Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Africa
January 7, 2025
Gorilla Trekking Costs in Uganda
January 7, 2025
Gorilla Trekking Price: Everything You Need to Know
Gorilla Trekking Price — Are you dreaming of an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Africa? This guide will walk you through the costs and essential information to help you successfully plan and book your gorilla trekking adventure. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws travelers from around the world to explore the dense forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Despite the high costs and challenges of trekking through rugged terrain, watching gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences you can have.
What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests, often over challenging terrain, thick vegetation, and across rivers and swamps, in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. This thrilling adventure requires a good level of physical fitness.
During a gorilla trek, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. For those who want an even more immersive experience, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group under the guidance of researchers and trackers.
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking is conducted in three countries:
- Uganda: Home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Rwanda: Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park.
- DR Congo: Trekking is available in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas.
These parks are the only places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild.
To participate in a gorilla trek, you need a gorilla permit, which must be booked well in advance, especially during the peak season (June to September). We recommend securing your permit at least five months ahead of your planned trip.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is:
- $800 per person for foreign non-residents.
- $800 per person for foreign residents.
- $80 per person for East African citizens.
These permits grant you one hour with a gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda boasts 17 habituated gorilla families, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, providing 136 permits daily.
For an extended encounter, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 per person and allows you to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.
You can book permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or with a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is:
- $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents.
- $500 per person for foreign residents.
- $200 per person for East African citizens.
These permits allow you one hour with a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, which has 12 habituated gorilla families and offers 96 permits daily.
You can book permits through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or via a reliable tour operator like Excursia Adventures.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in DR Congo
In DR Congo, gorilla trekking is available in two national parks:
- Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
- $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October).
- $200 per person during the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December).
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
- $400 for foreign non-residents.
- $200 for East African residents.
- $20 for Congolese nationals.
Permits can be booked directly through the respective park authorities or through trusted tour operators like Excursia Adventures.
What’s Included in the Gorilla Permit Price?
A gorilla trekking permit only covers access to the park and your guided trek to see the gorillas. It does not include:
- Accommodation.
- Transportation.
- Meals.
- Other expenses such as tips or additional activities.
For a seamless experience, it’s best to book a complete package with your tour operator that includes all these elements.
What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Africa is 15 years, and there is no strict maximum age limit as long as an individual is physically fit. For older travelers or those who may struggle with the physical demands of trekking, sedan chairs are available in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These chairs are carried by porters and allow participants to experience the trek comfortably. You can hire a sedan chair either in advance or on the day of the trek, with costs ranging from $400 to $500.
Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo
A gorilla permit is essential to participate in a gorilla trek. Once booked, it is expected that the permit holder will use it on the designated date. Cancellation policies for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are similar:
- 0 to 8 days before the trek date: No refund is issued.
It’s important to plan carefully to avoid losing the cost of your permit.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to trek is during the dry seasons:
- January and February.
- June to early September.
During these months, trails are more accessible, and vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility of the gorillas and an overall smoother trekking experience.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Proper preparation is key to enjoying your gorilla trekking adventure. Here’s a recommended packing list:
- Clothing and footwear:
- Comfortable, hard-wearing hiking boots or walking shoes.
- Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers to protect against undergrowth, stinging nettles, and insects.
- A rain jacket for sudden downpours.
- A sweater or fleece for cooler mornings.
- Essential items:
- Insect repellent.
- Gardening gloves (helpful for gripping vegetation during the trek).
- A water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Wet wipes for freshening up.
- A torch/flashlight with spare batteries.
- Optional items:
- Camera and lenses for capturing memories.
- Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching.
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
- Swimwear if your accommodation offers a pool or for nearby lakes.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Here’s why you should book with us:
- Expert Guidance: Our team will help you navigate the booking process, including securing gorilla permits and arranging your trek.
- Custom Packages: We offer a variety of packages, from budget-friendly options to luxurious safaris.
- Exceptional Service: With years of experience and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, we’re committed to ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Local Expertise: Our knowledgeable tour consultants are always ready to answer your questions and provide insider tips for a memorable trip.
When you book with Excursia Adventures, you can be confident in a smooth and stress-free experience. Let us help you create lifelong memories on your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa!
