Gorilla Trekking is generally an expensive thing to do. Is there a way I could do it on a budget? If yes, how can i plan a cheap gorilla trekking Safari? Which is the cheapest place to trek Gorillas? Is it Uganda or Rwanda? Awaiting your response!.
Today’s article is derived from an email we received at Realm Africa Safaris™ from a client that has long wanted to experience gorilla trekking but hasn’t because of the fact that Gorilla trekking is so expensive. This might be the same question you have on your mind but thank God (if Christian) or Allah (if Moslem) today you will have an answer to this question (only if you read to the very end) – Enjoy the read!
It is absolutely true that Gorilla trekking is an expensive venture – especially for the Gorilla Permits – which cost an arm and a leg – however, gorilla permits are expensive but for a reason!
Why are Gorilla Permits so expensive? Mountain gorillas are generally still in small numbers and remain endangered mainly due to poaching, habitat loss, etc – the making of Man. There are approximately 1,063 mountain gorillas currently surviving in the entire world. These can only be found in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo. Out of all three countries, the safest place to see gorillas is in Uganda & Rwanda. DR Congo is currently unsafe because of ongoing civil wars.
Here is the analysis: Only two countries (Uganda & Rwanda) offer Safe mountain gorilla trekking but with millions of travelers out there wanting to come and see them it’s only fair that a decent fee is levied on the permits to see them as a way of trying to control who gets the chance to see them and also to minimize the number of travelers that can afford to see them. Both the amount of money charged on gorilla permits and the limited number of people able to see them is absolutely good for the sustainable conservation of mountain gorillas. This is why they cost a fortune. (Further reading: Why Gorilla Permits are so expensive).
Current Gorilla Permit Prices; Cheapest place to trek Gorillas
- The price of a Uganda Gorilla Permit is $700pp.
- The price of a Rwanda Gorilla permit is$1,500pp (See: Why are Rwanda gorilla permits are so expensive?)
Now we know why the gorilla permits are so expensive, and the ugly truth is that there is nothing we can do to change the price of a gorilla permit.
The Gorilla Permit Price is Fixed, So how do we get to plan around it?
Besides the gorilla permit, there are a couple of other important things to factor in while planning a gorilla safari to either Uganda or Rwanda (whichever you choose); accommodation, meals, transport, visa, and international flights to the gorilla destination of your choice.
Accommodation: Both Uganda & Rwanda offer budget accommodation. Carefully choose one that fits your budget.
Meals: If staying at a budget hotel, only breakfast will be included in the price of the room. Consider eating out at local restaurants within walking distance from your hotel.
Transport: We recommend working with a local tour operator to provide professional transportation services. While you could hire a cab, we recommend working with a trusted tour operator – they know the value of your gorilla permit and the cost of the entire trip and will ensure to get you to the right place for your gorilla trek – take no chances. (check out our Safari car rentals page).
Visa: A tourist Entry visa in Rwanda costs $50 for a single entry or $70 for multiple Entries. In Uganda, it costs $50 for Single Entry. If visiting Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Burundi, we recommend applying for an East African Tourist Visa at $100 Valid for 90 days. (see: How to apply for an East African tourist Visa)
International Flights: These, unfortunately, you will have to arrange for yourself. checkout Skyscanner for cheaper flights across the globe).
Ok. So Which is the cheapest place to trek gorillas in Africa?
In our opinion, Uganda is the cheapest place to trek gorillas in Africa.
Why?
- The Gorilla permits In Uganda are fairly priced at $700 per person/permit.
- Uganda offers varied categories of budget accommodation including the option to camp in Bwindi.
Cheap Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tours for 2024 – 2025
