Should you book gorilla trekking permits before international flights?
For most travelers planning gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, the safest approach is to confirm permit availability before purchasing non-refundable international flights. Gorilla permits are limited by the number of visitors allowed to visit habituated gorilla families each day. During popular travel periods, permits for preferred dates may become unavailable months in advance.
Travelers should coordinate their gorilla permits, accommodation and flights before making irreversible payments. This is particularly important when traveling from the United States, Germany or Europe where international journeys require significant advance planning.
- How far in advance should Americans/Germans/Brits book gorilla trekking permits for 2027? Gorilla permits should be booked between 9 - 12 months in advance especially when booking for peak months of June, July, August and February. Te peak months are when Europeans and Americans have holidays during which they travel.
If the group is bigger than four people, permits should be booked even sooner. This lets the group trek in a single sector.
Off-season months
The off-season months are March, April, May.
They are November as well.
- Can gorilla permits sell out six months before your trip?
Yes, Gorilla Trekking Permits: Book Before Flights? (2027) may sell out six months before the trip.
Moreover, gorilla families tracked are a finite number, so daily permits are limited.
As such, the number of families in a sector determines permits available.
In Uganda, Rushaga sector has families and therefore permits available.
This is because group trip operators are known to purchase permits in bulk
- Should you book international flights or domestic flights first? Cover travel through Entebbe and Kigali, plus connections to Bwindi.
One ought to book the international flights first because they are more difficult to book and more expensive. The local flights can be booked afterwards because there is greater flexibility.
- What happens if your preferred gorilla trekking date is unavailable?
If your preferred date is unavailable then you ought to consider alternative dates.
- Can you reserve a gorilla permit without paying immediately?
No. Gorilla permits are paid in cash and can only be booked through registered AUTO members. UWA advises permits to be booked through agents (https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Guidelines-for-the-management-of-gorilla-and-chimpanzee-tracking-JULY-2024.pdf). AUTO members act as the official channels for reservation and confirmation. For more details, refer to the linked guidelines.
- What happens if you cancel or postpone your gorilla trekking holiday?
Cancellation of gorilla permit or postponement of gorilla trekking allows rescheduling a fully paid permit up to two times. The first change is free, while the second incurs a 25% surcharge. Refunds, typically 60% to 75% minus charges, are strictly restricted to early notices (91+ days) or approved medical or emergency cases.
- Should you book gorilla trekking permits yourself or through a local operator?
- Yes Uganda Wildlife Authority encourages booking through AUTO members who are by law allowed to book permits.
| Time before travel | Recommended action |
| 9–12 months | Decide on Uganda, Rwanda or both, especially for fixed peak-season travel |
| 6–9 months | Check permit availability and shortlist suitable lodges |
| 3–6 months | Finalise flights, transport and accommodation once key arrangements are confirmed |
| 1–3 months | Complete final documentation, packing and travel preparations |
Planning a Gorilla Trek in 2027? Check Permit Availability Before You Book Your Flights.
CEO I Gorilla Specialist & Conservationist
