Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in 2026: Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo Compared

By Anna Axelson, Operations Manager, East Africa Safaris · Updated October 2026

A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person in Rwanda and $800 per person in Uganda for foreign non-residents in 2026, and Uganda's gorilla habituation experience costs $1,500 (rising to $1,800 on January 1, 2027). In DR Congo, no permits are on sale: Virunga National Park's official visitor site says "Gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice."

Prices checked: September 2026. Every fee here comes from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Virunga National Park, unless it is marked "reported." These authorities set the fees, so a permit's face value is the same whichever operator books it.

How much does a gorilla permit cost in each country?

Rwanda: $1,500 per permit

RDB's official booking portal lists the gorilla permit at $1,500 for foreigners. According to Visit Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park has twelve habituated gorilla families, each can take eight visitors a day, and that caps supply at 96 permits a day.

The $200 and $500 Rwanda prices you may see online are RDB promotional rates for Rwandan, East African and African citizens and residents, not US travelers. When RDB extended them to the end of 2026, The New Times reported on January 5, 2026 that "International tourists will continue paying $1,500."

Uganda: $800 standard, $1,500 for habituation

UWA's Conservation Tariff for July 2024 to June 2026 lists the gorilla permit at $800 for foreign non-residents and the habituation experience at $1,500. Both include the guide fee, park entrance for the day and a community development contribution. UWA still publishes that tariff, and its February 26, 2026 notice keeps gorilla tracking at $800 from January 1, 2027.

Standard treks run in Bwindi's four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) and in Mgahinga, which UWA says issues about eight permits a day. UWA lists the habituation experience under Bwindi only. SafariBookings reports that it allows up to four hours with a gorilla family still being habituated.

DR Congo: closed until further notice

Virunga's official site gives no reopening date for gorilla treks, and its minimum age when treks run is 15. Mountain gorillas live only in DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, so for now Rwanda and Uganda are the only places selling mountain gorilla permits.

What does a gorilla permit include?

Under RDB's and UWA's published rules, a permit includes:

• One hour with a habituated family, in a group of up to eight visitors.
• Guides and trackers. RDB guides give a pre-trek briefing and trackers help locate the family. UWA's rate includes the guide fee.
• Park entry for the day in Uganda, plus a community development contribution.
• A family assigned on the morning of your trek. Visit Rwanda says visitors gather at park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am and are allocated a family according to fitness levels.

The permit does not cover porters, which RDB says are available "for a small charge," or transport to park headquarters. Our tours include transport, but porter fees are not included in our published prices. For the rest of the trip budget, see our gorilla trekking cost guide.

Are there gorilla permit discounts in 2026?

Yes, two official ones, and both depend on the month.

Uganda: $600 in April, May and November

In a February 26, 2026 notice to stakeholders, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi introduced low-season rates: $600 for gorilla tracking, down from $800, and $200 for chimpanzee tracking. UWA states that "the low season permits cannot be rescheduled." Habituation is not discounted, and no end date is given.

Rwanda: a conditional discount, November to May

RDB's booking portal lists a 30% low-season discount on the gorilla permit from November to May. It is not guaranteed: it depends on permit availability and on RDB's conditions, which currently are:

• Stay two nights in Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park, or one consecutive night in each.
• Show a paid hotel receipt and at least one paid activity in that park.
• Each 3-day, 2-night stay covers one discounted permit per person.

SafariBookings' Rwanda guide, updated July 2026, also describes it as current. If your dates fall in either country's low season, ask us whether a low-season rate can apply to your trip.

What will gorilla permits cost in 2027?

UWA's February 26, 2026 notice sets these changes from January 1, 2027. The $1,800 habituation price is officially confirmed, not just reported.

Rwanda has announced no change to its $1,500 international rate.

What do golden monkey, chimpanzee and hiking permits cost?

We could not find an official published fee for Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking, so the $150 figure is as reported by SafariBookings. Other operator websites quote different figures, so confirm the current fee when you book.

How do you book gorilla permits?

Rwanda

Visit Rwanda recommends booking ahead through the Irembo platform or a licensed operator. RDB sells permits first come, first served, needs each traveler's passport details at payment, and refuses entry at the gate to anyone with incorrect or expired ID, even if they paid. Operators can hold a permit with a deposit of 40% to 99%, then must pay the balance 30 days before the trek.

