Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Visitors to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda who want to see mountain gorillas often worry about how much the necessary permits will cost. Before deciding where to go gorilla trekking, tourists should research how much gorilla permits cost in each country. The total cost of the gorilla trekking safari is affected, in part, by the price of the gorilla permits. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are described in length in this article by Silverback Gorilla Tour. The article also includes information on how much a gorilla permit costs, how to obtain a permit, and when to book a permit. Rwanda increased the price of her gorilla permits in 2017, and from July 2024 to June 2026, Uganda changed the price of her permits.  

Ugandan Gorilla Permit Fees

The price of a Uganda gorilla trekking permit varies from one country to another. Amounts charged include $800 for non-resident foreigners, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African residents. For each gorilla habituation experience permit, non-resident foreigners must pay $1500, foreign residents must pay $1,000, and East African citizens must pay UGX 750,000. The announcement of the increase in the cost of Uganda gorilla permits was made in 2023, but was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024. 

Gorilla permit costs in Rwanda

Each tourist must pay $1,500 for a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit. All passengers, including non-resident foreigners, foreign residents, and East African natives, were required to pay a permission fee of $1500 in 2017, double the previous amount. To promote sustainable gorilla tourism in the Land of a thousand hills, Rwanda significantly increased the number of gorilla licenses. This was primarily done to limit the number of tourists allowed access to these endangered animals.  

Gorilla permit costs in Democratic Republic of Congo

In Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks, a single permit for Congo gorillas costs $450. When planning your trip to see the gorillas in the Congo, use the dependable travel agency Maranatha Tours and Travel. Travelers on a tighter budget have the option of going gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo instead of Rwanda or Uganda. 

What other people ask!

How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda?

The price of a gorilla trek in Rwanda is $1500, as mentioned earlier. For a gorilla permit only. Not only does the gorilla permit cost money, but so do transportation, lodging, a driver’s allowance, a porter’s fee, and any other incidentals. A three-day gorilla trekking vacation in Rwanda would likely set you back about $2500. 

How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Congo?

A permit to go gorilla trekking in the Congo will set you back $450. Everything from the kind of lodging to the mode of transportation to optional extras like meals and a driving guide can drive up the price. It would appear that the insecurity and rebel threats have caused Virunga National Park to close for gorilla trekking. Nonetheless, you can go trekking with the eastern lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park, which are in risk of extinction.The Rwanda Development Board is the government agency in charge of gorilla tourism and conservation in the Land of a thousand Hills. They are the ones you can approach to obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda. On the other hand, Maranatha Tours and Travel makes it easy to arrange for a gorilla permit in Rwanda. 

Is Rwanda better than Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Although this is a question that has been posed, no one has yet provided a definitive response. Depending on the traveler’s preferences and interests, the ideal location for gorilla trekking can vary. Every country’s trekking experiences are one-of-a-kind. Because gorilla permits are so expensive, Rwanda provides luxury gorilla safaris. Volcanoes National Park also offers easier trekking than Bwindi Forest in Uganda. Another perk is that, unlike other gorilla areas in Uganda and the DRC, Volcanoes National Park is really easy to get to. 

However, compared to Rwanda, where the cost is $1500, gorilla trekking in Uganda is a steal at only $8,000. One can so visit Uganda even on a tight budget. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda are home to the world’s highest concentrations of mountain gorillas. Bwindi National Park is home to more than 500 mountain gorillas spread out over its four distinct districts. More than 30 members of the Nyakagyezi family of gorillas call Mgahinga home. 

The list of gorilla families in Uganda include

• Mubare Family 

• Rushegura Family 

• Kwitonda Family 

• Nshongi Family 

• Oruzogo Family 

• Nkuringo Family 

• Mishaya Family 

• Kutu family 

• Kyaguliro Family 

• Bwenge Family 

• Christmas family 

• Katwe Family 

• Rwigi family 

• Kyaguliro family 

• Busingye Family 

• Kahungye Family 
• Nyakagyezi Family 

As compared to Rwanda, many tourists have a better chance of seeing gorillas in Uganda because the country is home to numerous habituated gorilla families. Rwanda has half as many permissions as Uganda. Gorilla permits can be easily obtained, unlike in Rwanda. 

Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas?

For the least amount of money, you can view gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among the three countries we compared, the Congo had the most affordable gorilla trekking permits at $450, followed by Uganda at $800 and Rwanda at $1500. 

How do I book a gorilla permit?

The national conservation organizations in each country are the best places to make reservations for gorilla permits. Contact the Rwanda Development Board to make a reservation in Rwanda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority to do the same in Uganda, and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (CINC) to do the same in the Congo. The three countries’ gorilla tourism and conservation efforts are overseen by these organizations. As an alternative, you can arrange to see gorillas in the Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda with any reputable tour company. When planning an African vacation, be sure to choose Maranatha Tours and Travel. Not only can we assist you in reserving a gorilla permit, but we can also create an affordable gorilla safari package that suits your needs and budget. 

Are gorilla permits refundable?

Unfortunately, in all destinations, gorilla permits cannot be refunded. But if the client doesn’t see any gorillas because of things beyond his control, such the gorillas being very far away or the weather, he can have another chance to walk for free. There will be no return and additional payment is required if the client does not observe gorillas on the first day of the walk because of illness or physical difficulties.  

What does gorilla trekking start in Rwanda?

Travelers are asked to be at the park headquarters no later than 7:00 am for registration and a pre-trekking training regarding the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. The actual gorilla trekking does not begin until 8:00 am.