Price For a Gorilla Tour in Rwanda and Uganda| Cost of gorilla trekking in 2026-27
The price for a gorilla tour and cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is relatively determined by your travel style, accommodation choice, transfer comfort and mainly the cost of a gorilla permit at the time of travel.
Gorilla trekking tours and excursions in Uganda and Rwanda offer a unique and rare opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is typically done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park while in Rwanda, you can visit mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park.
To encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat in a sustainable way, a cost must be incurred and it is very important to know how much will be spent on gorilla permits, accommodation, transport and other costs to enable you budget and plan accordingly.
Roughly, an all-inclusive 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda costs between $1,300 and $2,900 per person sharing. In this cost, you will discover that a gorilla permit of $800 per person takes a big share of the cost, the the balance will take care of accommodations, meals, park fees, and transport.
A 5-day gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park normally ranges between $2,200 and $3,500 per person sharing in Uganda, depending the choice of your accommodation which could be Budget, Mid Range or Luxury. In Rwanda, expect to spend $3,500 to $6500+ on a 5 day gorilla trekking trip per person due to the high rates charged by Lodges in Rwanda and on transport.
Key cost factors to consider when costing a gorilla tour in Uganda and Rwanda include:
• Accommodation costs: Budget lodges from $50-60per night, mid-range $100–$200, luxury $400+.
• Transportation costs: Private 4×4 safari vehicles with a driver guide (Safari Van or Land Cruiser) cost $100–$350 per day, while domestic flights to Bwindi add about $535 round trip.
• Extra Expenses: Visas ($50–$100), porter fees ($20 per trek), meals ($10–$30 per meal), and optional activities like cultural tours.
Let’s take a look at the items that make up the price of a gorilla tour in Uganda and Rwanda.
Cost of the gorilla permit in Uganda and Rwanda
The gorilla permit cost makes up most of the price for a gorilla tour, taking the lion’s share of the total journey’s cost. In Uganda, the permit is offered at a regular price of $800 per person for foreign non residents, $700 for Foreign residents with a working permits, $500 for African Citizens and, 250.000 ugx for East Africans.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience pass, which offers a more intuitive experience, costs $1,500 per foreign nonresident. Foreign residents pay $1,000, and EA nationals pay UGX750,000 per person per day. The experience allows a guest only 4 hours with the wild mountain gorilla family.
The gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per day for foreign Non residents, $500 for Foreign residents and $200 for East African Residents, with discounts offered during some seasons. As a result, most travelers consider Rwanda a high-end luxury destination for gorilla trekking.
A gorilla permit to see mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda consumes the biggest chunk of the overall cost of a Gorilla trekking safari expense and should be your number one consideration when planning a gorilla safari. Gorilla permits must be booked in advance since they are given out on a first come first serve basis by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development board in Rwanda.
All Encounter Africa Safari quotes include the price of a gorilla permit for Rwanda and Uganda and when contacted, we will take care of checking availability, reserving and booking it on your behalf.
Most Popular Safaris
2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari through Kigali
3 Day Low Season Uganda Gorilla Safari via Kigali
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari
5 Day Uganda Gorillas & Game Safari via Kigali
4 Day Uganda Safari via Kigali
5 days Rwanda gorillas & culture
14 Day Uganda Safari via Kigali
3 Day Gorilla Habituation via Kigali
Why such a high gorilla permit price in Uganda and Rwanda?
There are a little more than 1070 mountain gorillas worldwide. More than half live in Uganda, and a few are habituated for tourism. Conservationists and governments regulate gorilla trekking restrictively because the primates are very vulnerable to human presence in their natural habitat. To keep these creatures protected and healthy, conservationists need a regular source of funds which the gorilla permit amazingly fills.
Reasons why Gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda are expensive.
• Anti-Poaching Patrols and efforts: A significant amount of the gorilla permit fee goes towards funding anti-poaching activities and security measures to protect mountain gorillas from illegal hunting and habitat encroachment in Uganda and Rwanda.
• Research and Monitoring efforts: Your contribution through buying a gorilla permit supports scientific research and monitoring programs that help understand gorilla behavior, health, and population dynamics, informing conservation strategies in Bwindi impenetrable, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks.
• Community Development Projects: A percentage of the gorilla permit fee is channelled to community projects surrounding Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively to improve livelihoods and fostering a sense of ownership in gorilla conservation.
• Park Infrastructure development: Some of the funds from the sale of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda are used to maintain and improve park infrastructure, such as roads, nature trails, ranger guide stations, and tourist/visitor centers.
By purchasing a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda, you’re not just paying for an extraordinary trekking experience; you’re investing in the future of the endangered mountain gorillas and the communities that share their habitat in Uganda and Rwanda.
