Quick answer: If you want to trek gorillas during AFCON 2027 (19 June to 17 July), book your permit as soon as your travel dates are fixed. June and July are already peak gorilla trekking months, each gorilla family takes only eight visitors a day, and the tournament will add demand. In 2027 a Uganda permit costs US$800 per foreign non-resident and a Rwanda permit costs US$1,500.
- Uganda permit 2027
- US$800 foreign non-resident, US$700 foreign resident
- Rwanda permit
- US$1,500 per person
- Group size
- Maximum eight visitors per gorilla family per day
- Time with gorillas
- One hour
- Minimum age
- 15 years
- Issued by
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda
Most AFCON visitors focus first on match tickets and flights. For anyone who also wants to see mountain gorillas, the permit is the part to secure first, because it is the one thing that cannot be added at the last minute. This guide explains how gorilla permits work, what they cost in 2027, and how to time your booking around the tournament.
Why permits are limited
Mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. To protect them, park authorities allow a small group of visitors to spend one hour each day with each habituated gorilla family. In Uganda that means a fixed number of permits per sector per day across Bwindi and Mgahinga. When those permits are sold, the date is full, however much a traveller is willing to pay.
Why AFCON makes early booking more important
June, July and August are the busiest gorilla trekking months of the year because they fall in the long dry season. AFCON 2027 runs right through this period. Many fans will want to add a trek on the same free days between group matches, which concentrates demand on particular dates. Supporter groups and media teams may also book large blocks of permits.
2027 permit fees in Uganda and Rwanda
| Permit | Uganda (2027) | Rwanda |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking, foreign non-resident | US$800 | US$1,500 |
| Gorilla trekking, foreign resident | US$700 | Check with RDB |
| Gorilla habituation (Bwindi, Rushaga sector) | US$1,800 | Not offered |
Fees can change, so always confirm the current rate when you book.
How to book a permit around your match dates
- Know your fixed dates. Start with the matches you are sure to attend and the days you arrive and leave.
- Allow travel time. Bwindi is a long day’s drive from Kampala. Your trek date should be at least one full day after you leave the city, or the next morning if you fly.
- Choose the sector. Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Your lodge must be in or near the sector on your permit.
- Book through a licensed operator. Foreign visitors book Uganda permits through a licensed Ugandan tour operator, who secures the permit with UWA in your name.
- Keep a backup plan. If your preferred date is full, a nearby sector, Mgahinga or Rwanda may still have space.
What if the fixture list changes?
Permits are tied to a date, and changing them is not always possible. If the official schedule is not final when you book, choose a trek date that is safe under any likely fixture, such as before the tournament starts or after your team’s last group match. Our AFCON 2027 calendar tracks the latest dates and venues.
Trips that include the permit
- 4-Day Luxury Gorilla and Chimps Safari
- 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Express from Kigali
- 5-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
For the full picture of combining the tournament and a trek, read AFCON 2027 and gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a gorilla permit at the park gate?
No. Permits are booked in advance for a specific date and sector. During AFCON, arriving without one is very likely to mean missing out.
Are there cheaper permits in June and July?
No. Uganda’s discounted permits cover April, May and November only.
How far ahead should I book for AFCON 2027?
As soon as your arrival and departure dates are fixed. For peak months, many travellers book six to twelve months ahead.
Want us to hold a permit for your AFCON dates? Send us your travel dates and the matches you plan to attend.
