheduling request can be processed.

Is the Gorilla Permit for Uganda or Rwanda Worth the Money?

Current Gorilla Permit Prices- Is a gorilla permit worth the money? Absolutely—purchasing a gorilla permit for Uganda or Rwanda is well worth the cost. It grants you a rare opportunity to spend time with the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These incredible animals cannot survive outside the wild. You can only find them in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A maximum of eight people per day visit each gorilla family. This makes the permits limited and highly sought-after, especially during peak tourist seasons when they often sell out. Securing a permit is a privilege, and many consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Beyond encountering mountain gorillas, the trek through the forest offers the chance to spot other fascinating wildlife. This may include golden monkeys, wild chimpanzees in Bwindi, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, pottos, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy the rich avian diversity, with opportunities to identify over 100 species, including several Albertine Rift endemics.

Gorilla tourism also plays a vital role in conservation and community development. A portion of the permit fee supports ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas, preserve their forest habitat, and promote local awareness. Additionally, hiring a porter during your trek is a meaningful way to directly contribute to local livelihoods.

Can I Do A Gorilla Safari in Uganda or Rwanda Without a Gorilla Permit?

No, it is not possible to participate in a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda without a valid gorilla permit. Every tourist should have a permit, which includes personal details used for identification and verification. These permits are strictly regulated, with limited numbers issued per day to protect the gorillas and minimize human impact on their fragile forest habitat.

While there are rare occasions when a permit becomes available at the last minute, such as when a traveler fails to show up or a permit is resold, this is highly unpredictable and not a reliable option. For that reason, we strongly advise against relying on last-minute availability and recommend securing your permit well in advance.

What Is the Age Limit for Booking Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda?

The minimum age for booking a gorilla permit is 12 years in Uganda and 15 years in Rwanda. If you’re planning a gorilla safari with children, it’s important to consider these age restrictions when making arrangements. These limits are in place to ensure that participants are physically capable of handling the trek and can fully appreciate the experience of observing mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

The terrain in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is often steep and rugged, shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Gorilla families may move across slopes and valleys, making the trek physically demanding. In particular, Rwanda’s landscape tends to be steeper than Uganda’s, which adds to the challenge, especially for younger children.

Additionally, the duration of a gorilla trek can be long and unpredictable, sometimes lasting several hours. This may be too exhausting for children under the age threshold to complete comfortably and safely.

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

In Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the southwestern region of the country. This ancient forest, with a history stretching back over 25,000 years, boasts rich biodiversity—including more than 120 mammal species, 310 types of butterflies, and over 88 moth species.

Due to its size, Bwindi has been divided into four sectors to manage tourism and conservation more efficiently: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Gorilla trekking permits are issued based on these specific regions, so it is advisable to book accommodation close to the sector where your permit is allocated for convenience and accessibility.

In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi is home to a variety of other primates, such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and even chimpanzees.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga offers a more intimate gorilla trekking experience due to its lower visitor numbers. Currently, it is home to one habituated gorilla family open to the public—the Nyakagezi group. This makes for a quieter, more exclusive encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Aside from gorillas, Mgahinga is also inhabited by other primate species, including golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 115 bird species recorded.

In Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the country’s primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking. Currently, about 12 habituated gorilla families, including famous groups like Umubano, Amahoro, Hirwa, Susa, and others, are available for tourists to visit.

The park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also supports a diverse range of primates, such as golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Volcanoes National Park is characterized by its rugged terrain, shaped by volcanic activity over the centuries. The park is home to several prominent volcanoes, including Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Karisimbi. The gorillas often inhabit the slopes of these highlands. This means that trekkers may need to hike to varying elevations to encounter the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Current Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda or Rwanda: Which is the Best Gorilla Safari Destination?

Choosing the best destination for a gorilla safari can be challenging, as both Uganda and Rwanda offer unique experiences. Therefore, the best option depends on what you hope to gain from your adventure.

In terms of travel time, Rwanda is more accessible for those flying into Kigali. The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 3 hours, making it a convenient option for travelers with limited time. In contrast, Uganda requires a longer journey. The drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks takes about 8 to 9 hours. This makes it a more time-consuming option.

The cost of a gorilla permit also varies significantly between the two countries. In Rwanda, the current price for a gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 per person, while Uganda offers a more affordable permit at $800 per person.

Uganda offers two primary gorilla safari destinations—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park—where visitors can trek to see approximately 22 gorilla families. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, however, has 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

After your gorilla trek, Uganda offers a wider variety of safari experiences. These include game drives, birding, and visits to the source of the Nile. Rwanda’s options for combining activities with gorilla trekking are more limited, but it does offer opportunities for game safaris and birding.

What To Do and Not To Do on a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Do’s:

• Visitors with communicable infections, like cholera or COVID-19, shouldn’t visit mountain gorillas to protect them from potentially fatal diseases.
• Always maintain a distance of at least 8 meters (26 feet) from the gorillas to prevent disease transmission, and if they approach, move slowly and quietly backward without causing alarm.
• Wear a Mask: Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, wearing a mask while gorilla trekking is a rule that helps protect both the visitors and the gorillas from potential cross-contamination.
• Be Mindful during Photography: Do not use flash photography when around the gorillas, as it can startle them. Flash can be disruptive and cause unnecessary stress to the animals.
• Respect the Environment: Never drink, eat, or smoke within 200 meters of the gorillas. The effects of smoke or food waste on the gorillas may not be immediately evident, but could have long-term impacts.
• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: If you need to sneeze or cough, do so away from the gorillas or into your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
• Use a Toilet Properly: If you need to relieve yourself during the trek, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you. Make sure to cover everything properly to prevent any disturbance to the environment.
• Respect the Forest: Always pick up your litter and avoid dumping garbage in the forest. The forest is the gorillas’ natural habitat, and keeping it clean ensures that it remains sustainable for both the wildlife and the local ecosystem.
• Keep Quiet and Calm: When with the gorillas, speak in low tones and avoid sudden movements to avoid scaring the gorillas.

Don’ts:

• Don’t surround the Gorillas: Never surround the mountain gorillas or approach them in a way that might make them feel trapped or ambushed. Always maintain a respectful distance and let them move freely.
• Don’t Provoke or Touch the Gorillas: Never attempt to provoke or touch the gorillas. The safety of both you and the gorillas is important, and any aggressive behavior can cause the gorillas to retreat into hiding.
• Don’t Spit on Vegetation or Soil: Spitting on the soil or plants within the park is unhygienic and disrespectful to the environment. The vegetation is a vital food source for the mountain gorillas, so we must be careful not to contaminate it.
• Don’t Overstay Your Welcome: You are allowed to spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas once you locate them. This time limit ensures the gorillas can continue their daily activities without disruption.

For further information on gorilla permit prices in Uganda and Rwanda, feel free to contact us.