Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth the Money?

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth the Money?

Absolutely, gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth every penny. A gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an unforgettable opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, making it one of the most sought-after activities for travelers visiting Uganda. Whether you opt for a 3-day gorilla trekking tour or a longer stay, the experience is often described as life-changing, magical, and worth the investment.

Why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda, near the border with Congo. It’s one of only two places in the world where you can trek and see mountain gorillas in the wild. Home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi has earned its reputation as the premier destination for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi is divided into four sectors for trekking: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering different gorilla families to visit. These families are led by dominant male gorillas known as silverbacks. Each trekking group is limited to just 8 people per day, ensuring an intimate and respectful encounter with the gorillas. To participate, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, which is valid for the day of your trek.

Is a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi Worth the Money?

The cost of a gorilla trekking tour includes much more than just the chance to see these majestic creatures. It supports the conservation of mountain gorillas and helps protect Bwindi Forest, a vital ecosystem. Without gorilla trekking, it’s likely that much of this forest would have been destroyed. The revenue from gorilla permits and park entrance fees plays a crucial role in preserving this natural habitat and its wildlife.

Your contribution also helps fund community development projects in the local areas surrounding Bwindi. About 20% of the fees from gorilla trekking permits go directly to the nearby communities. This money helps improve local infrastructure, build schools, and support healthcare facilities, all of which encourage the communities to protect and conserve the gorillas and their environment.

Why the Money Spent on Gorilla Trekking is Worth It

While the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda can seem high, it’s important to consider the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the experience. The trek itself may be challenging—walking through dense forests for hours—but the reward of meeting these gentle giants in their natural environment is incomparable. Many visitors are so captivated that they choose to purchase multiple permits and trek more than once, seeking out different gorilla families on different days.

In addition to the direct impact on conservation, your visit helps foster eco-tourism and generates foreign exchange, which motivates the Ugandan government and organizations like the Uganda Wildlife Authority to continue protecting these precious environments. This ripple effect makes the money spent on gorilla trekking in Bwindi even more meaningful.

What is the Cost of a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi?

The cost of a gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park varies depending on how many days you plan to spend and the type of accommodation you choose. One of the biggest expenses is the gorilla trekking permit, which is essential for your experience.

• For non-residents, the permit costs $800 per person.
• For East African residents, it’s $700.
• East African citizens pay 300,000 UGX.

This permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. However, the permit is just part of the overall cost. You’ll also need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and the services of an experienced guide.

For example, a 3-day gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi typically costs around $1,290 per person when shared between two people, and this price includes all essential aspects like permits, accommodation, transportation, and guiding services.

How to Book a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi

Securing your gorilla trekking permit in advance is crucial, as permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Once you’ve settled on your travel dates, it’s best to reach out to us to check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

If permits are available for your chosen dates, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is made and confirmed, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy, confirming your booking for your gorilla tour. It’s recommended to book your permits 2 to 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment, as availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is more favorable for trekking, with less rainfall making the forest trails easier to navigate. The drier conditions also mean the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility for gorilla sightings and photography.

That said, gorilla trekking is possible year-round. The wet months of April, May, and November can make the trails muddier and more challenging, but these months have their own advantages. Gorillas tend to stay closer because food is more abundant, often resulting in shorter treks. Plus, during the rainy season, there are fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience.

No matter when you go, Bwindi offers a 99% chance of seeing gorillas, thanks to the organized nature of the activity.

Where to Stay in Bwindi During Gorilla Trekking

Choosing the right accommodation is key to a successful and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. It’s best to stay in a lodge close to the sector of Bwindi where you’ll be trekking, making it easier to access the park headquarters for your trek.

Here are some accommodation options by 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, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp

Luxury lodges range from $400 to $1,000 per person per night, mid-range lodges cost between $150 to $300, and budget lodges typically charge $70 to $100 per night. Since Bwindi is a popular destination, it’s recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season.

Why Book a Gorilla Tour to Bwindi with Excursia Adventures

At Excursia Adventures, we specialize in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for providing eco-friendly and high-end adventures that not only give you a unique travel experience but also contribute to conservation efforts and support local communities.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of exciting safaris including chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Whether you’re interested in exploring Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or further afield to Botswana and Namibia, we can craft the perfect safari to suit your interests.

Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your plans for gorilla trekking or any other African safari adventure!