How Do I Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit, and How Much Does It Cost?

When you ask How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, you’re starting a journey into one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters. At Mega Wild Safaris, we assist travelers in unlocking the extraordinary world of Uganda Gorilla Trekking—a highlight of every wildlife safari in East Africa. Whether you’re combining this with Murchison Falls Tours, joining Chimpanzee Tracking excursions, or expanding into a cross-border Rwanda safari or Gorilla Trekking Rwanda within an extended Rwanda Tour, securing your permit is the crucial first step. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through permit costs, booking timelines, park choices, permit issuance, and even how your permit supports cultural and community conservation programs. By the end, you’ll know exactly how do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?—plus how to integrate it into a larger safari experience.

 

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits: Costs & Timing

Mini‑subheading: Permits for Uganda’s Primate Treks

The core of your question—How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?—begins with understanding that in Uganda, permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As of mid‑2025, a Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit costs US $800 per person for foreign non‑residents. This fee covers the one‑hour gorilla family visit, ranger guides, and park access. Due to limited daily permits (~96 per park), and high demand during dry seasons (June–September, December–February), selling out months in advance is common. With Mega Wild Safaris handling your booking, we monitor opening dates, assist with deposit transfers, and ensure your permit is reserved—something you’ll need to know when asking How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?.

The permit excludes travel, lodging, meals, and porter fees, but supports ranger operations and sustainable tourism. With this permit secured, we can weave Gorilla Trekking into a broader Uganda safari that may also include Murchison Falls Safaris, Chimpanzee Tracking, and even an optional Rwanda Tour with Gorilla Trekking Rwanda.

 

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit: Pricing Comparison

Mini‑subheading: Investing in a Cross‑Border Safari

A frequent parallel you’ll encounter when wondering How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? is the difference between Uganda and Rwanda. In Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, the Gorilla Trekking Rwanda permit currently costs US $1,500 per person. This investment provides excellent infrastructure, shorter, more accessible trails, and high-end lodge experiences. Yet overall cost makes Uganda’s permit nearly half the price, while still offering powerful, authentic gorilla encounters—the best backbone for combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking with Chimpanzee Tracking, Murchison Falls Tours, and more. Once Rwanda’s permits open for your selected travel period, Mega Wild Safaris can seamlessly add them to your itinerary, ensuring you know how do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? at every step.

 

Booking Process: Step‑By‑Step Guide

Mini‑subheading: How to Reserve Your Permit

To fully answer How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, here’s the step-by-step:

  1. Choose your destination – Decide between Uganda only or a combined Rwanda Tour with cross-border Gorilla Trekking.
  2. Check availability – Dry seasons fill quickly; reserve 6–12 months ahead.
  3. Consult Mega Wild Safaris – We confirm dates, lodge availability, and permit windows.
  4. Pay deposits – UWA requires partial payment to confirm Uganda permits; Rwanda Tourism Board handles Rwanda permits.
  5. Receive permit documents – Includes names, ID numbers, date, park section.
  6. Plan the rest – Add Murchison Falls Safaris, Chimpanzee Tracking, cultural excursions, and any Gorilla Trekking Rwanda slots.
  7. Trip reminder – Permits are non‑refundable and strictly non‑transferable.

This organized approach ensures you always know how do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, without missing deadlines or lodge openings.

 

Integrating Permits into a Combined Safari

Mini‑subheading: Multi‑Destination Planning

If you’re asking How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, you’re likely combining this experience with others. A classic 12-day Uganda safari itinerary might look like this:

  • Days 1–3: Murchison Falls Tours & Safaris – game drives, river cruises, wildlife viewing.
  • Days 4–5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest.
  • Days 6–8: Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi.
  • Days 9–10: Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo game drives.
  • Days 11–12: Optional cross-border Rwanda Tour ending with Gorilla Trekking Rwanda.

Permit costs in this scenario: US $800 for Uganda, US $150 each for chimpanzee tracking, US $1,500 for Rwanda (if included), plus daily park fees (~US $30–40). This layered journey answers How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, while delivering a complete wildlife safari—savannah to primate to cultural immersion.

 

Cultural Components Supported by Permits

Mini‑subheading: Conservation‑Driven Community Benefits

Another essential part of your question How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? is recognizing how permit fees support local communities. In Uganda, revenue from gorilla permits funds park maintenance, anti-poaching, ranger salaries, and village outreach—especially benefiting Batwa pygmy communities. In Rwanda, similar funds support reforestation, community development, and cultural heritage projects.

We incorporate these impacts into your itinerary—whether that’s visiting a Batwa village after a gorilla trek in Bwindi or stopping at artisan cooperatives in Rwanda. It ensures your safari isn’t just memorable—it’s meaningful. When you ask how do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost?, you’re also unlocking a contribution to conservation and culture.

 

Permit-Related Logistics: Tips & Tricks

Mini‑subheading: Avoiding Permit Pitfalls

Being clear on How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? is one thing. Avoiding common mistakes is another:

  • Book early—especially in June–September and December–February.
  • Include flexibility; trails close sometimes due to weather or gorilla movements.
  • Understand that permits are non‑refundable and cannot be transferred.
  • Always carry ID to confirm permit match.
  • For cross-border Gorilla Trekking, ensure valid visas, vaccinations, and transport are organized.
  • Think about hiring a porter—extra support up steep trails, about US $10–15/day.

With Mega Wild Safaris managing your bookings, you won’t face permit issues alone—each detail is handled.

 

Should You Go Uganda, Rwanda, or Both?

Mini‑subheading: Choosing Based on Budget & Experience

Answering How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? can aid your decision on where to trek:

  • Uganda (US $700): Cost-effective, rugged, deep immersion.
  • Rwanda (US $1,500): Smooth logistics, fewer crowds, shorter treks.
  • Both: Pricier (~$2,200 total), but unmatched variety and cross-cultural depth.

Each option fits different traveler profiles. Mega Wild Safaris will tailor your itinerary based on preferences, budget, and travel style—while ensuring your permits and trek arrangements match your journey.

 

Conclusion – Your Permit is Your Entrance to Wonder

By now, you should fully understand How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? We at Mega Wild Safaris simplify the process—securing your Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit for US $800, assisting with any Chimpanzee Tracking add-ons (~US $150), and helping you cross seamlessly into Rwanda Tour territory with a Gorilla Trekking Rwanda permit (US $1,500) if desired. Combining this with Murchison Falls Tours, Murchison Falls Safaris, and cultural visits transforms your wildlife safari into a layered, unforgettable expedition.

Ready to reserve your permit—and your place among the gentle giants? Contact Mega Wild Safaris today and turn How do I get a gorilla trekking permit, and how much does it cost? into the first step of a lifetime’s greatest adventure.