In retrospect, Uganda issues over 160 gorilla permits per day, allowing only eight people to visit a single gorilla per day. The gorilla permit is the primary source of conservation funds; thus, the high price tag it fetches.
Tips for Booking Your Permit:
• Book it in Advance: Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda are limited (only 8 gorilla permits per family per day) and tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December, January and, Feb. Ensure to book as early as possible (ideally 3-6 months or more in advance) to secure your preferred date, month or year and location.
• Be Flexible on Dates and Country: If your desired dates and country are flexible, you might have better luck finding available permits. Encounter Africa Safaris will assist in checking availability of gorilla permits both in Uganda and Rwanda and get you a spot to see gorillas.
• Consider a registered Tour Operator: Licensed and registed Tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda have access to permits that may not be available to individual travelers. They can also handle the logistics from booking your gorilla permits, accommodation and transport while in Uganda and Rwanda for your gorilla trek.
Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi
Accommodation cost in Uganda and Rwanda
After securing your gorilla permit in Uganda and Rwanda, the next step in costing your gorilla tour is to look at some accommodation options. Your choice of gorilla safari accommodation in Uganda or Rwanda will significantly influence the overall cost and budget of your gorilla tour. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer several accommodation and lodging options for different budgets and preferences.
Because gorilla tourism is a significant tourist attraction in Uganda and mostly Rwanda, many private entities have invested in building accommodation facilities around gorilla parks. For every kind of traveller, from budget to luxury, there’s are viable options to choose from at every trailhead. Let’s look at what options you have per person, per night, inclusive of meals.
Accommodation options in Uganda and their estimated costs
Budget gorilla safari accommodation ($60 - $100)
- Budget-Friendly Gorilla Safari Lodges (US$60-100+ per night): For budget-conscious tourists planning to see gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, Uganda offers several budget guesthouses and safari lodges for travellers starting at around US$60-100 per person sharing per night. These Lodges typically provide basic services but have comfortable rooms and are value for money. Budget Lodges include Broad Bill Forest Camp in Ruhija, Buhoma Community Rest Camp In Buhoma and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge in Rushaga.
Mid Range Gorilla Safari Lodge Options ($100-$200)
- Mid-range gorilla safari lodges in Uganda are in a range of $100 - $200Mid-Range Lodges and offer great service when it comes to room size, meals and other services such as Hi Fi, and customer care. Examples of such Lodges in Bwidi include 4 Gorillas Lodge in Rushaga, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Bakiga Lodge in Ruhija and many more.
- High-end gorilla safari accommodation $400+
- Luxury Gorilla Lodges (US$400+ per night): For those seeking high end services and facilities, Bwindi impenetrable National park offers several Luxury lodges including Nkuringo Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodhe, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs among others.
Campsites and Homestays: For those preferring to do leisure camping, Bwindi and Mgahinga offer campsites of (US$10-US$30 per night) and homestays of (US$20-US$60 per night). Make sure you carry your camping gear and ready to prepare your own meals. Please not that it can get so cold in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at night.
Accommodation options in Rwanda and estimated costs/rates
Rwanda has positioned herself as a high end gorilla trekking destination and as such most lodges around Volcanoes national Park are either Mid Range of Luxury making the price of a gorilla tour slightly more expensive compared to Uganda.
Mid Range Gorilla Safari Lodge options ($300-$550+)
Mid-Range Safari Lodges (US$300-US$550 per night): These offer top services from rooms, to meals and extra services for someone looking for lower high end accommodation properties.
High End Gorilla Safari Lodge Optons ((800+)
Luxury Safari Lodges (US$800+ per night): Rwanda boasts of a wide a numner of high end luxury lodges for gorilla safaris, often with a starting price of US$800 and reaching up to US$2500 per night. These lodges offer top-notch service needed by luxury travelers.
Factors Affecting Accommodation Costs in Uganda and Rwanda
The cost of your lodges in Uganda and Rwanda will vary based on several factors that include:
• Location of the facility: Lodges and Hotels closer to the gorilla trek trailheads of Bwindi NP and Volcanoes NP tend to be more expensive compared to those far off.
• Lodge Amenities: Gorilla Safari Lodges with services such as swimming pools, spas, and other amenities are likely to attract more costs compared to those without.
• Lodge Standard: Expect lodge prices to increase as you move from Budget to Mid range and Luxury facilities in Uganda and Rwanda.
• Season of the year: Peak and high season of (June-September, December-February) often brings higher rates due to increased demand by tourists. Consider visiting Uganda or Rwanda during low season when Lodges slash their rates to attract more tourists.
Getting the best accommodation that fits your budget can be daunting for a first time trip to Africa. It doesn’t have to be. Encounter Africa is locally on the ground to help you make the perfect choice for a good meal and perfect night-sleep in the pristine jungles of East Africa.
