How much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda can vary from one tour operator to the next. A 3-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda will run from about $1300 (economy) to $3900 (luxury) per person. A 10-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda will run from$4800 (economy) to $6400 (luxury) per person.
While expensive, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on earth. The opportunity to stare into the eyes of a primate that is, in many ways, just like yourself but wild is truly mesmerizing. It is an experience you will never forget. However, it is also one of the most expensive wildlife vacations in Africa.

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

There are a number of reasons why gorilla trekking is costly. The main reason is that there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild and they require constant research and monitoring to preserve their fragile existence. This is funded through gorilla trekking permit fees, hence the high cost.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority hires personnel to monitor the gorillas at all times, keeping a close eye on their general health, feeding, and movements in the region. Trackers hike the mountains where they reside each morning to check on them. What’s more, tourism police and armed rangers are employed to accompany tourists on gorilla treks to ensure both the client’s and the gorillas’ safety from threats, such as poachers.

Gorilla trekking’s high expense is also a way to control human interference with these magnificent, endangered creatures. Close proximity between humans and mountain gorillas presents the risk of disease transmission, so the Uganda Wildlife Authority has developed rules to help protect the health of the gorillas. Each habituated mountain gorilla group is limited to a single 60 minute visit each day by a group of no more than 8 tourists. On a gorilla trek, visitors must maintain a 15 foot distance from gorillas at all times.

How do you get a permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking occurs in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, but the majority of the gorilla trekking permits sold are for Bwindi. In Uganda, gorilla permits cost US $ 700 for one hour with the gorillas. For a full day experience, known as a “Gorilla Habituation Permit,” the cost is $1500. The safest and most efficient way to go about getting the permit is through an experienced, local tour operator such as Natural World Kenya Safaris

Inform your tour operator of the dates you would like to go gorilla trekking while on your East African holiday. The tour operator will then let you know if your preferred dates are available for trekking and temporarily book them. Next, send a copy of your passport details which will be used to register for your permit. You will need to provide your full name, nationality, and passport number so that your names can be registered and the tour operator can acquire the gorilla permit. On receiving the payment by way of credit card or bank transfer, your tour operator will purchase the gorilla permit.

How much does Uganda gorilla trekking cost?

Of course, costs vary from one tour operator to the next but a 3-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda with Natural World Kenya Safaris will run from about $1300 (economy) to $3900 (luxury) per person. A 10-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda will run from$4800 (economy) to $6400 (luxury) per person. Based on reviews of most gorilla tour operators in Uganda, the majority of tourists prefer the mid-range gorilla tour. In other words, not budget, but not super expensive either. Booking your safari to see the endangered mountain gorillas during the low season can lower your costs, too!

A few basic tips to help you prepare for your Uganda gorilla tour

1.Know your fitness and train before you depart.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is at high altitude, which makes gorilla trekking much more difficult, even for experienced hikers. Know your fitness level and if you aren’t an experienced hiker, hit the gym or go for a hilly hike in your area before you depart to achieve an adequate fitness level. It could take up to 10 hours to find gorillas on your trek, so keep this in mind as you train!

2.Be prepared for any weather.

Due to the jungle climate, the weather on your gorilla trekking tour could potentially be hot and humid as well as cold and rainy in the space of a single day. Prepare for erratic weather on your gorilla trekking safari.

3.Bring food and water

There are no shops in Uganda’s national parks and while some tour operators may offer packed lunches, it’s essential to pack water and it’s strongly suggested that you pack snacks. You’ll need to keep your energy level up because you could be hiking for up to eight hours while you locate the gorilla family you’re tracking. Trail mix, granola bars, and bananas are a few easy items to pack. Never feed the animals while on a gorilla trek! Read more on what to wear on an African safari.

4.Waterproof your camera and turn off your flash

Weather conditions require you to waterproof your camera on your gorilla trek. Flash photography is not permitted either while trekking or while near the mountain gorillas so it is also essential that your flash setting be turned off.