The Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda

Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda: It is obvious that a Ugandan safari would not be completed without gorilla trekking, as it is the high point of the safari experience in Uganda. Since going on a gorilla trek is practically a done thing in Uganda, most visitors want to know how much it costs. This is the response to all of your questions and concerns regarding the price of gorilla trekking in Uganda. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. With so many variables to take into account, it is also difficult to determine the precise cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Finding out how much a gorilla permit costs is the first step before calculating the overall cost. The cost of a gorilla permit varies depending on the country you are trekking in.

For instance, Rwanda charges 1500 USD per permit, Congo charges 450 USD per permit, and Uganda initially charged 700 USD per permit but raised that to 800 USD by 2024.

The cost of a gorilla habitat permit is $1500 USD. The distinction between gorilla trekking and gorilla habitatation is that the former involves spending a maximum of one hour with the gorillas, while the latter involves spending four hours with them. Another distinction is that a group in habituation consists of four individuals, whereas a group going on a gorilla trekking expedition comprises eight people.

Once the gorilla permit has been taken into account, one may begin addressing the topic of how much gorilla trekking in Uganda will cost by taking into account additional variables such as lodging, the duration of the safari, and many more. The sum of the following factors can provide an accurate estimate of the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda. Uganda Gorilla Safaris require a minimum of two days for its duration.

Gorilla permits

For every visitor wishing to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, gorilla permits are essential and the first step in the process. The total cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda includes all out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the most successful trek. One of the most important expenses to account for when planning a budget for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is the cost of the gorilla permit.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority or trustworthy travel companies are the sources for obtaining permits for gorilla trekking. In the past, Uganda charged higher rates for gorilla permits during the peak season and lower rates during the off-peak period. That was canceled, and going forward, the rates stay the same all year long.

The gorilla permit was 700 USD, however, as of July 2024, it will cost 800 USD. Permits for gorilla habituation cost $1500 USD. Visitors may think the costs are excessive, but be assured that you are getting excellent value for your money. Your lifetime memories are shaped by this exceptional experience. Additionally, the funds are utilized to support mountain gorilla conservation for upcoming generations.

Depending on the season and the months, reservations for gorilla permits in Uganda must be made in advance. You must reserve your gorilla permit four months in advance if you want to visit at the busiest time of year. The months of June through October and December through February are considered high season. A month in advance of when you want to go gorilla trekking, that is. March through May are known as the rainy season, although they are also referred to as the low season. The permission fee applies to all visitors, regardless of their budget or level of luxury, unless they travel frequently.

Accommodation types

This is the second factor that affects how much gorilla trekking in Uganda costs: the kind of lodging you select will have an impact on the price of your safari. Depending on the sort of lodge you stay in, we can all enjoy the gorillas’ wildlife experience for the same number of days, but at various costs. There are several types of hotels all around Mgahinga National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The three accommodation levels consist of;

Elegant lodging Luxury

Upgraded lodging, commonly referred to as luxury lodging. The majority of these lodges feature distinctive African modern architecture and balconies that overlook the jungle. To name a few of their many amenities, they offer free wifi, roomy accommodations, minibars in each room, DSTV in every room, sparkling clean private restrooms, and bathrooms.

Accommodations in the middle range

These accommodations, which appeal to the majority of passengers, are middle-class. The first-class accommodations are superior to this one. This type of lodging appeals to middle-class travelers, which lowers the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda. This can let you have the most amazing gorilla trekking experience without going over budget.

Low-cost lodging/Budget

Last but not least, affordable lodging is fantastic news for travelers. Travelers who like to experience luxury in wildlife viewing instead of luxurious sleeping employ these. They are budget-conscious vacationers, not impoverished. The majority of these tourists like seeing multiple nations at the most affordable price.

Cost of transportation

Here’s where visitors can haggle according on the trip provider you’ve selected. This directly affects the price of gorilla trekking in Uganda; it includes all transports, driver guide gratuity, car gasoline, and rental car expenses. The costs of air and road transportation are also separated out. Nine to ten hours of driving separate you from the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

Owing to the considerable distance, some visitors may choose to take a scheduled aircraft from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip in order to shorten their driving time. The number of days that can be spent on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is determined by the mode of transportation in addition to its cost.

Tipping expenses

Tipping is not required, but it is a way to show someone who has given you excellent service how much you appreciate them. Although it has some influence, it is not directly related to the expense of gorilla trekking in Uganda. The more days you spend on safari, the more advice you will receive. When organizing a fantastic gorilla trekking trip in Uganda, one must completely budget for tipping.

Pottery costs

Before embarking on a gorilla hike in Uganda, one must be somewhat physically fit. The game ranger introduces you to people of the local community who will provide assistance during your trekking experience if you are unsure of your level of fitness during the briefing. They contribute to the overall cost of the safari by coming at a set price that is negotiable and paid to them directly. This charge is a direct way that tourism aids in the growth of the neighborhood.

Even though the aforementioned parameters can be used to calculate the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda, the final cost will vary depending on the tour operator. You shouldn’t be alarmed by this list; you won’t ever have to break your back to realize your ambition of going on a gorilla safari in Uganda.

All you have to do is choose a legitimate local operator who can guide you and assist with planning. Planning directly with local providers will result in lower costs and gorilla trekking in Uganda that fits your budget. It is recommended that guests try to deal directly with Ugandan tour operators rather than going through intermediaries that want commission.