How much does it cost to go to Bwindi National Park?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s top safari destinations, globally renowned for mountain gorilla trekking. If you’re planning a trip to Bwindi and wondering about the costs involved, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from permits to accommodation, transportation, and additional activities – Gusa Travels
1. Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs
The biggest expense for visiting Bwindi is the gorilla trekking permit. As of 2024, the permit prices are:
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Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
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Foreign Residents (With Work Permit): $700 per person
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East African Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan): UGX 250,000 per person
For those who want a longer experience, Bwindi also offers gorilla habituation permits at:
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Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person
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Foreign Residents: $1,000 per person
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East African Citizens: UGX 750,000 per person
This permit allows visitors to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family instead of the usual one hour for standard trekking.
2. Accommodation Costs in Bwindi
Bwindi has accommodation options for every budget. Here’s what you can expect to pay per night:
Luxury Lodges ($300 – $1,500 per night)
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Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – from $1,200
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Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – from $800
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Mahogany Springs Lodge – from $350
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Buhoma Lodge – from $450
Mid-Range Lodges ($100 – $250 per night)
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Gorilla Mist Camp – from $150
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Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – from $180
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Engagi Lodge – from $200
Budget Lodges & Camps ($130 – $300 per night)
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Buhoma Community Rest Camp – from $40
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Bwindi Backpackers Lodge – from $35
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Ride 4 A Woman Guesthouse – from $50
Your choice of accommodation depends on your comfort level and budget. Many lodges include meals, while others offer self-catering options.
3. Transport Costs to Bwindi National Park
Getting to Bwindi depends on whether you choose road transport or air travel.
By Road (From Kampala / Entebbe)
Bwindi is about 8-10 hours from Entebbe or Kampala by car.
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Private Safari Vehicle (4×4 with a guide): $200 – $250 per day
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Self-Drive Car Rental: From $100 per day
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Public Transport (Bus to Kabale, then hire a taxi): Around $20 – $50
By Air (Domestic Flight from Entebbe)
For a faster and more comfortable journey, consider flying:
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Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip (for Buhoma sector): $300 – $400 one way
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Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip (for Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors): $300 – $400 one way
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Charter Flights: From $1,500
A domestic flight saves about 7 hours of driving.
4. Other Activity Costs in Bwindi
Besides gorilla trekking, there are other activities that add to your trip cost:
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Batwa Cultural Experience | $30 – $50 |
| Community Walks & Village Visits | $20 – $40 |
| Bird Watching Tour | $50 – $100 |
| Forest Walks & Nature Hikes | $30 – $50 |
| Cycling Tours | $20 – $40 |
5. Meals & Drinks Costs
Most lodges include full-board meals, but if dining separately:
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Budget Meals: $5 – $10 per meal
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Mid-Range Dining: $15 – $30 per meal
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Luxury Dining: $40 – $100 per meal
Bottled water costs around $1 per bottle, and beers are around $3 – $5.
6. Total Estimated Cost of Visiting Bwindi
Here’s an estimated budget for a 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi, based on different travel styles:
| Expense Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Permit | $700 | $700 | $800 |
| Transport (Road) | $100 | $250 | $400 (Flight) |
| Accommodation (2 Nights) | $100 | $400 | $2,000 |
| Meals & Drinks | $50 | $100 | $300 |
| Other Activities | $50 | $100 | $200 |
| Total Cost | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $3,500 – $4,000 |
7. Additional Costs & Travel Tips
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Visa Fees: $50 (Uganda Tourist Visa) or $100 (East African Visa for Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya)
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Tips for Guides & Rangers: $10 – $20 per trek
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Travel Insurance: $50 – $100
How to Save Money on Your Bwindi Trip
✔ Book permits early – They sell out months in advance.
✔ Travel in the low season (March-May, October-November) – Some lodges offer discounts.
✔ Join a group tour – This reduces transport & guide costs.
✔ Use budget lodges & public transport to cut expenses.
Visiting Bwindi National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and costs vary based on your travel style. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a mid-range explorer, or seeking luxury, Bwindi has options for you.
📌 Ready to Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trek?
Contact Gusa Travels today for the best affordable Uganda safari packages!
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +256 752 344 552 / +256 393 371 137
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