Every gorilla and golden monkey trek in East Africa runs on a permit system, and the prices are set directly by each country’s wildlife authority rather than by tour operators — so the permit cost you see quoted is the same everywhere, and the only thing that changes between operators is what’s bundled around it (transport, lodging, guiding).
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Uganda: 800 US Dollars
Covers one trek to one habituated gorilla family and the ranger guide fee. The Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Rushaga sector of Bwindi, costs 1,500 US dollars and gives four hours with a family still being habituated, instead of the standard one hour.
Rwanda: 1,500 US Dollars
The most expensive gorilla permit in the region. Rwandan residents and East African Community citizens pay substantially reduced rates — ask us if this applies to you.
DR Congo: 400 US Dollars
The least expensive of the three countries, through Virunga National Park, though travel plans should always be checked against the current security situation in eastern DR Congo.
Golden Monkey Trekking Permits
Golden monkey trekking, available in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, costs roughly 100 US dollars per person — a fraction of the gorilla permit price, which is why it’s such a popular add-on rather than a standalone trip.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permits
Standard chimp tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest costs around 250 US dollars. Kyambura Gorge, with a smaller habituated community, costs around 50 US dollars. Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest chimp permit costs around 100 US dollars.
What’s Not Included in the Permit Price
Permit prices cover the trek itself and ranger guiding only. Park entry fees, a porter (15 to 20 US dollars, paid directly and genuinely worth hiring), transport, and lodging are all separate costs layered on top.
Why Permits Sell Out
Each habituated family or troop can only host eight visitors a day, a hard limit set to protect the animals from stress and disease. In peak season — June to September and December to February — that cap means permits for popular sectors and dates can sell out months in advance, which is why we book permits the moment your travel dates are confirmed rather than waiting.
Ready to Book?
Get in touch with your preferred country and dates and we’ll confirm permit availability before anything else is booked.