Price of a Gorilla Permit in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park

Price of a Gorilla Permit in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park: Which Offers Better Value?

Price of a Gorilla Permit in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park — One of the most common questions for travelers planning a gorilla trek is the price difference between gorilla permits in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While it’s true that gorilla permits in Uganda are more affordable than those in Rwanda, the price difference is primarily due to each country’s tourism strategy.

Rwanda positions itself as a luxury safari destination, reflected in the higher cost of permits, while Uganda markets itself as a more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking in Africa. Despite the price gap, the actual experience and the time spent with the mountain gorillas remain the same in both countries. In fact, Uganda offers an exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to four hours with the gorillas for the same $1,500 price tag as a one-hour trek in Rwanda.

Gorilla Permit Prices: Uganda vs Rwanda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for foreign residents
• 300,000 UGX for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan)

This gives you one hour with the mountain gorillas, but Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, priced at $1,500 per person, where you get up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family under the guidance of expert trackers and researchers.

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the gorilla permit costs:

• $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

This also allows for a one-hour encounter with the gorillas. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available each day. You can book your permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board or via a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Experience in Bwindi vs Volcanoes National Park

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park are home to mountain gorillas, and there’s no significant difference in the quality of the gorilla trekking experience. The chances of spotting gorillas in either park are an impressive 98%. The primary distinction lies in the terrain and vegetation. In Rwanda, the gorillas inhabit the Virunga volcanic range, with bamboo forests being the dominant vegetation. In contrast, Uganda’s gorillas reside in a tropical rainforest with more varied flora, offering a different trekking experience.

Some claim that gorillas are easier to spot in Rwanda due to the open nature of the bamboo forest. However, those who have trekked in Uganda often praise the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of Bwindi, which offers a more immersive experience in the jungle.

Best Park to See Gorillas: Bwindi or Volcanoes?

While some travelers prefer Volcanoes National Park due to its proximity to Kigali (just a 2-3 hour drive), making logistics easier, the tide is shifting. With Trek Africa Expeditions now offering gorilla tours to Bwindi from Kigali, you can reach Bwindi in just 4-5 hours, bypassing the longer drive from Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport. This option allows you to trek gorillas in Uganda at a more affordable price while benefiting from Rwanda’s shorter travel distances. The East African Tourist Visa makes this cross-border experience seamless.

In terms of accommodation, Volcanoes National Park is known for its luxury lodges, including Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda, which are among the top-rated lodges in Africa. Bwindi, on the other hand, offers more variety, from budget lodges to mid-range and luxury options, with prices ranging from $30 to $100 per night, making it ideal for travelers seeking a wider range of accommodations.

Gorilla Families and Permits

Bwindi boasts 16 habituated gorilla families, with 128 permits available daily, compared to Volcanoes National Park’s 12 families and 96 permits. This makes it slightly easier to secure a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi, especially during peak seasons.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking is available year-round in both Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park. However, the best months are from June to August and December to February, when rainfall is at its lowest, and the forest trails are less slippery. If you choose to visit between March to May or November, you may encounter more rain, but many lodges offer discounts during these off-peak months, making it a great time to save on accommodation.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted expert in organizing gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, we offer eco-friendly, high-end adventures that not only provide unforgettable wildlife encounters but also contribute to conservation efforts and local community upliftment. We can help you combine gorilla trekking with other safaris, such as Big Five game drives, chimpanzee trekking, mountain hikes, boat cruises, and cultural experiences across popular African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

For more information on gorilla trekking permits or to plan your African safari adventure, contact us today.