Uganda

UWA's public advisory of July 11, 2024 says permits for foreign non-residents are "sold exclusively through tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board." You can check a license at utb.go.ug. Since March 1, 2026, UWA has also dropped its seven-day unpaid hold: permits are secured only on full payment at booking.

DR Congo

Virunga is not taking gorilla trek bookings while treks are closed.

How far ahead should you book, and which months sell out?

Supply is fixed by the eight-visitor rule: 96 permits a day in Rwanda, according to Visit Rwanda, and about eight a day in Mgahinga, according to UWA. The official calendars show the busy months: RDB's discounts exclude June to October, and UWA discounts only April, May and November.

For July and August, and for peak dates generally, we recommend booking 6 months ahead. SafariBookings reports a similar lead time for Uganda's peak seasons, June to August and December to February. Planning 6 to 12 months out lets you choose dates rather than take what is left.

Payment rules add to the lead time: UWA wants full payment to secure a permit, and RDB wants advance bookings paid in full 30 days out.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age is 15 in all three countries, set by RDB, UWA and Virunga National Park, and all of our published gorilla tours use the same rule. Younger travelers still have options: RDB allows golden monkey tracking from age 12, and UWA allows chimpanzee tracking from age 12. RDB sets 15 as the minimum for the Mount Bisoke and Dian Fossey tomb hikes.

What happens if you are sick on trek day?

UWA's gorilla rules say "Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness," and note that gorillas can catch coughs and colds from humans. RDB says you may be denied entry to the park if you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness. RDB gives no refund for absence, but it can reschedule an expired permit "due to unforeseen circumstances" if documentary evidence is supplied, at its discretion.

What we do for Rwanda permits

If you wake up unwell on the morning of your trek, we contact the park and RDB straight away, and we normally arrange a medical examination so the illness is documented. From there:

• If you recover within a few days and still want to trek, we work with RDB to move your permit to another available date. This needs RDB approval and availability, and you may need to be confirmed medically fit before you trek.
• If you stay unwell or cannot trek, the permit is generally not automatically refundable, because RDB does not treat a guest's illness as its responsibility.
• In some cases, RDB may approve rescheduling the permit or reallocating it to another client for a future date. If we can arrange that, we may be able to refund you, less the USD 300 rescheduling fee.

Every change, reschedule or refund ultimately depends on RDB's approval. Travel insurance is not required, but we strongly recommend it, including cover for trip cancellation and medical emergencies.

Can you get a refund or change the date of a gorilla permit?

The official rules

• Rwanda refunds: none for late arrivals, flight delays, absence or cancellation. If the gorilla group's movement stops you tracking, RDB offers another chance or a full refund, and if you track all day without making contact, it refunds 75%.
• Rwanda date changes: RDB charges 20% of the permit fee. Its portal says rescheduling "before 7 days" is automatically approved, while rescheduling within 7 days needs RDB approval.
• Uganda date changes: UWA fines 25% of the permit fee for a late reschedule and 50% for tracking in a different location. The $600 low-season permits cannot be rescheduled.

East Africa Safaris' policy

Because permits are included in our tour prices, our Payment and Cancellation Policy (revised September 12, 2026) governs them:

• Permits are non-refundable once issued. Where the issuing authority allows, a permit may be moved to new dates, subject to approval and availability.
• Date changes: if an approved date change requires rebooking, the fee is USD 300 per permit. Request changes as early as possible, and talk to us about rescheduling before you cancel, because moving dates often preserves more value.
• Cancellation: notice must be in writing and takes effect on the date we receive it. Non-refundable costs, including gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits, are deducted from the tour price first. The cancellation fee then applies to the remaining refundable portion.

There are no refunds for no-shows, late arrivals, early departures or services you choose not to use once the safari begins. The $300 rebooking fee is the same amount as RDB's 20% reschedule fee on a $1,500 permit. Ask us for the full written policy before you book.

Is Uganda cheaper than Rwanda if you fly into Kigali?

The World Health Organization announced the end of Uganda's Ebola outbreak on August 27, 2026, and Rwanda has reported no cases. Check the current US State Department advisory before booking.

