So, how much is the Uganda Gorilla trekking Cost? The price of Gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on several factors involved. These are what we need to look at to establish Uganda Gorilla Trekking cost. This is because when looking at the cost, it involves the whole package and not the single event/item of Gorilla Trekking Uganda.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost;
To be able to take part in Gorilla trekking, you must obtain a Gorilla permit. So, the cost of the Gorilla permit largely determines the cost of Gorilla trekking in Uganda. The Gorilla trekking permit now costs $800 for foreign nonresidents. The permit is $700 for foreign residents of East African countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania). The permit is 300,000 UGX for East African citizens throughout the year. There are no low-season discounts anymore or any other discounts so do not be deceived or misled.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience permit/pass costs $1,500 for foreign nonresidents, $1,000 for foreign residents in East Africa, and 750,000 UGX for East African Citizens.
The Vehicle
It is important to know that Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Getting to both places is not a smooth ride all through. The longer parts of the journeys are all smooth on tarmac roads. However, you will most likely need a 4X4 vehicle to get to the parks. More so, the trekking points where your Gorilla trek begins are not as smooth as the highways.
Bwindi itself has four sectors in which the trek takes place. These include; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each of them has different challenges in terms of roads and vehicle requirements. You can hire Small vehicles for $50 to $100 per day. A medium 4X4 goes for $100 to $200 per day. Whereas, comfortable jeeps and Land Cruisers range between $200 to $300 a day. All of these different price ranges are only for car hire/rental without fuel and driver.
Accommodation
As it is, you cannot take part in Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga without staying at least 1 night within the area. Thus, the type of accommodation facility you choose also determines your Uganda Gorilla trekking cost.
Budget accommodation ranges between $30 to $60 per night and mid-range at $80 to $180. Luxury accommodation in Bwindi is $200 to $500 and upmarket facilities fall between $800 to $3000 per night. All the prices are usually per room, per night on a full Board basis.
Lastly, porters can be very handy and can enhance your Gorilla trekking experience as they help with your equipment and can give a hand during the difficult points of the trek. You can hire porters at $10 to $20 each, per trek depending on what is there to carry. The guide is provided for in the price of the permit so you may not need to hire one.
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost Estimates
So, looking at the above and putting all factors into consideration, the cost of a typical 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking package can be broken down as below;
Budget Gorilla trekking – permit $800 + car rental $300 + fuel $300+ accommodation $240 which totals $1640.
Mid-range Gorilla trekking – permit $800 + car rental $450 + fuel $300 + accommodation $450 which totals $2000.
Luxury Gorilla trekking – permit $800 + car rental $750 + fuel $450 + accommodation $900 which totals $2900.
NOTE: That is the price estimate for 1 person traveling alone (solo traveler) on a private Gorilla trek. The cost can slightly or considerably change depending on the number of people and whether it is a private or group tour. With Safari Vacations and Travel Services, the bigger the number, the lower the cost. This is because clients share costs like fuel, vehicle hire, and driver/guide fees.
Organizing a Gorilla Tour/Safari
The best way to organize your Gorilla trek. Seeing mountain Gorillas in the wild and getting the best prices however remains, contacting a local tour operator. The tour operator is on the ground and has the local knowledge to organize a smooth and memorable Gorilla trekking experience for you.
Contact us today and begin your journey to a lifetime of memories.
