The Price of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

The Price of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, a thrilling, famous wildlife activity worth its price that draws tourists to Africa, unlike other famous wildlife activities like game viewing in Kruger National Park, Hwange National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara, and Serengeti National Park. The endangered Mountain gorillas are located in four destinations of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park, and Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mountain gorillas share 98% DNA with humans, hence attracting a big number of tourists worldwide to come and witness these endangered species. This has also forced governments to raise permit prices, based on the principle of demand and demand. The high demand for gorilla trekking permits is not solely due to the need for funds to protect the primates, as governments also need to raise funds to protect themselves. The high cost of gorilla trekking permits is a result of the high demand for these primates.

Following the price of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla conservation involves significant investments in research, infrastructure, Rangers, and scientists, with money collected from gorilla permits used to fund activities related to their protection. 15% goes to the government, 10% to local communities, and 75% to gorilla conservation. Reducing permit costs could affect the well-being of primates. Mountain gorilla trekking is only possible in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is only possible in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Western Lowland trekking is available in the Central African Republic, Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

The Price of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

• Gorilla trekking costs vary across countries, with gorilla permits being a fraction of the overall cost. Other expenses include transportation, accommodation, food, visas, air tickets, packing lists, porters, and tips for guides. The overall cost of gorilla trekking includes these elements, and the article will discuss each in detail. This aims at answering most of the questions travellers tend to ask about the price of Gorilla trekking.

• Gorilla trekking activity in both Rwanda and Uganda requires visitors to have a valid gorilla trekking permit. The cost of these gorilla trekking destinations varies according to the country, such as Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC-Congo. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit costs $1500, Uganda $800, and $450 the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Uganda offers discounted permits to foreigners in East Africa at 700, and East African nationals are priced at UGX300,000, while Virunga National Park offers visitors, especially in the low season, at a discount rate of $250. On the other hand, Rwanda offers discounts for larger groups, African Union citizens, families, and foreign residents.

• If you want to experience gorilla habituation in Bwindi, it costs $1500 for a permit. This experience lasts a whole day and allows you to spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas, unlike the one hour given during standard gorilla trekking. To participate, you must show your gorilla permit to the park authorities. The permit price covers one hour with the gorillas, park entrance, and Ranger fees.

• You can book a permit through your tour operator or government authorities; in Uganda, it’s the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and in Rwanda, it’s the Rwanda Development Board. For Congo, you can book through the Virunga National Park website or a tour operator. It’s essential to book your permit at least 2 months in advance, and if traveling during peak season (June, July, and August), consider booking 5 to 6 months ahead to secure your spot.

• The price of a gorilla permit includes one hour of gorilla interaction, park entrance, and Ranger fees. You can book a permit through your tour operator or government authorities; the Uganda Wildlife Authority handles permits in Uganda, while the Rwanda Development Board does so in Rwanda. For Congo, permits can be booked via the Virunga National Park website or through a tour operator. It’s advisable to book at least 2 months in advance, and for peak season (June, July, August), aim for 5 to 6 months ahead.

• When planning gorilla safaris, choosing accommodation is important. Gorilla national parks offer high-quality lodges at various price ranges. Budget hotels cost between $50 and $130 per night, mid-range hotels range from $150 to $200, and luxury hotels start at $300 up to $5,500 per night. Travelers can book hotels themselves if self-driving, but many prefer using a reliable tour company.

• After obtaining gorilla permits and choosing a lodge, the next step is planning transportation to the gorilla park. Plane tickets can range from $600 to $2500, depending on the airline. If you opt for chartered flights in the trekking country, this may add about $600. Alternatively, if internal flights are too expensive or you want to see more of Africa, traveling by road is a good choice. It’s also important to check if your tour company can assist with booking flights to and from your home country.

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves costs beyond the permit. To have an enjoyable experience, pack necessary items like a good camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, hiking boots, gloves, binoculars, and a rain jacket. Always consider these costs when planning your trip and review the recommended packing list.

• A gorilla trekking experience may involve crossing borders in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. If trekking in Congo, you will need a visa costing $100 at the Goma border. If Rwanda’s gorilla permits are too expensive, consider trekking in Uganda, arriving through Kigali to skip an 8-hour drive from Entebbe. This option requires a $50 visa at the Katuna or Cyanika borders. An East African tourist visa is available for $100 for those traveling to multiple East African countries.

• A Yellow Fever vaccination card is required to enter Uganda and Congo. Reviews of gorilla trekking highlight that this card is essential at airports and borders. If traveling to many African countries, also consider the cost of getting vaccinated.

Conclusion

Although Uganda and Rwanda offer excellent gorilla trekking experiences, their prices for gorilla permits greatly differ depending on the strategies in both countries. Generally, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits are a little expensive compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This means that Rwanda strategically positions itself as a premier destination for luxury tourism, while Uganda provides a more affordable option.