On the permit, yes: $800 against $1,500. On the whole trip, not automatically, because Kigali-based trips reach Uganda's gorilla parks by road, adding days and lodge nights. Both tours below start and end in Kigali. Our 4-day tour tracks golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, then crosses by road into southwestern Uganda for the gorilla trek.

For two travelers, the Uganda trip costs $324 more per person. It is also twice as long and adds golden monkey tracking, a Batwa cultural performance and a canoe ride on Lake Mulehe, so it works out about $490 cheaper per day. Our 3-day Uganda gorilla and golden monkey trek closes the gap: for two travelers it costs $2,240 each, $40 less than the 2-day Rwanda trek, with an extra day and golden monkeys. For the shortest trip, our 1-day Rwanda gorilla trek from Kigali costs $1,830 each for two.

For trek terrain, drive times and visas side by side, see Rwanda vs Uganda for gorilla trekking.

How does booking through East Africa Safaris handle permits?

Permits are built into our tour prices. Every published gorilla tour includes its gorilla permits at the non-resident rate, plus non-resident park fees. Most include one gorilla permit per person, and our double gorilla safaris include two:

• Rwanda gorilla treks from Kigali, such as the 1-day, 2-day and 3-day tours: a Rwanda gorilla permit. The 3-day adds golden monkey tracking.
• Uganda gorilla treks from Kigali, such as the 3-day and 4-day gorilla and golden monkey tours: a Uganda gorilla permit, plus golden monkey tracking in Rwanda.
• Double gorilla safaris, such as the 4-day Uganda double (Bwindi and Mgahinga) and the 5-day Rwanda and Uganda double: two gorilla permits per person.
• Longer Rwanda safaris, such as the 7-day and 10-day tours: a Rwanda gorilla permit, plus chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.
• 15-day Ultimate East Africa Safari: a gorilla trek in Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and golden monkeys in Rwanda. Price on request: contact us for a quote.

A 50% deposit confirms your booking and lets us buy permits and secure lodging and transport. The balance is due 30 days before the start date, and bookings made within 30 days of departure are paid in full at booking. UWA's full-payment rule for Uganda permits does not change these terms. Our prices are based on the government, park and permit fees in effect when we quote, and we may pass on significant increases made after booking, such as Uganda's January 2027 changes to habituation and chimpanzee fees. Every tour requires travelers to be at least 15.

We are licensed by RDB (license RDB/TL/2026/02/TO/00995). Our Rwanda office is in Musanze, next to Volcanoes National Park, and our US office is in Cedar City, Utah.

Ready to check permit dates?

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda in 2026?

A gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, according to the Rwanda Development Board's booking portal. From November to May, RDB lists a low-season discount for visitors who also stay two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe National Park and pay for an activity there, but it is not guaranteed, so ask us whether it can apply to your dates. The permit covers one hour with a habituated gorilla family, in a group of up to eight visitors.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda in 2026?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority charges foreign non-residents $800 for a standard gorilla tracking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Since February 26, 2026, UWA has sold $600 low-season permits for April, May and November, but those permits cannot be rescheduled. UWA's revised tariff keeps the standard rate at $800 from January 1, 2027.

How much does the gorilla habituation experience cost?

Uganda's gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents under UWA's current tariff. UWA has confirmed that the price rises to $1,800 on January 1, 2027. SafariBookings reports that it allows up to four hours with a gorilla family still being habituated, compared with one hour on a standard trek. UWA's low-season discount does not apply to habituation.

Can I buy a DR Congo gorilla permit right now?

No. Virunga National Park's official visitor site states that gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice, and it gives no reopening date. Mountain gorillas live only in DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, so for now the only places selling mountain gorilla permits are Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks.

Are there any gorilla permit discounts in 2026?

Yes, there are two official ones. Uganda's UWA sells gorilla permits at $600 instead of $800 in April, May and November, a rate introduced on February 26, 2026. Rwanda's RDB lists a 30% low-season discount from November to May for visitors who add two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe with a paid activity, but it depends on availability and conditions and is not guaranteed. Ask us whether a low-season rate can apply to your dates.

