Permits
Gorilla permit booking: how to secure yours in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla permit booking decides whether you trek and when. A permit is a dated pass for one person to visit one gorilla family, and each park issues only a limited number a day. This guide explains who issues permits, how to book them in Uganda and Rwanda, and how to protect your trip.
Gorilla permit booking at a glance
Gorilla permit booking is the first step of every trek. A permit is a dated pass for one person to visit one gorilla family. Each park issues a limited number every day, so the right dates matter more than anything else in your plan.
The facts below come from the Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariff and the Rwanda Development Board booking portal. We last checked them on 18 October 2026.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What you are buying | A place in one gorilla family group, on one date, for one hour. |
| Who issues permits | The Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda. The Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. |
| Visitors per family | Eight at most, in both countries. |
| Minimum age | 15 years, in both countries. |
| Uganda booking route | Visitors from outside East Africa book through a licensed tour operator. |
| Rwanda booking style | First come, first served. Permits can be booked in advance. |
| What you need | Your dates, group size and passport names exactly as printed. |
Read on for the whole process. First we explain permit types and who issues them. Then we cover booking steps, changes, refunds and how to avoid scams.
What a gorilla permit is and what it covers
A gorilla permit gives you the right to trek with a ranger guide to one habituated family. You spend one hour with the gorillas. The permit is personal and tied to a date, so it cannot simply be swapped for another day.
In Uganda the permit fee also covers the guide, that day's park entry and a contribution to nearby communities. Rwanda's permit follows a similar idea. Meals, lodging, transport and porters are separate, and your operator's quote lists them. In short, the permit is the key, and the trip is everything around it.
Who issues gorilla permits
Uganda: the Uganda Wildlife Authority
The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Its published conservation tariff sets the rules. Visitors from outside East Africa can book only through licensed tour operators. Ugandan citizens and residents can book directly. Read our full Uganda gorilla trekking guide for the parks.
Rwanda: the Rwanda Development Board
The Rwanda Development Board runs Volcanoes National Park and its online booking portal. The portal lists services such as advance booking, rescheduling and transfers. Operators also book permits on behalf of travellers. Our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide explains the park.
A note on Congo
Mountain gorillas also live in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We do not arrange treks there, and we advise you to follow your government's travel advice.
Gorilla permit types you can book
Several permit types exist. Some are specific to one country or one park.
| Permit | Where | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gorilla permit | Bwindi and Mgahinga, Uganda | One hour with a habituated family. |
| Gorilla habituation experience | Uganda, mainly Rushaga | A longer stay with a family that is still getting used to people. Operators report up to four hours. |
| Standard gorilla permit | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | One hour with a habituated family. |
| Golden monkey permit | Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga | A separate trek to a golden monkey troupe. Rwanda sets the minimum age at 12. |
| Chimpanzee permit | Kibale, Uganda, and other forests | A trek to a chimpanzee community. Age rules differ from gorillas. |
Our guide to the gorilla habituation experience compares the Uganda options, and our chimpanzee trekking guide covers the other forests.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
How daily limits shape gorilla permit booking
Each habituated family receives no more than eight visitors a day. Because the number of families is limited, the number of permits is limited too. That is why popular dates sell out and why late requests have fewer choices.
Peak months fill first. These are usually June to September and December to February. If your dates are fixed, send them as early as you can. If your dates are flexible, tell us, because a shift of a day or two often opens more options. We do not publish daily totals, because they change when families split, merge or rest.
Gorilla permit booking step by step
- Choose a country and month. Compare the parks in our Uganda or Rwanda guide.
- Send your dates. Share two or three options, your group size and any fitness limits.
- We ask the park. Our office checks your dates with the park and replies, normally within 24 hours.
- Send passport details. Names must match each passport exactly. Rwanda needs full client details at the time of payment.
- Pay as the quote explains. Your quote lists every step and every deadline.
- Receive confirmation. You get your permit details in writing.
- Book flights last. Buy flights only after your permit date is confirmed.
Start now with our request form, or message us on WhatsApp.
Book direct or through an operator?
In Uganda the choice is simple. Visitors from outside East Africa must use a licensed tour operator. In Rwanda, some travellers use the park portal directly, while others use an operator.
