Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost | Permits, Lodges & Budgeting

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost Guideline 2024 – 2025 : As of 2024, the Uganda gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks costs per person for foreign non-residents, US$ 800 for foreign residents, and US$ 700 for the rest of Africa.

Compared in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Uganda is far cheaper, though both countries offer equally fantastic experiences.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$ 1500, but even while Uganda is the far more affordable option than Rwanda. A gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is still an expensive adventure when compared to other African safari adventures and experience, this is partly because of the gorilla permit price. On a Uganda gorilla trekking safari, there are several additional costs.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Any traveled to be granted access to the park to trek gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, need to have a gorilla permit that are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

According to the recently issued directive, travelers can only book a gorilla permit through a local registered tour operator.

Note: you need to book your gorilla trekking permits in Uganda in advance to ensure you are not disappointed.

How Much is Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs as follows

For visitors who wish to spend more time with mountain gorillas, you can take park in gorilla habituation experience. You have to book a gorilla habituation experience permit which costs as below.

Additional Costs for Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Explained

1. Accommodation Cost

You cannot take part in gorilla trekking safari in Uganda without staying at least 1 night within the area, as such the type of accommodation facility you choose, also determines your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost. For every kind of traveler, from budget, midrange to luxury, there are viable options to choose from at every park.

Here are the options per person, per night inclusive of meals.

• Budget accommodation costs between $ 50 to $ 100
• Midrange accommodation costs between $ 100 to $ 500
• High-end accommodation costs between $ 600 to $ 1500

2. Transport Cost

If you are planning to book a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to an airstrip near Bwindi or Mgahinga, you might need to part with $ 450. The flight takes about 1 and a half hours

If you find domestic flights way beyond your budget or should you decide that you want to experience more of the African countryside, then traveling by road from Entebbe or Kampala is highly recommended. The road trip from there to the gorilla perks takes about 8 to 10 hours.

Hiring a car in Uganda will cost you about

• US$ 40 – US$60 per day for small 4×4 car
• US$ 80 – US$100 per day for medium 4×4 car
• US$ 200 – US$300 per day for a safari 4×4 car Land Cruiser

These prices do not include fuel for the car and the driver, in many cases the price may include a driver/guide but it is advisable to talk to the operator before making payment. Maintenance, certification and insurance of the vehicle are the responsibility of the owner or tour operator.

3. The Cost of Food & Drinks

Yes, lodges and hotels offer this but you are going to need food and water when out of the lodge traveling. Water and food can cost you about $30 each day if you are traveling on your own. You should not worry about food, if you book your Uganda Safari with a tour company.

The company should take care of the water and food while at the hotel and when traveling between activities.

4. Cost of Items on The Gorilla Safari – Packing List

For the best gorilla trekking experience, you need to travel with the following

• A good camera
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Insect repellents
• Hand gloves
• A rain jacket

5. Porter Fees

The porter fees also add to the Uganda gorilla trekking cost, gorilla trekkers are encouraged to take porters for several reasons.

• They carry your bags and when you are approaching gorillas, they will remain with your packed lunches and all items you might need.
• They will give you a push or a pull during your trek in the forest, this extra effort is to enable you to achieve your dream of viewing these endangered mountain gorillas.

By hiring a porters, you are contributing to community development since most of the porters are school dropouts or continuing students that need this money to finance their education.

A gorilla trekking porter costs a minimum of $ 10.

6. Tips

Tips are an appreciation of good service rendered to you by your safari guide, gorilla trekking guide, waiters and porters. It is not a must that you have to do this.

Tipping in Uganda during gorilla trekking is not compulsory and should only be paid after a service is rendered and you are happy with it, the amount depends entirely on you. However, as a responsible Tour company. We recommend that you put some small funds aside for tipping.

7. Visa Cost

Most nationalities pay US4 50 for a Uganda Single-entry visa, if you are planning to also travel to Rwanda or Kenya, you can get an East Africa Tourist Visit which cost US$ 100.

8. Company Markup

On top of the above costs, tour companies puts between 10 – 205 of the total gorilla trekking cost as fixing or service fee. It is part of the profit as well as helping the company to book all services such as gorilla permits, accommodation and making telephone calls to check availability.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Cost Estimates

Basing on the above and putting all factors into consideration, the cost of a typical 3 day gorilla trekking Uganda tour package can be broken down as below

• Budget Gorilla Trekking Trip: permit $ 800 + car rental – $ 150 + fuel + $ 200 +Guide +150 accommodation – $ 150 which totals to $ 1350.
• Mid-range Gorilla Trekking Safari: $ 800 + car rental – $ 300 + fuel + $ 250 +Guide +150 accommodation – $150 which totals to $ 1850.
• Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour: $ 800 + car rental – $ 750 + fuel + $ 350 +Guide +200 accommodation – $150 which totals to $ 2900.

FAQs About Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost

1. Why is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive

• Mountain gorillas are highly endangered with just over 1000 individuals left on Earth and due to the shared DNA, our virus and illness can easily spread to them. This has forced governments to raise the price of gorilla trekking permits
• It is important to note that if the Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost was reduced considerably, too many people would be attracted to visit the gorillas hence affecting the overall well-being of the few habituated gorilla families.
• Gorilla conservation needs significant investments in infrastructure, rangers, research and scientists. This requires money.
• Part of the money collected from gorilla trekking permits is used to fund activities related to protecting these endangered giants.
• In general, a 15% of the income from gorilla permits goes to the government, 10% to the local communities to limit poaching and 755 to gorilla conservation.

2. What Is The Cheapest Way To Go Gorilla Trekking

• Book your Uganda Gorilla Safari with a Local Tour Company
• Travel in group – a group tour helps you reduce the cost of transportation and accommodation
• You can start and end your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda and save on transportation time and indirectly on the cost
• Visit in Low season months of October, November, May and April. Lodges tend to lower their room rates during the low season when tourists are few.
• Opt for a short gorilla safari like a 3 day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
• Avoid using chartered planes or private planes to gorilla trekking destinations

Ready to Start Planning Your Uganda Gorilla Safari?

When planning your Uganda gorilla safari it is important to remember that the above are only guidelines. Your Treks and Safaris Consultant is an expert at tailoring a gorilla safari according to budget and interests.

Send us an email to find out more and know what you can get for your money.