The permit is the single biggest cost of any gorilla trip, and the price depends on which country you trek in. Here’s where things stand for 2026, and what’s already announced for 2027. Prices are per person, per trek, for foreign non-resident visitors.
At a glance
| Country & park | Standard permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda — Bwindi & Mgahinga | US$800 | US$600 in April, May & November (no date changes allowed) |
| Uganda — Habituation Experience | US$1,500 | Rising to US$1,800 from 1 January 2027 |
| Rwanda — Volcanoes NP | US$1,500 | Occasional low-season discounts when combined with other parks |
| DR Congo — Virunga / Kahuzi-Biega | around US$400–450 | Access depends on the security situation — see below |
Uganda: the best value for most travellers
Uganda’s standard permit is US$800 and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has kept that price for its 2027 tariffs. That buys you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in one of Bwindi’s four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) or in Mgahinga.
In the rainy months of April, May and November, the permit drops to US$600. The catch is that discounted permits can’t be moved to another date, so they suit travellers whose dates are fixed.
Uganda also offers something no other country does: the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga. You spend up to four hours with a family that researchers are still getting used to people, in a group of just four visitors. It’s US$1,500 in 2026 and rises to US$1,800 from January 2027.
Rwanda: premium price, shorter drive
Rwanda’s permit is US$1,500. What you pay extra for is convenience: Volcanoes National Park is only about two and a half hours from Kigali airport, so you can trek on the day after you land. The hour with the gorillas is the same.
DR Congo: cheapest, but check first
Congo’s permits are the lowest in the region, around US$400–450. But eastern DR Congo has been unstable, and parts of Virunga have been closed to visitors at times. Many governments currently advise against travel to North and South Kivu. We only recommend Congo treks when the parks are officially open and we’ve confirmed conditions on the ground. Ask us before you plan around it.
What applies everywhere
- Minimum age is 15. Rangers check.
- Permits are non-refundable once bought, and they’re issued in your name, so we need your passport details to book.
- Permits are limited. Only eight people visit each gorilla family per day. For June to September and December to February, book three to six months ahead.
- If you’re sick, you can’t trek. Gorillas can catch human colds and flu, so rangers turn away anyone who looks unwell. This is one reason travel insurance matters.
Our honest advice
For most visitors, Uganda gives the best mix of price and experience, and if your dates are flexible, the April, May or November discount saves US$200 per person. If you’re short on time, Rwanda is worth the extra cost. Either way, we can secure permits in your name as soon as your deposit is in.
Prices are set by the wildlife authorities and can change. We confirm the current rate when we quote your trip.