How far in advance should I book gorilla permits?

Book as soon as your dates are firm. For July and August, and for peak dates generally, we recommend booking 6 months ahead. Supply is fixed at eight visitors per gorilla family per day, which gives Rwanda 96 permits a day according to Visit Rwanda. Since March 1, 2026, UWA secures Uganda permits only on full payment at booking.

Can I get a refund on a gorilla permit?

Generally, no. RDB gives no refund for late arrival, flight delays, absence or cancellation, although it offers another chance or a full or partial refund if you track and cannot reach the gorillas. Through East Africa Safaris, permits are non-refundable once issued. Where the authority allows, an approved date change that requires rebooking costs USD 300 per permit, and permit costs are deducted before any cancellation fee applies.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age is 15 in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo, set by RDB, UWA and Virunga National Park respectively. All of East Africa Safaris' published gorilla tours use the same limit. Younger travelers have nearby options: RDB allows golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park from age 12, and UWA allows chimpanzee tracking in Kibale from age 12.

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Sources

1. RDB booking portal, Mountain Gorilla Tracking (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/mountain-gorilla-tracking. Supports the $1,500 foreigner rate; the $200 and $500 promotional rates and their June to October 2026 exclusion; minimum age 15; denial of entry if sick; one hour and 8 visitors; porters for a small charge; the refund rules (another chance or full refund, 75% refund, no refund for late arrival, flight delay, absence or cancellation); first-come booking, client details at payment and gate document checks.
2. RDB booking portal, Low Season Discount (Gorilla Trekking) (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/low-season-discount. Supports the 30% discount, November to May, and its Akagera and Nyungwe stay conditions.
3. RDB booking portal, Reschedule Tourist Permit (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/reschedule-permit. Supports the 20% reschedule fee and the 7-day approval rule.
4. RDB booking portal, Reschedule Expired Permit due to Unforeseen Circumstances (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/reschedule-exp-permit. Supports the documentary-evidence requirement and RDB's discretion.
5. RDB booking portal, Advance Booking of Tourist Permit (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/advbooking. Supports the 40% to 99% deposit and confirmation 30 days before the visit.
6. RDB booking portal, Golden Monkeys (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/golden-monkeys. Supports $100 for foreigners and minimum age 12.
7. RDB booking portal, Bisoke (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/bisoke. Supports $75 for foreigners and minimum age 15.
8. RDB booking portal, Dian Fossey Tomb (official): https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/dian-fossey-tomb. Supports $75 for foreigners and minimum age 15.
9. Visit Rwanda, Gorilla Tracking (official, RDB): https://visitrwanda.com/interests/gorilla-tracking/. Supports $1,500, minimum age 15, twelve habituated families, eight permits per family per day, 96 permits a day, the 7am Kinigi briefing and family allocation by fitness, and booking via Irembo or a licensed operator.
10. Visit Rwanda, Special National Park Offers (official): https://visitrwanda.com/special-national-park-offers/. Supports that the $200 and $500 rates are for nationals, East African citizens, Africans and residents.
11. The New Times, "Promotional rates for gorilla trekking extended," January 5, 2026 (news report of an RDB statement): https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/32426/news/tourism/promotional-rates-for-gorilla-trekking-extended/amp. Supports the extension to the end of 2026 and the quote that international tourists continue paying $1,500.
12. UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 to June 2026 (official PDF): https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/UWA-Conservation-Tariff-July-2024-June-2026.pdf. Supports $800 gorilla tracking, $1,500 habituation, what the rates include, Kibale chimpanzee tracking $250 (entry included), Kyambura $100, chimpanzee habituation $300, Mgahinga golden monkey tracking $60 and habituation $100 (entrance excluded), the $40 park entrance fee, gorilla rules (age 15, 8 visitors, one hour, no visits with a cold or infectious illness), chimpanzee minimum age 12, and the 25% late-reschedule and 50% different-location fines.
