How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost? Gorilla trekking is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on earth,  and the gorilla permit is the single most important (and limited!) item you must secure before your trip. As a specialist tour operator, we help our guests secure permits, arrange logistics, and ensure the trekking experience is seamless from start to finish.

Below is our updated guide to gorilla trekking permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and the D.R. Congo for 2025, along with expert tips on booking.

Gorilla Permit Costs by Country (2025)

Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga NP

Uganda offers some of the best value for gorilla trekking.

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800

• Foreign Residents: USD 700

• African Citizens (non-EAC): USD 500

• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

• Gorilla Habituation Experience:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500

  • Foreign Residents: USD 1,000

  • EAC Citizens: UGX 750,000

Why choose Uganda?
More gorilla families, more trekking trailheads, and the option for the highly immersive Gorilla Habituation Experience (up to 4 hours with gorillas).

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is known for luxury gorilla trekking with world-class lodges and short drive times from Kigali.

• International Visitors: USD 1,500

• Rwandan Citizens + some EAC/African visitors: discounted rates available

Why choose Rwanda?
Shortest access time to the gorillas, exceptional lodge standards, and a premium, conservation-focused trekking experience.

Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga National Park

More affordable, but availability varies depending on regional conditions.

• Mountain Gorilla Permit: –USD 400

Why choose Congo?
Incredible biodiversity, fewer crowds, and the most affordable gorilla permits. Recommended for adventurous travelers.

What Your Permit Includes

Regardless of the country, a gorilla trekking permit typically covers:

• Park entry fees

• Ranger guides and armed escorts

• Tracking teams who locate your gorilla family

• One hour with a habituated gorilla group

• Conservation and community support fees

In Uganda, the Habituation Permit includes up to 4 hours with gorillas under habituation.

 What’s Not Included

Most travelers budget for additional services:

• Accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury)

• Ground transportation (4×4 safari vehicle and driver-guide)

• Meals and drinks

• Porter services

• Tips for rangers and lodge staff

• Domestic flights or cross-border transfers

Kamere Tours and Travel arranges all logistics so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs.

When to Book Your Permit

Gorilla permits sell out months in advance, especially in:

• High season: June–September & December–February

We strongly recommend booking 3–8 months ahead.
For large groups, even earlier.

When you book with us, we secure your permit immediately upon receipt of your deposit, guaranteeing your trekking date.

Sample Gorilla Trekking Trip Budgets

Here’s a realistic snapshot of what a full gorilla trek package costs when booked through a reputable operator:

Budget Uganda Trek (2–3 Days)

From USD 1,300–1,800 per person
Includes permit, mid-range lodging, vehicle, meals, guide.

Mid-Range Rwanda Trek (2–3 Days)

From USD 2,500–3,500 per person

Luxury Gorilla Safari (Uganda or Rwanda)

From USD 4,000–6,000+ per person
Includes premium lodges, charter flights, private guiding.

Why Book Through a Tour Operator?

When booking your permit with us, you enjoy:

• Guaranteed permit booking (no errors, no surprises)

• Handled paperwork, ID/passport requirements, cross-border coordination

• Pre-trek briefing and packing assistance

• Experienced driver-guides with thousands of trekking miles behind them

• 24/7 support throughout your safari

We remove the stress so you can fully enjoy your gorilla adventure.

Ready to Trek with the Mountain Gorillas?