How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

Are you wondering about the cost of a gorilla permit for trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? It’s a common question for travelers deciding where to experience the incredible adventure of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Let’s break down the price differences and help you choose the best option for your trip.

Uganda vs. Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking: What You Need to Know

• Uganda’s gorillas live in the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll trek through lush vegetation with diverse tree species.
• Rwanda’s gorillas are found in the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park, where bamboo forests are the dominant vegetation.

In both countries, your chances of spotting gorillas are about 99%, so you’re guaranteed a remarkable experience no matter where you go. While some believe Rwanda’s gorillas are easier to spot due to the bamboo vegetation, gorilla trekking in both countries is well-organized and equally rewarding.

Comparing Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda and Rwanda

In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person, while in Rwanda, the cost is USD 1500 per person. Both permits grant you a one-hour encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas, either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Both countries offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences but the price difference is one of the key factors many travelers consider when choosing where to go.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda: Which One Is Better?

• Rwanda is known for its convenience, as Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost.
• Uganda, on the other hand, involves a longer drive from Entebbe to Bwindi, about 8-9 hours but now, with our tours, we can arrange a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali, making it much easier and quicker to access Uganda’s gorillas.

Additionally, by booking your trek in Uganda, you can save up to USD 800 compared to Rwanda. Plus, with the East African Visa, you can visit both Uganda and Rwanda on one affordable visa.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Dates: Let us know your preferred travel dates and we’ll check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
2. Confirm Availability: Once we confirm permit availability, we’ll reserve a spot for you and send you an invoice for payment.
3. Payment: After payment, send us proof of payment and we’ll finalize your permit purchase.
4. Get Your Permit: Once secured, we’ll send you a scanned copy of your permit for your records.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in groups of 8 tourists with park rangers. There are only 288 permits available per day in Bwindi, so it’s essential to book at least 3-5 months in advance to ensure you get a permit.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost Overall?

The total cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda depends on your chosen accommodation and travel style (luxury, mid-range or budget). Here’s a breakdown:

• Gorilla Permit: USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 700 for East African Residents and USD 80 for East African Citizens.
• Accommodation:
  • Budget: USD 100 per night
  • Mid-range: USD 200 per night
  • Luxury: USD 300-700 per night
• Transport: Costs vary depending on the itinerary but we offer options in a comfortable 4×4 safari van.
• Sample Itinerary: Our 3-day budget gorilla trekking safari costs around USD 1600 for solo travelers and includes your permit, accommodation (budget), transport, an English-speaking driver guide and drinking water. This price excludes tips, visas, flights and alcoholic drinks.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Wondering when is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Fortunately, Uganda offers year-round gorilla trekking opportunities but the most favorable time is during the drier months—January, February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are easier to navigate and the chances of spotting gorillas are higher due to the reduced vegetation cover.

However, the rainy season (March-May and October-December) can also have its advantages. With abundant rainfall, the forest is lush, providing gorillas with more food. Interestingly, during this time, the gorillas tend to move shorter distances in search of food, making them easier to spot during your trek.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Accommodation by Sector

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences:

• Rushaga Sector: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge or Gorilla Valley Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Accommodation includes Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Resort—all located near the Gorilla Habituation experience start point.
• Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi): Options include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Ride 4 a Woman.
• Ruhija Sector: Stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge or Broadbill Tented Camp.

Each of these accommodations offers a unique experience with proximity to the trekking start points, making your stay convenient and enjoyable.

Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

To reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, you have several travel options:

1. By Air: Fly into Entebbe International Airport, then take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip (for the southern part of Bwindi and Mgahinga) or Kihihi Airstrip (for the northern part of Bwindi). From there, it’s a short drive to the park.
2. By Road: You can drive from Entebbe/Kampala to southwest Uganda, passing through towns like Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale. This scenic road journey takes about 9-10 hours.
3. Via Kigali, Rwanda: Fly into Kigali International Airport and cross the border into Uganda at Cyanika or Katuna border posts, taking around 4-5 hours, including border immigration time.

For hassle-free border crossing, we recommend getting the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The cost is USD 100, a great value if you plan to visit multiple countries during your trip. Alternatively, single-entry visas are available for Uganda (USD 50) and Rwanda (USD 30).

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. With our deep knowledge of these destinations, we provide personalized safaris that go beyond gorilla trekking. Our expert team offers eco-friendly, high-end adventures combined with chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters for a well-rounded African safari.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and our tours help conserve wildlife, preserve biodiversity and uplift local communities. We also operate in some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

If you’re curious about gorilla permit prices or need help planning your trip, contact us today! Let us help you create an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.