Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a land of breathtaking biodiversity, offering the perfect blend of gorilla trekking and classic wildlife safaris. The world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park harbors nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Picture yourself trekking through dense, emerald-green forests, led by expert rangers, as you track a gorilla family deep in the wild. Watching these gentle giants interact, play, and forage in their natural surroundings is an intensely moving and unforgettable experience.

Planning Your Gorilla Safari with Gusa Travels

For an incredible gorilla and primate adventure, planning ahead is essential. Uganda offers well-organized, expertly guided treks that prioritize both visitor safety and gorilla conservation.

✔ Gorilla Permits – Required for trekking, but limited in supply—so booking early is a must!
✔ Packing Essentials – Sturdy hiking gear, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of adventure.
✔ Tailored Safari Packages – At Gusa Travels, we design customized itineraries to match your travel style, blending gorilla trekking with other unforgettable wildlife encounters.

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences in Africa, offering a rare chance to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. However, it comes at a higher cost than most other safari activities. But why is it so expensive? Let’s explore the factors that influence gorilla trekking prices and how you can plan your budget for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?

Gorilla trekking is not just a wildlife activity—it’s an exclusive experience that requires significant conservation efforts. The high cost is driven by:

• Conservation Efforts – Protecting endangered mountain gorillas requires investment in research, park rangers, security, and habitat preservation.
• Limited Permits – To minimize human impact on gorillas, only a limited number of permits are issued per day, making demand high.
• Government Revenue Allocation – In Uganda, for example, 75% of permit fees go toward gorilla conservation, 10% supports local communities, and 15% goes to the government.

By paying for a gorilla trekking permit, you are directly contributing to the protection of these endangered primates and their habitat.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking?

Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries:

• Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Virunga National Park

For Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking, you’ll need to visit Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in the DRC, while Western Lowland Gorillas are found in countries like Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs / varies by country:

The price of Gorilla permits in Rwanda is $1,500 per person for non-residents, However, Rwanda also offers promotional rates for gorilla permits, which cost $500 per person for African foreign residents and Africans.²

Price of Gorilla permits in Uganda $800 and $300 for East African nationals) It’s worth noting that prices for gorilla permits can vary depending on the country and type of permit. For comparison, Uganda’s gorilla permits cost $700, while Congo’s permits cost $450.

Gorilla Habituation in Uganda.  The price of gorilla habituation in Uganda varies depending on your residency status. For foreign non-residents, the cost is $1,500 per person. Foreign residents in Uganda pay $1,000, while citizens of the East African Community pay UGX 750,000. Africans from countries outside the East African Community block pay $1,000. (spend 4 hours with a gorilla family instead of 1 hour).

It is highly recommended to book your permit at least 2-6 months in advance, especially during peak season (June–August).

It’s worth noting that these prices are part of the conservation tariff for 2024-2026, aimed at supporting the protection and conservation of mountain gorillas. Approximately 75% of the permit cost goes towards conservation initiatives.³

Additional Costs to Consider

While the permit is the biggest cost, other expenses can significantly impact your budget:

1. Accommodation

Your choice of lodge will depend on your budget:

• Budget Lodges: $100 – $150 per night
• Mid-Range Lodges: $200 – $350 per night
• Luxury Lodges: $500 – $5,500 per night

Tip: Choose accommodation near your trekking sector to avoid long early-morning drives to the park headquarters.

2. Transportation & Flights

• International Flights: $600 – $2,500 (depending on departure country & airline)
• Chartered Domestic Flights: $600+ (optional, but saves time)
• Car Rental & Driver: $70 – $250 per day (excluding fuel)

Drive Times to Gorilla Parks:

• Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) – 3 hours
• Entebbe to Bwindi/Mgahinga (Uganda) – 8-10 hours
• Kigali to Bwindi (Uganda, via Cyanika/Katuna border) – 4-5 hours
• Kigali to Virunga (Congo) – 4 hours

3. Food & Drinks

Most lodges include meals, but additional costs may apply:

• Budget: $30 – $50 per day
• Luxury dining & drinks: $100+ per day

4. Packing List Essentials

You may need to purchase:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Insect repellent
• Hiking gloves
• Binoculars
• High-quality camera

5. Visa & Border Crossing Fees

• Uganda or Rwanda Visa: $50
• East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya): $100
• DRC Visa: $100 (required if trekking in Virunga)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required for Uganda, Rwanda & DRC

6. Hiring Porters

For those with heavy cameras or mobility concerns, porters can assist for $15 – $20 per trek. Elderly trekkers can also rent sedan chairs for about $400.

7. Tips & Gratuities

While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated:

• Guides & Rangers: $10 – $20
• Porters: $10 – $15
• Hotel Staff: $5 – $10 per day

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost?

Here’s an estimated cost range based on different budgets:

🚨 Note: Prices do not include international flights, luxury alcoholic drinks, or personal expenses.

How to Save on Gorilla Trekking Costs

Choose Uganda over other East African Countries.
Visit during the rainy season (low season discounts)

Travel in a group – Share transportation and accommodation costs.
Book mid-range or budget lodges instead of high-end luxury resorts.
Avoid expensive charter flights – Road travel takes longer but is more affordable.
Compare tour operators – Look for competitive prices with quality services.

Final Thoughts

Gorilla trekking is an investment, but the experience of standing face-to-face with a silverback in the wild is truly priceless. Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC, you’ll be contributing to conservation efforts while enjoying one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters on Earth.