Even where direct booking is possible, an operator adds real value. We match permits to your fitness, choose a sector, arrange lodging and transport and handle changes. As a result, a single call fixes problems that a portal cannot. Ask any operator for written terms first, and compare what each one includes.
Choosing the right date for your gorilla permit
The right date balances season, fitness and flights. Drier months bring firmer trails, but they also bring more visitors. Wetter months are quieter and greener, although trails are muddier.
- Match your trek to your fitness. Easier sectors suit slower walkers.
- Allow a spare day after the trek for rest or delays.
- Avoid tight same-day flights after a trek.
- Check school holidays and festivals, which can raise demand.
Our best time to go guide compares the months in detail. Then, once you choose, send us your dates.
Names, passports and payment for your gorilla permit
Permits are issued in the name of each traveller. Therefore every name must match the passport exactly, including middle names. A mismatch can cause refusal at the park gate.
The Rwanda Development Board asks for full client details, including passport, email and phone, at the time of payment. Uganda asks for similar details. Payment steps, deposit stages and bank charges differ by route, so your quote explains them in writing. We never ask you to pay into a personal account.
Changing, transferring or cancelling a gorilla permit
Rules for changes are set by each park and by your operator. They are stricter than many travellers expect, so read them before you pay.
In Uganda
The Uganda tariff includes a fine for a late reschedule. It does not define "late" in the text we found. Operators describe refunds and changes in different ways. Therefore ask for the current terms in writing.
In Rwanda
The booking portal lists rescheduling and transfer services. The park states that late arrivals and flight delays receive no refund. If you track all day but never reach a family, it refunds 75 per cent of the tracking fee. If the group's movement makes an all-day trek impossible, you may get another chance or a full refund.
Our advice
Treat a permit as fixed once it is booked. Take travel insurance that covers cancellation. Tell us at once if your plans change, because earlier notice gives more choices.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
Illness, delays and gorilla permit protection
Gorillas catch human illnesses easily, so rangers can refuse entry to sick visitors. Both parks ask you not to trek with a cold or other infection. Because of that rule, insurance matters.
Plan arrival days with a buffer. A missed flight can make you late, and Rwanda gives no refund for late arrivals. In Uganda, arrive the day before so that the early start is easy. Our team monitors your flights and adjusts transfers where we can.
Age and health rules tied to the permit
The minimum age to trek gorillas is 15 in Uganda and in Rwanda. Rangers can ask to see passports. There is no upper age limit, and many visitors in their sixties and seventies trek successfully.
Health rules apply too. Do not trek if you are ill. Cover coughs and sneezes. Masks are widely recommended near gorillas. Our rules and etiquette guide lists the full conduct rules, and our difficulty guide helps you judge your fitness.
How to spot a legitimate operator
Not everyone who sells permits is licensed. A few checks protect your money.
- Ask for the operator's licence details and check them with the Uganda Tourism Board or the Rwandan tourism authority.
- Look for a real office address, phone numbers and named staff.
- Request terms in writing, including change and refund rules.
- Be careful with anyone who promises a permit without asking for dates.
- Never pay into a personal bank or mobile money account.
- Read reviews on independent sites.
We welcome these questions. Ask us anything before you pay.
Uganda or Rwanda: how the gorilla permit systems differ
| Uganda | Rwanda | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Uganda Wildlife Authority | Rwanda Development Board |
| Foreign visitors book | Through licensed tour operators | Through the portal or an operator |
| Group size | Eight per family | Eight per family |
| Viewing distance | 10 metres | 7 metres |
| Choice of sectors | Four in Bwindi, plus Mgahinga | One park, Volcanoes |
| Extra permit type | Habituation experience | Golden monkey tracking |
The systems are similar, yet the journeys differ. Our Uganda or Rwanda comparison explains which suits you.
Common gorilla permit booking mistakes
- Buying flights first. A flight without a permit is a risk.
- Wrong passport names. A mismatch can stop you at the gate.
- Leaving it late. Peak dates sell out first.
- Ignoring change rules. Read the terms before you pay.
- Skipping insurance. Cover for cancellation and medical care is wise.