13. UWA notice, "Introduction of Low Season Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permit Rates and Revised Tariff Structure," Ref TDO 93/04, February 26, 2026, signed by Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi (official PDF): https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tariff-changes-2026-2027.pdf. Supports the $600 and $200 low-season rates for April, May and November, that low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, the January 1, 2027 tariff table, and the suspension of the 7-day reservation window from March 1, 2026.
14. UWA Rates/Tariffs page (official): https://ugandawildlife.org/uwa-rates/. Supports that UWA currently publishes both the 2024 to 2026 tariff and the 2026 to 2027 changes.
15. UWA public advisory on purchase guidelines, Ref TDO/101/01, July 11, 2024 (official PDF): https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Advisory-on-purchase-guidelines-1.pdf. Supports that foreign non-resident permits are sold exclusively through UTB-licensed operators.
16. UWA, Gorilla Tracking activity page (official): https://ugandawildlife.org/activities/gorilla-tracking/. Supports Bwindi's four sectors and Mgahinga issuing about eight permits a day.
17. Virunga National Park visitor site, home page (official): https://visit.virunga.org/ (visitvirunga.org redirects here). Supports "Gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice."
18. Virunga National Park, Mountain Gorilla Trek page (official): https://visit.virunga.org/treks/mountain-gorilla-trek/. Supports the age restriction of 15.
19. WHO Regional Office for Africa, "Uganda ends Ebola outbreak following completion of 42-day countdown," news release, August 27, 2026 (official): https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/uganda-ends-ebola-outbreak-following-completion-42-day-countdown. Supports that WHO and Africa CDC welcomed the end of Uganda's outbreak on August 27, 2026.
20. Rwanda Ministry of Defence, "EVD updates: 16 June 2026" (official): https://www.mod.gov.rw/docs-media/news-detail/evd-updates-16-june-2026-update-on-ebola-outbreak. Supports "no cases in Rwanda." It is corroborated by the WHO DRC situation page, which lists no Rwanda cases: https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/ebola-outbreak—drc-2026.
21. US State Department, travel advisories (official): https://travel.state.gov/. Linked for readers to check before booking.
22. SafariBookings, "Gorilla Permit Rwanda 2026," Philip Briggs, updated July 16, 2026 (reputable secondary): https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/gorilla-permit-rwanda-everything-you-need-to-know. Corroborates that the 30% low-season discount is current.
23. SafariBookings, "Gorilla Permit Uganda 2026," Heather Richardson, updated June 22, 2026 (reputable secondary): https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/gorilla-permit-uganda-everything-need-know. Supports the reported figures: habituation up to four hours, and a six-month lead time for Uganda's peak seasons (June to August, December to February).
24. SafariBookings, Chimp Trekking Tours, expert Q&A with Ariadne van Zandbergen (reputable secondary): https://www.safaribookings.com/tours/chimp-trekking. Supports the reported $150 Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking fee.
25. East Africa Safaris, Payment and Cancellation Policy, Rev. September 12, 2026 (supplied by Mark Axelson on September 28, 2026): published at https://eastafricasafaris.com/terms-conditions/. Supports the deposit and balance terms, full payment within 30 days, non-refundable costs deducted first, the 20%, 30%, 50%, 90% and 100% cancellation schedule, the USD 300 per-permit rebooking fee, no refunds for no-shows, and passing on significant fee increases.
26. East Africa Safaris operations, Mark Axelson, September 29, 2026: supports the sick-on-trek-day process for Rwanda permits, the 6-month lead time for July, August and peak dates, porter fees not being included, and the deposit rule not changing because of UWA's full-payment rule.
27. East Africa Safaris tour pages: /tour/1-day-rwanda-gorilla-trekking-adventure/, /tour/2-day-gorilla-trekking-in-volcanoes-national-park/, /tour/3-day-uganda-gorilla-and-golden-monkey-trekking/, /tour/4-day-uganda-gorilla-and-golden-monkey-trekking-safari/, /tour/4-day-uganda-double-gorilla-trekking-and-golden-monkey-safari/, /tour/15-day-ultimate-east-africa-safari-rwanda-uganda-kenya-tanzania/. Supports the prices, inclusions (permits, park fees, transport), minimum age 15 and the itineraries. Prices checked against the live tour pages on October 6, 2026.
28. East Africa Safaris, FAQ: https://eastafricasafaris.com/frequently-asked-questions/. Supports the RDB license number, RDB/TL/2026/02/TO/00995.

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