How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda and Rwanda in 2024 -2025?
The price of a Uganda gorilla permit for foreign non-residents is $800 per person per trek. Foreign residents pay $700, while locals are charged UGX 300,000 per person. In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $1500 per person per trek for international visitors. For locals, the price is RWF 30,000, and there is a 30% discount if you visit other national parks like Nyungwe & Akagera. For an exclusive Rwanda gorilla experience, the permit is priced at $15000.
The high cost of the gorilla permit contributes significantly to the overall expenses of a gorilla trekking trip. The conservation program itself requires substantial funding for activities such as health monitoring and anti-poaching measures. This entails a large-scale operation involving researchers, ranger teams, trackers, guides, and a comprehensive conservation management system overseen by the government’s conservation management body.
Approximately 75 percent of the permit fees in Uganda go towards financing the conservation program. The government retains 15 percent, while the remaining 10 percent is allocated to development programs benefiting local communities surrounding the gorilla parks.
With the purchase of a permit, you gain access to a guided gorilla trekking excursion through the misty forests, ranger protection, and the opportunity to spend an hour observing a gorilla family and their unique behaviors.
If you desire more than the standard hour with the gorillas in Uganda, you can opt for a gorilla habituation permit priced at $1500 per person. Many visitors consider the habituation experience, which involves intense and physically demanding moments with the gorillas, to be well worth the price tag. If feasible, it is recommended to give it a try.
Individuals aged 15 and above can directly book gorilla permits at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Kampala or the RDB offices in Kigali for Rwanda permits. However, to simplify logistics, purchasing the permit through a licensed tour operator such as Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd is advisable. It is important to note that some local operators may charge a logistical fee of approximately $30 per permit, while others may include the logistics fees within other components of your itinerary.
What is the cost of accommodation for a gorilla tour?
The cost of accommodation for a gorilla tour varies depending on the location. In Uganda, decent accommodation typically ranges from $100 to $350 per night, inclusive of all meals. For a more luxurious experience, there are private forest cottages available within walking distance of the trekking point.
Rwanda, known for its high-end gorilla tours, offers forest rooms with an average price of $1500 per night, reaching as high as $15,000 per night at the One&Only Gorilla Nest. However, it is possible to find decent accommodation for around $320 per night, including meals, at lodges like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Regardless of your travel budget, there are options available to suit your needs. Private investors have established numerous lodges near park entrances, offering a wide range of choices for travelers seeking an encounter with Africa’s mountain gorillas. These options range from budget hostels to comfortable lodgings and luxury mountain-side forest resorts. These lodges feature rustic wood beams, vintage-stone fireplaces, and breathtaking views of the misty rainforests within the national park.
Since these lodges are located in remote areas with limited access to civilization, the right room price ensures guests receive a private luxury experience in the jungle. Some lodges offer balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, lush surroundings, and exceptional service.
Most lodges provide a daily menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of the room price. Some even pack lunches for guests embarking on gorilla trekking activities or long drives. Depending on the lodge, certain drinks such as house wines, soft drinks, coffee, and tea may also be included. If you have special dietary requirements, it is advisable to inform the lodge in advance, and they will typically accommodate your needs without additional charges.
Additionally, many lodges offer various activities on their premises, including cultural entertainment, birthday or anniversary celebrations, and more. These activities are often included in the room price and provide a convenient way to enjoy your stay without leaving the lodge. Before booking your vacation, consult your tour operator for specific information regarding these inclusions.
What is the cost of transport for a gorilla trip?
Transportation for a gorilla trip requires a sturdy 4×4 safari car suitable for navigating dirt roads. On average, the cost of renting a 6-seater vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver and fuel included is approximately $250 per day.
Before considering transportation costs, it’s important to determine the location of the gorilla park you plan to visit and your accommodation. In the case of Uganda, the location of the gorilla permit is crucial. Uganda has five sectors where trekking excursions begin, and each sector is a significant distance apart. Lodges are primarily concentrated around these trekking sectors, so it’s necessary to factor in the distance when planning transportation costs for your gorilla trip.
The gorilla parks in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, are approximately 300 miles (500 kilometers) from Entebbe International Airport. The driving time is around 10-11 hours, and the last 19 miles (32 km) involve traversing dirt roads through steep hillsides, which requires a robust 4×4 vehicle. Even if you opt for a domestic flight to one of the smaller airports near Bwindi (Kisoro or Kihihi Airports), you will still need a vehicle to transfer you for approximately 1.5 hours on the dirt roads to your safari lodge.
A round-trip domestic flight ticket between Entebbe International Airport and the local airport near Bwindi (Kisoro or Kihihi) costs approximately $540 per person. The flight duration is about an hour and can also connect you to other national parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest. Many travelers choose the flight option to avoid travel fatigue and conserve energy for the gorilla trekking experience.
Your lodge typically arranges private airport transfers and provides a vehicle for your gorilla trekking excursion at an additional cost separate from the room rate. This price usually ranges from $150 to $300 per day, depending on the location of the lodge.
For independent travelers who prefer self-driving during the gorilla trekking tour, car rental companies like Road Trip Uganda offer options such as a small 4×4 Toyota for approximately $60 per day or a powerful 4×4 Landcruiser for around $130 per day. A private driver or guide is also available for an additional cost of approximately $40 per day, and you would typically be responsible for covering your own fuel expenses.
What other things would make up the average cost of a gorilla tour?
In addition to the main expenses, there are several other factors that contribute to the average cost of a gorilla tour. These include entry visa fees, meals and drinks not covered by the lodge, souvenirs and gifts, tips, language interpreter fees, and unexpected expenses.
Entry Visa: Most foreign travelers entering Uganda or Rwanda will need a 60-day single tourist entry visa, which typically costs $50. Alternatively, a single-entry East African visa that allows travel across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya’s borders can be obtained for $100. For more information on visas, you can visit visas.immigration.go.ug for Uganda and migration.gov.rw for Rwanda.
Meals and Drinks: Additional meals or drinks not included in your itinerary may incur extra costs, ranging from $5 to $20 per person. These expenses can include meals at stopover restaurants, snacks, or additional meals at the lodge. If you have specific dietary preferences or are concerned about unfamiliar snacks, it is advisable to purchase familiar snacks from reputable supermarket brands in Entebbe, Kampala, or other major cities along your route. On average, a four-course meal costs around $40 per person.
Souvenirs: The price of souvenirs, African crafts, and artwork can vary depending on the shop, artists, and location. Many gorilla lodges have craft shops offering a range of options at fixed prices. If you prefer to negotiate prices, you can visit craft shops in cities or along the roadside. However, it is recommended to support local craft shops near the gorilla parks, as these communities heavily rely on gorilla tourism.
Language Interpreter: If English is not your preferred language or if you have difficulty understanding it, you may consider hiring a language interpreter for your gorilla tour. The cost of a language interpreter typically ranges from $50 to $300 per day, depending on the language required (such as French, German, or Chinese). The interpreter will cover their own meals and accommodation, but you will be responsible for their transportation costs, so it is recommended to allocate a seat for them. Your local tour operator can assist in arranging for an interpreter during the planning stage.
Tipping: While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to show appreciation for outstanding service during a gorilla tour. Gorilla safari lodges often provide a gratuity box where you can contribute tips for all staff members, including chefs and room service attendants. The amount to tip can vary, but a typical range is between $5 and $20 per person per day, or more depending on the level of satisfaction with the service provided.
