How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda and Rwanda?

 

Gorilla Trekking Prices: At a glance

A gorilla trekking trip can cost from USD $ 1,500 per person on a budget end to $ 5,000 and above on the luxury end.

The main cost of a gorilla trekking trip are the gorilla tracking permits, accommodation, transport, meals and tips, plus optional expenses like hiring a porter. Gorilla trekking costs are governed by three big factors that is where you go (Rwanda Vs Uganda), going in a group Vs private tour, and the class of accommodation you are looking for.

Most international visitors on a gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda book everything in an organized tour packages which is by far the easiest route.

Here is a breakdown on gorilla trekking costs in Uganda and Rwanda.

Most visitors use tour operators who will arrange a driver guide for the whole duration of the tour. Typically, the drive will welcome you at the airport, take you to your lodge and also accompany you to the starting point of the gorilla trekking experience. Majority of the visitors will extend their trip several days afterwards, with the same safari vehicle as well as driver.

Since the gorilla trek starts early in the morning, it is recommended you get an accommodation near your chosen gorilla park entrance. Also, it is recommended you arrive at your lodge the day before you trek and then spend a second night at the same lodge.

Majority of lodges in Uganda and Rwanda are independently owned. Some are owned by locals and others by international operators. Generally locally run establishments are cheaper. Some are commercially run, and others support local projects. High-end lodges often invest in corporate social responsibility projects around the lodges. Internationally owned establishments often have more years in the business and thus give a better overall experience, at a slightly high price.

Although your gorilla tracking permit does include a fee for the ranger guides, tips are greatly appreciated. Also, you will find it very useful to hire a porter so should allow a fee of $10 - $20 per person plus tip.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 for international tourists. At the time of writing, there are 96 permits available per day and you can buy your permit up to two years in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or through a registered tour company.

Rwanda sales itself as the high-end gorilla trekking which is reflected in the higher price of the permit and the bigger range of high-end accommodation. Rwanda has some sensational luxury properties and a fair number of overpriced mid-range ones, so book with caution.

Typical accommodation costs in Rwanda

Budget: $30 - $50 per person per night based on two sharing

Mid-range: $80 - $250 per person per night based on two sharing

Luxury: $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing

Rwanda gorilla trekking destination is only two hours’ drive from Kigali City, making the gorillas far more accessible than in Uganda. This means you can save on transportation as well as accommodation by doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda since it is a shorter trip.

It is possible to do a one-day gorilla trek in Rwanda from around USD $ 1,800 per person. A two-day gorilla tour will start from $ 2,000. A three day luxury gorilla safari in Rwanda may cost $ 2,000 to $ 5,000 per person. These gorilla trekking costs include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation and meals. Charter plane and helicopter transfers are additional options.

Travel Tip – Slow down your gorilla trip and don’t rush in and out just to track the gorillas, you will be doing yourself and your hosts a great disservice.

Gorilla trekking costs in Uganda

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person. Also, there is an option for an extended “habituation experience” permit which allows approximately four hours with the gorillas, ranger and researchers and cost $ 1,500.

Tip – as an incentive for visitors to explore less-visited corners of Uganda, gorilla permit holders are entitled to a day’s free entrance to either Mount Elgon National Park in eastern Uganda or Toro-Semiliki Wildlife Reserve in Western Uganda. This fee doesn’t cover activity fees, only park entrance.

Uganda has a total of 23 habituated gorilla families found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, so with a maximum of eight visitors per group, there are a total of 184 permits available per day.

Gorilla permit are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can be purchased up two years in advance through a registered tour company.

Uganda has more budget and mid-range accommodation options than Rwanda plus a number of luxury lodges.

Typical accommodation costs in Uganda.

Budget: $50-$70 per person per night based on two sharing

Mid-range: $80-$120 per person per night based on two sharing

Luxury: $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing

The most affordable three-day gorilla trek in Uganda will cost around $13,000 per person and will include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport an English – speaking guide, accommodation and meals. A three-day luxury gorilla safari may cost upwards of $ 3,000 per person. Higher – priced tours may include flights to one of the small airstrips a half-hour drive from the gorilla tracking region.

Budget Gorilla Trekking

Although a gorilla permit in Uganda and Rwanda is non-negotiable, it is possible to cut other costs by traveling independently. This is regarded as perfectly safe and is a great way to experience local culture unfiltered by the tourist industry.

Using public transport, the most accessible gorilla tracking goals are Buhoma and Rushaga in Bwindi, both of which are accessible by bush and have a fair choice of affordable accommodation. If you are self-driving, any park in Uganda or Rwanda is a realistic goal.

Note: In Uganda you can only secure a permit via an authorized tour operator, but you are free to make all the other travel arrangements yourself. Just be very careful that the family you have the permit for is close to where you book your lodge.