Gorilla Trekking costs in Uganda and Rwanda
Generally, gorilla trekking cost in Uganda and Rwanda can range from $ 1,500 per person on the low end to $ 5,000 and above on the luxury.
The cost of gorilla trekking safari is determined by several factors and the main factors are the tracking permits, accommodation, transport, meals and tips plus optional expenses like hiring a porter. The two factors that determine the big price different are going in a group Vs a private tour and the class of accommodation you are looking for.
Most international visitors to Uganda and Rwanda book everything in an organized tour package and this is by far the easiest route.
The most important expense is your gorilla tracking permit – this document allows you entry into the gorilla national park and one hour with mountain gorillas, accompanied by official ranger guides. The gorilla tracking permits are highly regulated systems which enable the authorities to control human gorilla interaction and generate much – needed revenue. The availability of permits is limited by the number of habituated gorilla families and the number of visitors allowed per family.
Each gorilla permit is printed with a unique serial number and the traveler’s personal details, they are non-transferable and non – refundable (except for medical reasons in which case a medical certificate is required). You will need to provide your passport when you book your permits and you will need to show this at the start of your gorilla tracking activity.
Although your gorilla permit does include a fee for the ranger guides, tips are greatly appreciated. Also, you will it very useful to hire a porter so should allow a fee of $ 10 – $ 20 per person plus tip.
How much does gorilla trekking cost?
Cost breakdowns and how to budget
Most visitors on gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda use tour operators who will arrange a drive guide for the duration of the tour. Typically, the driver will welcome you at the airport, take you to your lodge and accompany you to the start of the gorilla trekking point. Most of the visitors will extend their trip several days afterwards with the same vehicle and drive.
The gorilla trek starts early in the morning, so you will need to stay in accommodation near the entrance to the park you have chosen for gorilla trekking safari.
Travel Tip: It is recommended that you arrive at your lodge a day before your trek and then spend a second night at the same lodge.
Most of the lodges are independently owned, some are owned by locals and others by International Operators. The locally-run lodges are relatively cheaper and some commercially run and others support local projects. High end lodges often invest in corporate social responsibility projects around the lodges. Internationally owned establishments often have more years in the business and give a better overall experience though at a slightly high price.
In Rwanda
Gorilla tracking permit in Rwanda costs US$ 1,500 for International tourists, at this time of writing there are 80 gorilla permits available per day. You can buy your gorilla permit up to two years in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or through a registered tour company.
Rwanda positions itself as a high – end gorilla trekking destination and this is reflected in the higher price of the permit and the bigger range of top-end accommodation. Rwanda has some sensational luxury properties and a fair number of overpriced midrange lodges.
Typical accommodation cost in Rwanda.
- Budget: $30 – $50 per person per night based on two sharing
- Mid-range: $80 – $250 per person per night based on two sharing
- Luxury: $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking region is only two hours’ drive from Kigali making is a more accessible destination than in Uganda. So, you can save on transport and accommodation by doing a short trip in Rwanda. Also, it is possible to do a one-day gorilla trek in Rwanda from around US $ 1,700 Per person. A two – day gorilla tour starts from 1,900 Euros. A three – day luxury gorilla safari may cost US $ 2,000 to US $ 5,000 per person. Gorilla tours include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, English – speaking guide, accommodation and meals. Charter and helicopter transfers are additional options.
In Uganda
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the price for a gorilla permit in Uganda is US$ 800. Also, there is the option for an extended “habituation experience” permit which costs US $ 1,500 and allows visitors approximately 4 hours with the gorillas, rangers and researchers.
With 23 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and a maximum of eight visitors per group, there are a total of 184 gorilla permits available per day.
Gorilla trekking permits can be purchased up to two years in advance through a registered tour company, Uganda has more budget and midrange accommodation options than Rwanda and also has a number of luxury lodges.
Typical accommodation cost in Uganda.
- Budget: $50-$70 per person per night based on two sharing
- Mid-range: $80-$120 per person per night based on two sharing
- Luxury: $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing
The cheapest three-day gorilla trek in Uganda will cost around $ 1,200 per person and will include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, an English-speaking guide, accommodation and meals on full board basis. A three-day luxury safari may cost about US $ 3,000 per person. High priced tours may include flights to one of the airstrips normally situated a half hour drive from the gorilla tracking region.