Cost of a Gorilla Safari in Uganda

The Cost of a Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Cost of a Gorilla Safari in Uganda — If you’re planning to trek the majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda, you may be wondering how much it costs to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The total cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda varies depending on a number of factors, including the price of the gorilla trekking permit, accommodation, transportation, and other travel-related expenses.

Uganda is home to two incredible locations for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are situated close to each other, making it easy for travelers to visit both in one trip. Let’s break down the costs involved in a gorilla safari in Uganda.

Breakdown of Gorilla Tour Costs in Uganda

The cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda depends on several factors, including the type of travel (luxury, mid-range, or budget), the duration of your safari, and the time of year you plan to visit. The most significant cost is the gorilla trekking permit, which grants you access to spend time with the gorillas in the wild. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:

• Gorilla Trekking Permit:
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD per person, per trek
  • East African Residents: $800 USD per person, per trek
  • East African Citizens: 300,000 UGX per person, per trek
• Accommodation:
  • Budget: $100 USD per night
  • Mid-Range: $200 USD per night
  • Luxury: $300 – $700 USD per night
• Transportation: The cost of transport will depend on your travel style and the number of people in your group.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost?

Here’s an example of what a typical gorilla trekking itinerary might cost:

• 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari:
  • Solo Traveler: $1700 USD (all-inclusive)
  • 2 People Sharing: $1290 USD per person (all-inclusive)
  • 3 People Sharing: $1270 USD per person (all-inclusive)
  • 4 People Sharing: $1250 USD per person (all-inclusive)

These prices include:

• Gorilla Trekking Permit
• Accommodation (Budget Range)
• Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Van
• English-Speaking Driver Guide
• Drinking Water

Note: Prices exclude tips, Uganda visas, flights, and alcoholic beverages.

• 1-Day Gorilla Tour: Starts at around $1000 USD, depending on your pick-up location.
• 2-Day Gorilla Tour (often booked from Kigali, Rwanda): Costs around $1200 USD, all-inclusive.

Feel free to contact us for a personalized quote based on your preferences and travel dates.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking adventure is simple:

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Let us know your travel dates by emailing us.
2. Check Permit Availability: We’ll confirm the availability of gorilla trekking permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
3. Secure Your Permits: After confirming availability, we will send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and send you a confirmation.

It’s advisable to book your permits at least 2-3 months in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. However, depending on availability, it’s also possible to book last-minute permits.

Why is Gorilla Trekking More Expensive Than Other Safari Activities?

Gorilla trekking is a unique experience that comes with a higher cost compared to other safari activities. This is primarily due to the rarity and conservation efforts involved in protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.

As of the most recent 2019 census, there are only about 1,063 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, residing in the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These gorillas cannot survive in captivity, making them even more precious.

Mountain gorillas share 97% of their DNA with humans, which adds to their appeal among tourists. The funds raised from the sale of gorilla trekking permits directly contribute to conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals, helping to increase their population and improve their conservation status. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has upgraded their status from critically endangered to endangered, thanks to these efforts.

This combination of rarity, conservation, and the close connection humans have with gorillas makes trekking these majestic creatures an unforgettable and priceless experience—and explains why it’s more expensive than other safari activities.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to visit for an optimal trekking experience is during the dry months of January, February, and June through early September. These months typically have less rainfall, which makes travel to the parks easier and more comfortable. The drier weather also means less dense vegetation, improving visibility for spotting the gorillas.

That said, the rainy season (March to May and October to December) can also offer unique advantages. During these months, the gorillas tend to stay closer to their food sources, making it easier to find them. Plus, the forest is lush and vibrant, providing a different, equally magical experience for those who don’t mind a bit of rain.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda

When trekking for gorillas in Uganda, your accommodation options depend on the sector of the park you’re visiting.

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you’ll find several great places to stay, including:

• Southern Sector (Rushaga & Nkuringo):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Northern Sector (Buhoma & Ruhija):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge

All of these lodges are conveniently located near the starting points for your gorilla treks, making it easy to access the park each day.

In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, consider staying at:

• Lake Chahafi Resort
• Gahinga Lodge
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Each of these accommodations offers comfortable options to suit a variety of budgets, allowing you to rest well after your adventurous treks.

Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

You can reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, Uganda’s capital. From there, it’s about a 9-10 hour drive through towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to the parks:

• Kisoro Airstrip for access to the southern part of Bwindi and Mgahinga
• Kihihi Airstrip for the northern part of Bwindi

If you’re traveling from Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, it’s a scenic 4-5 hour drive to the parks, including border crossing at Cyanika or Katuna, which makes it a great option for those coming from Rwanda.

For easier cross-border travel, we recommend purchasing the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for a fee of $100 USD. It’s a more cost-effective option than buying single-entry visas. Alternatively, single visas are available:

• Rwandan Visa: $50 USD
• Ugandan Visa: $50 USD

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are dedicated to providing a seamless, memorable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. We offer customized safari packages tailored to your preferences, including securing your gorilla trekking permits. Our expert team is here to assist you with every step of your journey, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews from happy customers who have enjoyed unforgettable safaris with us.

When you book with us, you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive exceptional service and a carefully crafted itinerary to make your Uganda safari truly special.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact us today, and let’s plan your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience!