Gorilla Permits Availability in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/2026)

Gorilla Permits Availability in Uganda & Rwanda (2025/2026)

Checking for gorilla permits availability in Uganda/Rwanda for 2025-2026? To secure a gorilla trekking permit, book early with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) as permits are limited. This guide displays current Gorilla permit availability, pricing, and reservation instructions.

Gorilla trekking permits are issued daily but are limited to 8 visitors per gorilla family, necessitating early booking, particularly during peak seasons (June-September & December-February).

Gorilla Trekking permits contain key parts. For example, Ugandan permits list the trekking date, area, and the number of trekkers. Rwanda Gorilla permits detail the product and location (national park, tracking date, group size, visitor type, and cost), as well as visitor information (visitor type, passport number, full name, birthdate, nationality, and permit number). The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues gorilla permits in Uganda, and the Rwanda Development Board issues them in Rwanda.

It is essential to note that gorilla permit costs are non-refundable; therefore, ensure your gorilla trekking dates and travel documents are in order. Besides the permits, make sure that you have a valid passport (with at least 6 months ‘ validity after travel), travel itinerary, and comprehensive insurance that covers adventurous activities such as gorilla trekking.

Having a valid gorilla trekking permit will ensure that you may enter the National Park and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting up close and personal with the Giant Apes in their natural habitat with no administrative issues.

How do you check for Gorilla Permits Availability?

Your gorilla trekking experience starts here with inquiries on where and date you intend to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We know gorilla safaris are unforgettable experiences through the magic of Uganda and Rwanda, but also personal. Therefore, Native Africa Tours would like to know more about you and your plans of getting up close and personal with these gentle Giants.

You should send us an inquiry on your intended gorilla trekking adventure, stating the number of people/permits required, the tracking date, and destination (whether it is Bwindi, Mgahinga, or Volcanoes). Be sure to receive a response from us within 24 hours.

 To book the best gorilla trekking experience that matches your expectations and needs, Native Africa Tours is at your disposal with a team of committed safari experts and will help you select and book the right package for you.

Things you should know before gorilla trekking adventures

Embarking on your gorilla trekking tour is a thrilling and challenging adventure. Before you set off, you should know several important things to ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Here are some of the important tips to help you prepare for your trek through the jungles to search for the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat:

• Book your gorilla trekking permit in advance, at least 6 months when trekking in the low season or 12 months for trekking in the peak season.
• Get ready for long hours of hiking through varying terrains and weather while searching for the Giant Apes in their natural habitat.
• Engage in simple exercises such as jogging, cycling, hiking, or swimming to prepare for the demanding adventure while searching for the mountain gorillas.
• Carry enough cash for tipping- Ranger guides, trackers, safari guides, lodge staff.

Required documents for gorilla trekking

To get gorilla trekking permits, visitors are required to provide additional supporting documents to ensure a smooth application process and avoid delays. For Rwanda permits, a passport is required from the word go to make reservations, but for Uganda, foreign non-residents can book permits without passports. Foreign residents and East African Citizens will be required to present passports and residence status for verification.

However, for gorilla trekking, you must provide a passport (valid for at least 6 months from the application date), which the park headquarters verifies before the trek.

What’s the difficulty level of gorilla trekking adventures?

Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with several crucial challenges. One of the primary challenges is the high elevation (mountain gorillas occupy areas between 2500 and 4000 meters above sea level), which sometimes leads to altitude sickness.

Staying hydrated (with drinking water) and energized (with snacks and a packed lunch) and packing yourself helps reduce some of these effects, hence important to take breaks whenever needed. The physical effort involved during gorilla treks is another challenge. The weather in mountain gorilla natural habitats is unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and winds.

When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?

Safari destinations and national parks that house mountain gorillas welcome trekkers year-round for this unique trek. However, like any other safari activity, learn about the best time to visit the mountain gorillas and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each season.

Anyone who enjoys gorilla treks above 15 years with a moderate level of physical fitness can choose from two different seasons for these adventures. The dry season is from June to September and December to February, and the rainy season is from March to May and October to November.

When deciding on the timing of your gorilla trekking adventure, it is important to align it with the experiences you desire. Do you yearn for the breathtaking flower blooms during the rainy season, or the jaw-dropping views of the dry season capture your sense of adventure? Although Heavy rains influence vegetation growth, flower blooms, and breathtaking photography, muddy forest trails challenge adventurers.

The season also influenced crowd dynamics during gorilla treks, giving visitors a choice between a sociable trekking adventure with fellow adventurers and a more secluded connection with Mother Nature. The best time to get permits for gorilla trekking is to apply 6-12 months in advance, as gorilla treks are one of the most popular activities in Africa. This means a huge number of people are in line to get gorilla treks every year. For peak seasons, the number of trekkers planning to meet face to face with the mountain gorillas is even higher.

Are you ready to book your gorilla trekking permit?

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience, but permits are limited, making it essential to book in advance. Booking early is crucial for securing your desired dates for gorilla safaris in Bwindi (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).

With Native Africa Tours, you can:

• See if gorilla permits are available right now.
• Securely reserve and buy permits.
• Get expert advice to personalize your safari.

For Gorilla permits availability in 2025/2026, and to reserve your gorilla trekking experience, please contact us today. Gorilla permits are sold out months ahead of time, so don’t delay. Let us help you plan your perfect trekking adventure!