How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?

Rwanda charges a premium rate per person and Uganda is substantially lower, with a separate higher-priced habituation permit in Bwindi. Published rates change, so we confirm the exact current price in your written quote.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking?

Three to six months for most dates, and longer for July to September and December. Only a limited number of permits exist per gorilla family per day.

How difficult is the trek?

Expect one to six hours of walking at altitude on uneven, often muddy ground. Reasonable fitness helps, rangers match visitors to nearer families where possible, and porters can carry your pack and help on climbs.

How long do you spend with the gorillas?

One hour with the family once they are found, or up to four hours on Uganda's habituation experience.

Gorilla trekking: Uganda or Rwanda? An honest comparison

Updated 2026-09-17 · 7 min read

Both countries offer world-class mountain gorilla trekking, and either will give you an hour with a habituated family. The differences are in cost, travel time and how much walking you want to do.

Permits and cost

Permits are issued by each country's wildlife authority, are limited to a small number of visitors per gorilla family per day, and are non-transferable. Rwanda's permit is priced at a premium; Uganda's is significantly cheaper, and Uganda also offers a longer gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi's Rushaga sector.

Because rates and availability change, we confirm the current published permit price in writing with your quote before you pay anything.

Getting there

Rwanda wins on convenience. Volcanoes National Park is roughly a two to three hour drive from Kigali airport, which makes a short three-night gorilla trip realistic.

Uganda's Bwindi is a long drive from Entebbe — usually broken over two days, often with a stop at Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park — or a scheduled light aircraft flight to Kihihi or Kisoro. The trade-off is that the overland route turns the trek into a fuller safari.

The trek itself

Volcanoes sits on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes: open bamboo and higher altitude, with climbs that can feel steep but relatively clear underfoot.

Bwindi is dense, tangled rainforest — the name is earned. Trails can be muddy and steep, and treks range from about one hour to a full day depending on where your family has moved. Porters are available and highly recommended in both parks; hiring one supports local livelihoods.

Choose Rwanda for: short trips, easier logistics, premium lodges, a single-country itinerary.
Choose Uganda for: lower permit cost, longer habituation option, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions and the option to combine several parks.

What to bring

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, gaiters, long sleeves and trousers, gardening-weight gloves for grabbing vegetation, a rain shell, at least two litres of water and a camera with no flash. Trekking is limited to visitors aged 15 and over in both countries.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to put dates on it?

Send us your rough dates and we will confirm availability, current permit prices and a full quote within 24 hours.