Total Price of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Total Price of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Many travelers are curious about the total cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda before booking a tour. If you’re planning to trek with mountain gorillas in Uganda and are trying to understand the overall price, this guide will help you navigate the costs involved. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are located near each other, offering flexibility for those who want to experience trekking in both parks.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on several factors, including the price of the gorilla permit, your choice of accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury), and the overall package offered by your tour operator. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer gorilla trekking tours across various budget ranges, ensuring that your gorilla safari price fits your preferences.

Total Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The overall cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda is influenced by your travel style—whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or luxury option—as well as the length of your itinerary. The biggest expense for any gorilla trekking safari is the gorilla permit, which costs:

• $800 for foreign non-residents,
• $700 for East African residents,
• $75 for East African citizens.

In addition to the permit, you’ll need to consider accommodation, which can range from $100 for budget lodges to $200 for mid-range, and up to $300–$700 for luxury lodges. Transport and other services such as meals and park fees also contribute to the total cost of your gorilla trekking experience.

How Much Does a Gorilla Tour Cost in Uganda?

One of the most popular itineraries for gorilla trekking in Uganda is the 3-day gorilla tracking budget safari in Bwindi. The price varies depending on the number of people in your group:

• $1,700 for a solo traveler,
• $1,290 per person for 2 people sharing,
• $1,270 per person for 3 people sharing,
• $1,250 per person for 4 people sharing.

This price includes the gorilla tracking permit, budget accommodation, transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking driver-guide, and drinking water. It excludes tips, visas, flights, and alcoholic drinks.

For those with limited time, a 1-day gorilla tour from Uganda can cost around $1,000, depending on your pickup location. A 2-day gorilla tour starting from Kigali typically costs around $1,200.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda involves confirming your travel dates and sharing them with us via email. We will check the availability of gorilla permits online through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once availability is confirmed, we will proceed to book your permits. To secure your spot, it’s recommended that you book your permits 2-3 months in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. However, it is sometimes possible to secure permits at the last minute, depending on availability.

Permits can only be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters, and we handle the entire process for you, from securing the permit to arranging your safari.

Why is Gorilla Trekking Expensive Compared to Other Safari Activities?

Gorilla trekking is more expensive than other safari activities for several reasons. According to a 2019 census, there are only 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, found in just a few locations: Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Unlike other gorilla species, mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity and can only be seen in their natural habitat.

Mountain gorillas are also closely related to humans, sharing over 97% of their DNA, making them incredibly fascinating for travelers and conservationists alike. The funds collected from gorilla trekking permits play a vital role in conservation efforts, with a portion directly supporting the protection and growth of the mountain gorilla population. These efforts have led to the mountain gorilla’s conservation status improving from critically endangered to endangered, according to the IUCN Red List.

This critical conservation work, combined with the limited number of gorillas and the logistical challenges of trekking in their remote habitats, explains why gorilla trekking is priced higher than other safari activities. However, it offers an unmatched wildlife experience while directly contributing to the survival of this endangered species.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible year-round, as it’s a well-organized activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, the best time to go on a gorilla trekking safari is during the drier months from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the weather is more favorable for travel, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot gorillas.

That said, the rainy season can also offer a unique experience. During the rains, there’s more food available in the forest, and the gorillas tend to move shorter distances in search of it, which can lead to shorter treks with excellent opportunities to observe these incredible animals up close.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is done in two main areas—the northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija) and the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo).

• In Rushaga, popular lodges include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp.
• In Nkuringo, great options are Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort.

For the northern sectors:

• In Buhoma, you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, or Ride 4 a Woman.
• In Ruhija, recommended lodges include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp.

For those trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, options include Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, and Kisoro Travelers Inn.

How to Get to Bwindi and Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To reach these parks, most visitors fly into Entebbe International Airport and travel to southwestern Uganda. The journey by road from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes around 9-10 hours and passes through major towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.

Alternatively, you can fly into Kisoro Airstrip for access to the southern parts of Bwindi and Mgahinga or Kihihi Airstrip for the northern part of Bwindi.

If you’re starting in Kigali, Rwanda, it’s also possible to access Bwindi and Mgahinga through the Cyanika or Katuna border, which takes about 4-5 hours including time spent at the border. For hassle-free travel, we recommend getting the East African Visa ($100), which allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Alternatively, single-entry visas are available, with Rwanda’s visa costing $30 and Uganda’s visa costing $50.

Why Book a Gorilla Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is highly rated on TripAdvisor, and we pride ourselves on creating eco-friendly and high-end adventure safaris that not only deliver incredible wildlife experiences but also contribute to conservation and the upliftment of local communities.

Our safaris often combine gorilla trekking with other amazing activities such as chimpanzee trekking, Big Five game drives, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, offering you a comprehensive African safari experience. We also offer trips to top destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the total price of gorilla trekking in Uganda and to plan your dream safari!