How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience that allows travelers to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, primarily found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While this adventure is incredibly rewarding, it requires careful financial planning due to various costs involved. Below, we break down the expenses associated with gorilla trekking in Uganda, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost

The most significant cost associated with gorilla trekking in Uganda is the permit fee. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regulates these permits to control visitor numbers and ensure conservation efforts. As of 2024, the permit costs are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person

This permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. It covers park entry, ranger guide fees, and conservation contributions but does not include accommodation, transport, or personal expenses.

Gorilla Habituation Experience Cost

For travelers who desire a more immersive experience, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors spend up to four hours with gorillas undergoing the habituation process. The permit fees are:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person
• Foreign Residents: $1,000 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 750,000 per person

This exclusive activity provides a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior and is ideal for photographers and researchers.

Additional Costs to Consider

Accommodation Costs

Lodging options range from budget to luxury, influencing the total cost of your trip:

• Budget Lodges: $50 – $100 per night
• Mid-Range Lodges: $150 – $300 per night
• Luxury Lodges: $400 – $1,500 per night

Bwindi and Mgahinga have various lodges, from basic guesthouses to high-end safari lodges offering premium services and amenities.

Transportation Costs

Gorilla trekking locations are in remote areas, requiring reliable transport options:

• By Road: From Entebbe or Kampala, a road trip to Bwindi/Mgahinga takes 8-10 hours, with costs ranging from $100 – $200 per person in a group tour or $500 – $1,000 for a private 4×4 safari vehicle.
• By Air: Flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip cost between $250 – $400 one way, reducing travel time to 1.5 hours.

Meals and Drinks

Most lodges offer full-board meal plans. However, travelers should budget an additional $20 – $50 per day for snacks and drinks, depending on personal preferences.

Guides, Porters, and Tips

Hiring a porter to carry your backpack costs $10 – $20 per trek, helping support the local community. Tipping guides, rangers, and lodge staff is customary, averaging $10 – $50 depending on service levels.

Budget Breakdown for a Gorilla Trekking Trip

Here’s an estimated budget breakdown for a 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda:

• Gorilla Permit: $700
• Accommodation (Mid-Range, 2 Nights): $500
• Transport (Road Trip with Private 4×4): $500
• Meals & Drinks: $100
• Porter & Tips: $50
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $50

Total Estimated Cost: $1,900 – $2,500 per person

For travelers choosing luxury accommodations, flights, or longer safaris, the cost may range from $3,500 – $6,000 per person.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Uganda offers year-round gorilla trekking, but the best seasons are:

• Dry Seasons (June – September & December – February): Best for trekking with minimal rainfall and better hiking conditions.
• Wet Seasons (March – May & October – November): Fewer crowds, discounted lodge rates, but trails may be muddy.

How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Booking your gorilla trekking adventure with Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. ensures a seamless experience. We handle permit reservations, accommodation, transport, and guided tours, offering both budget-friendly and luxury packages tailored to your preferences.

Conclusion

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an investment in both adventure and conservation. While the costs may seem high, the experience of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is truly priceless. With careful planning and the right safari operator, your gorilla trekking safari will be an unforgettable journey worth every dollar spent.

For bookings and more information, contact Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. today!