What is the Cost of a Gorilla Safari? This cost of a gorilla tour is largely dependent on three (03) things;
- Where you choose to trek the Gorillas (Uganda or Rwanda).
- Category of accommodation you choose to stay at ( luxury, Mid-range, or budget).
- Mode Of transport ( air or road).
Where you choose to trek Gorillas ( Uganda or Rwanda)
There are three (03) known locations where you can go for a gorilla trekking holiday; Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo.
However, Realm Africa Safaris™ only operates safe gorilla trekking holidays to Uganda and Rwanda. We don’t take our clients to DR Congo. Curious why? Read our blog: Why Gorilla Trekking In DR congo is considered unsafe.
No matter where you choose to go gorilla trekking (Uganda or Rwanda), one thing you should know is that for every individual intending to take part in gorilla trekking, a gorilla permit ought to have been procured either directly by the client or through a registered gorilla tour Operator with whom you are planning & booking your gorilla tour.
While it is possible for one to arrange and buy their own Gorilla permits, we recommend working with a trusted local gorilla tour operator like Realm Africa Safaris™ or any other of your choice for a smooth Planning or your gorilla tour.
Price of Gorilla Permits:
- In Uganda, Gorilla permits cost $700 per person for foreign Non-residents, $600 per person for Foreign Residents, and UGX250,000 per person for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania & Burundi) Including those living and working in the diaspora. Proof of residence or citizenship will be required during the purchase of your gorilla permits – you better have this all in order!
- In Rwanda, Mountain gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person for anyone irrespective of whether you are an ex-pat, resident, or Citizen of Rwanda. These are the most expensive Gorilla Permits in the world. however, Rwanda has justified its pricey permits with phrases like “We are a premium Gorilla trekking destination“. So for those looking to save some money on a gorilla trek, Uganda might be your best pick for an affordable gorilla trekking destination.
Category of accommodation you choose to stay at ( luxury, Mid-range, or budget).
Rwanda, as we have already learned is a luxury gorilla trekking destination – if you have the cash to treat yourself to a lifetime experience of staying at opulent properties; Wilderness safaris’ Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, or Virunga Lodge that charge anywhere from $1,200 per person per night, then go for it!
While there are also some budget options In Rwanda, the Gorilla permits are still expensive ($1,500 per person) which is the Price of a 3 Days Budget Gorilla Safari in Uganda
On the affordable side of things, Uganda offers fairly priced accommodation options in three (03) categories;
- Budget: These charge from as low as $50 – $90 per person per night on a Full board basis
- Mid-range: These charge between $100 – $500 Per person per night on a Full board basis.
- Luxury: Just like the Phrase suggests, these charge a slightly higher price of $600 – 1,500 per person per night on a full board basis.
Because we don’t like to take anything for granted; a Full board basis means, all 03 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner are included in the price)
Mode Of transport ( air or road).
How you choose to travel will affect the overall cost of a gorilla Safari. Flying in a helicopter from Kigali will cost you a lot more than if you chose to take a road trip to Volcanoes National park which is only a two (02) hours drive from Kigali.
As for Uganda, unless booked on a longer multi-day Uganda Safari, the reverse is true, it’s far cheaper (in terms of money & Travel time) to fly to Bwindi on a 3 Days Gorilla Safari than attempt to take a road trip ±9 hours from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi. Except for if you choose to fly into Rwanda, get picked up by your local Uganda gorilla tour operator & drive 4-hours to Bwindi.
Estimated Cost of a 3 Days Gorilla Safari
3 Days Budget Gorilla Safari
- Gorilla permits – $700per person.
- Car rental (with driver) – $240
- Fuel for the round trip – $250
- 02 nights full board accommodation – $180
- Company Markup – 10%
- Overall Tour Cost (incl. company Markup) = $1,630
3 Days Mid-range Gorilla Safari:
- Gorilla permits – $700 per person.
- 5 seater Toyota Landcruiser Car rental (with driver) – $510
- Fuel for the round trip – $300
- 02 nights full board accommodation – $400
- Company Markup – 15%
- Overall Tour Cost (incl. company Markup) = $1,630
3 Days Luxury Gorilla Safari:
- Gorilla permits – $700 per person.
- 5 Seater Toyota Landcruiser Car rental (with driver) – $510
- Fuel for the round trip – $300
- 02 nights full board accommodation – $2,200
- Company Markup – 20%
- Overall Tour Cost (incl. company Markup) = $1,630
The prices mentioned above are for an individual traveling alone on a Solo gorilla Safari. However, the prices can be directly affected by the number of persons traveling together as costs for accommodation, Car rental, Fuel will be split between the travel parties.
Treat these rates as a guide, and contact us for an actual quote.