- Assuming a guaranteed walk. Wild gorillas move, so walk times vary.
Avoid these six mistakes and your gorilla permit booking will run smoothly. For the full trek-day picture, read our gorilla trek planning guide.
Gorilla permit booking for groups and families
Groups need extra care, because one gorilla family takes only eight visitors a day. A group of eight can therefore trek together with one family. Larger groups must split across several families, and each family needs its own permits.
Splitting has a plus side. Smaller sets of people disturb the gorillas less, and every guest gets a closer view. However, a split group cannot share one walk, so plan the meeting point and the lunch stop in advance.
Families with teenagers should check ages first. The minimum age is 15, so a 14-year-old cannot trek, even by a few days. Ask us to confirm birth dates against passports when you start your gorilla permit booking. For more family tips, see our gorilla trek planning guide.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
Gorilla permit booking for a Uganda and Rwanda combination
Many travellers want both countries on one trip. In that case, you need two separate permits from two separate authorities. Uganda and Rwanda do not share a system, so one confirmation never covers the other.
- Book the dates together. Pick dates that leave a travel day between the two treks.
- Allow for the border. The road crossing from Kisoro to Musanze takes time, so start early.
- Check entry rules. Each country sets its own visa and health rules.
- Keep documents handy. Carry both permits and passports at every stage.
Our Rwanda tours show how a combined route can look. A single gorilla permit booking request to us covers both parks.
Gorilla permit booking for the habituation experience
The habituation experience is a longer visit to a family that is still learning to accept people. It is based in Rushaga, in Bwindi, and Uganda is the main place to do it. Visitors may stay with the family for up to four hours instead of one, and only a small group joins each day.
Because the group is small, this permit sells out well ahead of the standard trek. If it appeals to you, start your gorilla permit booking early. Compare the two options in our habituation or trekking guide.
What happens after you book
Once the park confirms your permit, the work is not finished. The next steps keep your trek safe and stress-free.
- Check the details. Read every name, date and park on the confirmation.
- Save copies. Keep a digital copy and a printed copy of each permit.
- Plan around the date. Book lodges, transfers and flights to match.
- Reconfirm before you travel. We contact the park again before your arrival.
- Arrive early. Reach the park offices before the briefing starts.
On the morning itself, rangers check each permit against your passport. Then they assign you to a family and brief you on the rules. Our gorilla trekking rules guide explains what to expect.
Last-minute gorilla permit booking
Sometimes plans change late. A few permits can remain for dates inside the next month, especially in the wetter months. However, nothing is certain, and the park decides what is available.
If you must book late, stay flexible. Offer a range of dates, accept any sector in the park and be ready to move quickly. For the best chance, send us your dates now, and we will ask the park what is open. Never buy flights until a permit is confirmed in writing.
Questions to ask before you pay
A good operator answers these questions clearly. Ask every company, including us.
- Which park and sector will my permit be for?
- What does the quote include, and what does it leave out?
- What are the deadlines for changes and cancellations?
- Who is my named contact in the office?
- Can I see your licence details and your office address?
Written answers protect both sides. Keep them with your confirmation, and compare them if a problem ever arises.
Gorilla permit booking dates: a seasonal view
Demand follows the seasons, so your gorilla permit booking window depends on the month. The two drier seasons, June to September and December to February, fill first. In the wetter months, permits are easier to find.
| Months | Conditions | Booking tip |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry and busy | Book as early as you can |
| March to May | Wet and green | More choice, quieter forest |
| June to September | Dry and busiest | Book far ahead |
| October and November | Wet and fresh | More choice |
Plan to start your gorilla permit booking at least several months ahead for the busy seasons. Visit our best time guide for the full picture.
Gorilla permit booking and your lodge
Your permit decides which sector you visit, and the sector decides where you sleep. Therefore secure the permit before you reserve a lodge. Otherwise you may hold a room four hours away from your trailhead.
Our team matches both together. We confirm the permit, then reserve a lodge close to the park offices, so your gorilla permit booking and your accommodation always agree.
Gorilla permit booking for photographers and special interests
Some travellers come with a particular goal. Photographers, birders and keen walkers all benefit from planning their permit with care.
