With the pandemic being closely monitored and well-under control, the adventurous travelers with an interest to indulge in Gorilla trekking can now start to plan their dream Gorilla trekking Holiday for 2022 and beyond. What is the cost of seeing Gorillas
In today’s article we are going to discuss an important/ Frequently asked Question about gorilla trekking; What is the cost of Seeing Gorillas in Africa?
The main costs involved in Planning & seeing a Gorillas in Africa are; (Click to jump to a section)
- Gorilla tracking permits.
- Accommodation.
- Transport.
- Tips.
- …..optional expenses like hiring a porter.
The Gorilla Permits: What they Cost, When & How to book your gorilla Permits.
Availability of a Gorilla permit can either break or make a Gorilla Tour. Every individual intending to go on a gorilla Safari whether in Rwanda, Uganda, or the less secure DR Congo – Must have/present a gorilla Permit for verification prior to the start of the Gorilla trekking event.
Gorilla permits are highly competitive to secure especially during the peak season months of June – August, December to February. We, therefore, recommend that you Plan to book your gorilla permit at least 03 – 06 months in advance. To book a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda, a copy of your passport and full payment of the corresponding fees will be required.
- Cost/Price of a Gorilla Permit:
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $700 per permit for Foreign non-residents, $600 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens.
With 20 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and a maximum of eight visitors per group, there are a total of 160 permits available per day.
Gorilla tracking permits in Uganda can be pre-purchased up to two years in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a registered Gorilla tour company like Realm Africa Safaris™.
Uganda offers a variety of accommodation options from the basic budget to mid-range, and the most established and opulent luxurious accommodations.
- The Budget options range from $50-$70 per person per night based on two sharing.
- Mid-range properties range from $80-$120 per person per night based on two sharing.
- Luxury Safari lodges & camps charge $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing.
When selecting where to stay, be careful to choose a place that is nearest to your gorilla trekking location; Bwindi has four (04) designated Gorilla trekking locations.
Check out our blog; Common Gorilla Trekking Mistakes.
Without a doubt, the best way is to use a local tour operator. They will arrange all three things; the vehicle, driver, and fuel to get you to Bwindi and back to your agreed drop-off point. The drivers/guides they use are familiar with the connections and have years of experience driving off-road – which means a lot more accuracy & safety are added to the planning and execution of your entire Gorilla trekking Holiday.
Type of Vehicle and related cost of hire:
- Toyota RAV4: $30 – $50 per day (Add; $50 for Gasoline & $40 for a Driver per day).
- Toyota Super custom: $40 – $80 per day (Add: $60 for gasoline, and $40 – 50 for a Driver per Day).
- Toyota Landcruiser (5 seaters): $60 – $100 per day (Add: $60 for gasoline, and $40 – 50 for a Driver per Day).
- Toyota Landcruiser (7 seaters): $100 – $150 per day (Add: $60 for gasoline, and $40 – 50 for a Driver per Day).
What is the Cost of seeing Gorillas in Africa?
Generally speaking, the cheapest 03 Days Budget gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda will cost about $440 per person which includes accommodation, meals, private transport, and the services of an English-speaking driver/guide (excluding the gorilla permit at $700 per permit).
The overall Price of a 03 Days Budget Gorilla Tour with the gorilla permit included is $1,140per person. Check out our Budget Gorilla trekking offers for 2022 – 2024
For those looking for a Midrange to luxury 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari costs $900 per person upwards. Such tours may include flights to one of the small airports located 1-hour drive from the gorilla tracking region.
