Your biggest pay-out items on a gorilla trekking trip to Uganda will be, your flight to Uganda, accommodation, hiring a tour operator to assist get you around, and a gorilla trekking permit, which costs US$800. We will thoroughly discuss this so you can get a proper understanding of what to expect and have an accurate budget for your tour from 2024 onwards.
It is important to note that Gorilla trekking in Uganda is still far cheaper than gorilla trekking in Rwanda, even though both offer equally fantastic experiences. Read our discussion regarding the price difference in Gorilla trekking in Uganda Versus Rwanda.)
But even while Uganda is the far more affordable option, Gorilla trekking generally remains a very costly undertaking (Learn why Gorilla trekking is considered very expensive).
In this article we will discuss;
- The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in 2024, and where this money goes.
- How gorilla Trekking Compares in the two national parks where it is done in Uganda.
- The two additional costs involved in gorilla trekking; like tipping your trek guide and possibly hiring a porter.
- Provide links to relevant topics, like accommodation and choosing a tour operator.
Gorilla trekking permits
There are two mountain gorilla parks in Uganda, namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Nobody is allowed to go hiking or trekking for Gorillas with a valid Gorilla Permit. All Permits to trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga are issued by The Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA.
When purchasing permits, remember to mention to the official the location (Bwindi or Mgahinga) for which you Would like permits. In the unlikely event that you did purchase a Permit for Mgahinga and it is found that the gorillas have moved into Rwanda or Dr congo, a replacement permit to Bwindi will be allocated by the officials.
Bwindi has four Gorilla Trekking sectors or regions.
It’s also important to note that at Bwindi – the larger park – you’re issued a permit for a specific sector within the park. Bwindi has four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga) and each has its own entrance gate. If you arrive at the wrong sector on the morning of your gorilla trek, you won’t have time to drive to the correct sector before the trek starts, and you will pay a Penalty of an extra 50% of the permit cost or risk loosing out.
If you book and travel with a local tour operator, you will rest assured that they will drive you to the correct location and also organise well-suited accommodation close to your trekking location. Your driver/guide will also ensure you bring all the necessities; your passport, face mask, water bottle, gloves etc.
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs;
- Foreign Non-Residents – $800 per person/Permit.
- Foreign Residents – $700 per person/permit.
- East African Citizens – UGX300,000 per person/permit.
- Rest of Africa – $500 per person/permit.
The price is the same for both Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Gorilla Habituation permits
Habituation unlike Gorilla trekking lasts a whole day and you are allowed up to four hours (not 1-hour) with the Gorillas. A permit to go on this four-hour gorilla habituation experience costs US$1,500 Per person/permit. Habituation can only be done in Bwindi (not Mgahinga). Only six habituation permits are available on a daily in Bwindi.
You can learn about the Gorilla habituation experience.
Why are Gorilla Permits so costly?
The main reason gorilla permits are so expensive is that mountain gorilla conservation is an expensive venture that requires a lot of money to maintain. A distinctively large amount of your permit fee goes towards park management as staff salaries to park officials including the ranger guides, research, utility bills etc.
A percentage of your fee also goes towards supporting the local community, and finally, a portion also goes to the government.
How early must I book my permit?
We recommend booking your permit(s) at least 3 – 6 months well in advance to avoid disappointment.
This is especially true of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where permits can sell out months in advance especially during the peak season months of June – August, and Dec – to Feb. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park isn’t as in demand, so sometimes you might be able to secure last-minute gorilla trekking permits for this park. But don’t bank on it – rather play it safe if you can, and ensure you have your gorilla trekking permit before booking the rest of your trip.
How do I book a gorilla trekking permit?
You can book your gorilla trekking permit online but we strongly recommend booking your permit(s) through a local tour operator (Check out our List of Licensed Local Tour Operators). One reason for this is that it’s better to travel to Bwindi with a local tour operator who knows the roads well and has the right Vehicle(s) to navigate them, as they’re not in good condition.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi vs Mgahinga
As earlier mentioned, there are two mountain gorilla parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can go gorilla trekking in either. That said, almost all visitors head to Bwindi as it has many more habituated gorilla troops and therefore offers more Gorilla permits.
In fact, Mgahinga has just one habituated troop and so issues just eight (08) permits on a daily. Bwindi, on the other hand, offers over 152 Gorilla Permits on a daily.
Tipping your trek guide
Everyone who goes gorilla trekking joins a group comprising of a maximum of 08 Tourists (if Gorilla trekking or 06 persons (if gorilla habituation) accompanied by a team of 4 UWA rangers and a guide. Your trekking guide, in consultation with the park’s gorilla trackers, leads you on a hike into the forest to find and spend time with your gorilla group. Your guide not only leads you but also chats with you about what you’re seeing and ensures everyone interacts respectfully and stays safe in the company of a gorilla family
Tipping your gorilla trekking guide at the end of the experience is customary. The amount you tip is up to you, but we recommend giving a minimum of US$15 to $20.
Hiring a porter
A porter in gorilla trekking plays a crucial role. Here are some reasons why hiring one is beneficial:
- Supporting Local Communities: Porters provide a source of income for local communities. By hiring them, you contribute to economic development and improve their standard of living.
- Conservation Efforts: Hiring a porter supports conservation efforts. They raise awareness about protecting gorilla habitats and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
- Physical Support: Porters carry your gear, allowing you to focus on the challenging trek. They also offer physical assistance when needed.
- Cultural Ambassadors: Porters bridge the gap between trekkers and local communities, sharing insights into customs, folklore, and conservation practices.
So, if you’re planning a gorilla trek, consider taking a porter along!
Other costs to add to your budget.
Besides the items we have mentioned, you will also need to factor in the following additional costs.
First and foremost, you’ll need accommodation before and after your gorilla trek. Uganda’s two mountain gorilla parks are in the southwest corner of the country, far from the nearest international airport. So you’ll need to spend at least one night in the area before your morning gorilla trek and a second night after your Trek. Check Out our recommendations on Places to stay for your gorilla trek in Uganda.
The second item you might want to put some time into is the purchase of hiking gear or equipment. For anyone who has not been hiking before, you might need to thoroughly read our guide on what to pack for gorilla trekking
If you have any further questions regarding Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer them.
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