- Photographers. Ask for a sector with open trails and plan two treks, because light and cover vary.
- Birders. Choose Ruhija or Buhoma for forest species, and add a rest day for birding.
- Walkers. Request the longer, steeper sectors if you are fit, and book a porter.
- Visitors with limited mobility. Tell us at the start, so we can request an easier trail.
Rangers assign families on the day, so a request is a preference and never a promise. Even so, early notice improves your odds, and it shapes every gorilla permit booking we make for you. For packing and fitness advice, read our packing guide and our difficulty guide.
Gorilla permit booking glossary
Terms on a quote can confuse first-time travellers. These short definitions help.
- Tracking fee. The park's charge for one person to visit one family.
- Voucher. The confirmation that proves your permit is paid.
- Sector. One of the park's trailhead areas, such as Buhoma or Rushaga.
- Habituated family. A group of gorillas used to human visitors.
- Reconfirmation. A second check with the park before you travel.
If a term on your quote is unclear, ask us to explain it in plain words.
What your quote should show
A clear quote lists the park, the sector, the dates and the number of travellers. It also names what is included, such as transport, lodging and meals, and what is not. Finally, it states the payment deadlines and the change rules in writing.
If any of these items is missing, ask before you pay. A trustworthy team gladly explains each line, and we do the same for every request we receive.
Request your gorilla permit with us
We are a licensed Ugandan operator. Our office reserves permits in Uganda and Rwanda, and one named member of our team looks after your trip.
- Tell us your dates. Send your dates and group size or message us on WhatsApp.
- We check with the park. Our office replies, normally within 24 hours.
- You get one clear quote. It lists every inclusion and every deadline.
For price questions, read how we quote on our gorilla permit cost page. Our gorilla trekking FAQs answer the rest.
Before you pay anyone, read how to choose a gorilla trekking operator.
Need the full list? See our Uganda Rwanda travel documents page for official links and a printable checklist.
More guides on this topic
- Gorilla permit refund, rescheduling and cancellation: what to know. What the parks publish about refunds, fines for late changes and name transfers, and how to protect your permit.
- Gorilla permit scams: how to spot fakes and verify an operator. How to spot fake sellers, verify a Ugandan operator and pay safely for a gorilla permit.
- Gorilla permit cost: what shapes your trip budget. What sets the cost of a permit, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit is a dated pass for one person to trek to one gorilla family. It gives you one hour with the gorillas and a ranger guide.
Who issues gorilla permits?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues permits for Bwindi and Mgahinga. The Rwanda Development Board issues permits for Volcanoes National Park.
Can I book a gorilla permit myself?
In Uganda, visitors from outside East Africa must book through a licensed tour operator. In Rwanda, the park portal also takes direct bookings. We reserve permits for you in both countries.
How far ahead should I book a gorilla permit?
As early as you can, especially for June to September and December to February. Those months sell out first.
How many people can trek with one gorilla family?
A maximum of eight visitors per gorilla family per day, in both Uganda and Rwanda.
What is the minimum age for a gorilla permit?
The minimum age is 15 years in Uganda and in Rwanda. There is no upper age limit.
Can I change the date of my gorilla permit?
Sometimes, but rules are strict and differ by park. Uganda charges a fine for a late reschedule, and both parks set their own deadlines. Ask us for the current terms in writing.
Can I transfer a gorilla permit to another person?
Permits are issued in a named person's details, and transfers are tightly controlled. The Rwanda portal lists a transfer service. Ask us before you plan around it.
What happens if I am ill on trek day?
Do not trek with a cold or other infection, because gorillas catch human illness. Refund rules differ by park and by operator, so travel insurance matters.
Do I get a refund if I do not see gorillas?
In Rwanda the park refunds 75 per cent of the tracking fee if you track all day without reaching a family. Uganda's terms differ, so ask us for the current rules.
What do I need to give you to book?
Your travel dates, group size and passport names exactly as printed. Rwanda needs full client details at the time of payment.
How do I know an operator is legitimate?
Ask for licence details, a real office address and written terms. Check the licence with the national tourism authority, and never pay into a personal account.
Ready to trek? Ask for your quote.
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