Cost of a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi Forest National Park

Cost of a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi Forest National Park

Are you planning a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest National Park? If so, you’re likely curious about the costs involved in a 3-day gorilla tour. This tour is designed for those eager to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The overall cost of your tour includes transportation for the duration of your stay, gorilla permits, accommodation, and service fees.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in planning and organizing unforgettable 3-day gorilla tours in Bwindi that cater to your budget and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.

Why Choose Bwindi Forest National Park?

Located in southern Uganda, Bwindi shares its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of only two national parks in Uganda where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is divided into several sectors, including Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering unique gorilla tracking experiences. Bwindi is home to multiple habituated gorilla families, each led by a dominant male silverback, providing a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.

To trek with the gorillas, you must have a valid gorilla permit, which is limited to just eight visitors per family each day to ensure conservation and minimize disturbance to the gorillas.

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an extraordinary experience that begins early in the morning, with a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking. Guided by experienced park rangers, you’ll embark on a trek through the lush forest, aiming to find a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you’ll have the opportunity to spend one hour observing these incredible animals in their natural environment, sharing in their daily activities.

To participate in gorilla trekking, trekkers must be at least 15 years old, as minors can pose challenges in the forest and may risk transmitting diseases to the gorillas.

What are the Costs of Gorilla Permits in Bwindi?

Gorilla permits are essential for your 3-day tour and are priced as follows:

• Gorilla Permit:
  • USD 800 for Non-Foreign Residents
  • USD 700 for Foreign Residents
  • UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
• Gorilla Habituation Permit (allows for a longer viewing experience):
  • USD 1,500 for Non-Foreign Residents
  • USD 1,000 for Foreign Residents
  • UGX 750,000 for East African Citizens

The habituation permit allows you to observe the gorillas for up to four hours, offering a deeper insight into their behavior and lifestyle.

It’s important to note that while Uganda offers a significant number of gorilla permits, they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December). Once you contact us with your desired travel dates, we will check the availability of permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If available, we will send you an invoice to secure your permits, as they are the top priority for your trip. After payment, we will confirm your booking and provide you with a receipt and booking ID.

Understanding the costs associated with gorilla permits is key to planning your 3-day gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park. Let Trek Africa Expeditions help you make this unforgettable journey a reality!

Cost of Transportation for a 3-Day Gorilla Tour to Bwindi National Park

Understanding transportation costs is essential for estimating the overall expenses of your 3-day gorilla safari to Bwindi. These costs typically include fuel for the round trip, vehicle hire, and driver-guide fees. If you’re traveling with a group, the per-person cost can decrease significantly.

• Vehicle Hire: Approximately USD 150 per day.
• Fuel Costs: About USD 280 for the entire round trip.
• Driver Guide Fees: Typically around USD 50 per day, although this may vary depending on any additional destinations you plan to visit after Bwindi.

We utilize 4×4 safari vehicles for comfortable transport, accompanied by experienced driver-guides who are knowledgeable about the region’s flora and fauna. They’ll ensure a smooth journey to Bwindi and throughout your stay.

Cost of Accommodation in Bwindi

During your 3-day gorilla tour to Bwindi National Park, you’ll spend two nights in one of the park’s various sectors. Choosing your accommodation wisely is crucial for a convenient and timely access to the park headquarters for your trek.

Here are some recommended lodges based on the sector:

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge.
• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Havens Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp.

There are many lodges to choose from, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season when they tend to fill up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of accommodation costs:

• Luxury Lodges: USD 400 – 1,000 per person per night
• Mid-Range Lodges: USD 150 – 300 per person per night
• Budget Lodges: USD 70 – 100 per person per night

How to Book a 3-Day Gorilla Tour to Bwindi at a Fair Price

When planning your gorilla tour, you can choose between various packages that may include additional tourism destinations and activities, or focus solely on gorilla trekking or habituation. Trek Africa Expeditions is here to assist you with booking all necessary permits and services at competitive rates to match your budget.

You can conveniently book your safari via email for record-keeping or through WhatsApp for quicker communication.

Why Book Your 3-Day Gorilla Tour with Us?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize unforgettable gorilla safari experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact us to discover our discounted packages and tailor-made trips from Kampala or Entebbe, including cultural experiences.

Our strength lies in our dedicated team, a blend of energetic staff and experienced Ugandan managers who are passionate about delivering authentic experiences. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, where you can read about the adventures of other travelers who have journeyed with us.

Reach out today to learn more about the cost of a gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park and start planning your adventure!