The Safest, Quickest and Best way to buy a Gorilla Permit is through a licensed local tour operator. These companies have connections with and are recognized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA or the Rwanda Development Board – RDB. This makes the entire booking and paying process swift. You are almost 100% guaranteed to get your Permit(s)Unless booked lastminute.
How do I know that the tour operator is Licensed?
First and foremost, is to ask them if they are fully licensed. If they say they are licensed, then request them for proof. This proof must be a certificate that can easily be verified. For instance, if they say they are registered/licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, then you can verify this by checking the Uganda Tourism Board through their website: Licensed Tour Companies – Uganda Tourism Board (utb.go.ug)
When is the best time to Book My Permit?
Irrespective of whether you intend to travel in the less busy season (March, April, May or November) or during the busier Peak Season months of June – August and December – February, We strongly recommend planning to book, pay/buy your gorilla permits at least 03 – 036 months in advance. This is because the travel trends are changing, and gorilla permit availability is not guaranteed even in what we originally called the Low season (March, April, May or November). Gorilla trekking Permits have only become more competitive to secure.
What are the requirements for booking Gorilla Permits?
- Ensure you are of Age: Gorilla trekking is STRICTLY open to persons aged 15 years and above. Persons below this age will have to discuss with their local tour operator the possibility of arranging a special Gorilla Permit.
- Decide on which date(s) you would like to trek gorillas: The first step is to decide on the date(s) you would Like to trek gorillas, and then either you or your tour operator will contact UWA/RDB. They will then reply advising on whether those dates are available or Not. Assuming the date(s) you want are available, you will then proceed to the next step. If the dates are not available, then you will have to think of alternative date(s).
- Pay for your Gorilla Permit(s): Considering that you have received confirmation regarding the availability of gorilla permits from UWA, RDB, or your tour operator, then you will proceed to make payment for your gorilla permit via Visa, Credit card, or EFT to the bank accounts that UWA/RDB or your tour operator will provide you with. Ensure to get and keep a receipt for this transaction. How much is a gorilla permit? Currently, the Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for Foreign residents, UGX300,000 (approximately $80) per person for East African citizens, and $500 per person/permit for Africans from the Rest of Africa. Rwanda Permits generally cost $1,500 per permit. Check out our Blog; Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda & Rwanda
- Send a scanned copy of your passport (bios page), and Payment receipt. You will be required to scan and send via email a copy of your Passport and Gorilla Permit permit receipt. The page that matters most in your Passport is with your passport details ie Names, Date Of Birth, Passport Number, etc – we call it the Bios page. UWA will verify that payment has been made and thereafter they will send you a confirmation of your booked gorilla Permit.
If the country you are traveling to enforces the Six (06) month Passport Validity Rule, then this means in simple terms that your passport’s expiration date must be at least six (06) months from the day that you plan to enter the said country.
What is the Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda & Rwanda?
The price for gorilla permits varies depending on where or which country you choose to visit.
Rwanda Gorilla permits currently cost;
| Permit Type | Regular Price ($) | Discounted Price ($) | Discount Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Visit | $1500 | $1050 | Valid for Mar, Apr, May, Nov for non-residents if staying 2+ nights in Akagera or Nyungwe NP |
| 2 Days Visit | $1500 | $2100 | Valid for Mar, Apr, May, Nov for non-residents if staying 2+ nights in Akagera or Nyungwe NP |
| 3 Days Visit | $1500 | $3150 | Valid for Mar, Apr, May, Nov for non-residents if staying 2+ nights in Akagera or Nyungwe NP |
| 4+ Days Visit | $1500 per day | $1050 per day | Valid for Mar, Apr, May, Nov for non-residents if staying 2+ nights in Akagera or Nyungwe NP |
| East african Citizens | $1500 | $200 | Valid all year round |
| Rwandan Citizens | $1500 | $200 | Valid all year round |
| African Citizens | $1500 | $500 | Valid all year round |
| Foreign Residents In Africa | $1500 | $500 | Valid all year round |
Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda for 2024 – 2026
- Foreign Non-Residents pay $800 per person/permit.
- Foreign Residents pay $700 per person/permit.
- East African citizens pay UGX300,000 per person/permit.
- Africans from the Rest of Africa pay $800 per person/permit.