We have a list of vetted accommodation choices you can choose from to help you plan your gorilla tour with minimal stress. Send us an email or call the numbers in the footer below.
Transportation and transfer Costs to gorilla trekking locations.
Moving to and from Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking National parks involves transfers and transport either by road or air. Both countries provide options to fly or drive by road to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park/Mgahinga NP or to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. These transport and transfer options come with related costs and as earlier mentioned, your choice of transport during gorilla trekking will affect the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
That said, let's dive into options available for gorilla trekking transportation and transfers in Uganda and Rwanda.
Cost of Road/Ground Transportation
Encounter Africa Safari Vehicles (Uganda & Rwanda): This is the most commonly preferred and cheaper transport option , especially if you’re traveling with a group of people who prefer to experience the country-side as they drive to Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Most reliable Safari vehicles are owned by Tour Operators and if contacted, Encounter Africa will provide one for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda.
For budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, we recommend a Safari Van which costs between $80-$100 per day including a driver guide and drinking water on Board.
For Luxury gorilla trekking safaris, a Safari Jeep or 4x4 Land Cruiser will come in handy. This costs from $200-$250 per day including a safari guide, drinking water and sometimes Wi Fi.
Self-drive/Rental Car (Uganda & Rwanda): Commonly known as self drive in Uganda and Rwanda, Car rentals are available for the more adventurous and fearless travelers who are willing to take the risk of exploring Uganda and Rwanda on their own. A rented car will cost from $50 to $200 per day depending on the type of vehicle. While this is an option, it comes with stringent terms and conditions such as fueling it yourself, depositing a security fee as well as a valid driving license.
Public Buses and Matatus (Taxis): If you are a shoe-stringed traveler, public buses and taxis can be an option for you. Both Uganda and Rwanda have Bus and tax parks where you can board a bus that will deliver you to the nearest town closer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park. The cost of a one-way ticket to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala will cost approximately $25.
Please note that this option can be time consuming and unreliable. You will also need to prepare for private transfers from the Bus/Taxi Park to the park and also on the day of gorilla trekking since most gorilla trekking starting points will require you to drive.
Cost of Air transport in Uganda ( Flights and Transfers)
Domestic Scheduled and Charter Flights (Uganda): Both scheduled and charter fligh options are available for those who prefer to avoid long drive to and from gorilla trekking National Parks most especially in Uganda. A domestic flight may take one and a half hours to two from Entebbe international Airport to Kihihi Airstrip in the north or Kisoro Airstrip in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
A return ticket for a scheduled flight usually costs around $550 per person in a minimum group of two people while a chartered plane cost can go up to more than $3000.
A fee of around $50-$200 should be budgeted for private transfers from Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip to your Overnight Lodge in the North or Southern Part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
Entebbe or Kigali Airport Transfers (Uganda & Rwanda): When you book an all inclusive Gorilla trekking safari with Encounter Africa Safaris, we will provide you with complimentary Airport transfers. Please budget for around $30-40 for Airport Dollars if you are coming to Uganda and Rwanda privately. Further note that this fee may reduce or increase depending on the distance to be covered from the Airport to your guest House.
Accessibility: Rwanda and Uganda Compared
All travellers flying to Uganda and Rwanda use Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport for Uganda and Rwanda respectively.
Kigali International Airport in Rwanda
Kigali International Airport in Rwanda by far offers the best option for both Gorilla trekking destinations of Uganda and Rwanda compared to Entebbe International Airport. It’s approximately 2 hour drive from the Airport or Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and a 5 hour drive from the Kigali Airport to the southern and Eastern Part of Bwindi impenetrable National park in Uganda.
This is the reason why it is possible to do a 2 day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or a 2 day Uganda gorilla trek safari via Kigali which is not possible if one chooses to fly into Entebbe International Airport. Our Uganda Gorilla Safaris from Kigali are some of the most selling packages since gorilla permits in Uganda are $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1500.
Entebbe International Airport in Uganda
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda’s top Airport and is about 10-11 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga and about 13 hours drive to Volcanoes National park in Rwanda including boarder crossing.
Its for this reason that Gorilla trekking lovers have to opt for a minimum of a 3 day gorilla tour if they utilize Entebbe International Airport.
Choosing Your Transport
The above analysis and cost estimates should assist you on selecting transport of your choice when costing a gorilla trekking trip to Uganda and or Rwanda. As earlier noted, all transport and transfer options are available but will depend on your budget, interests and time available on your side. For more information, get in touch with us.
Other Costs to consider when costing a gorilla trek
As earlier noted, the major components that influence the cost of a gorilla safari are gorilla permits for Uganda or Rwanda, accommodation and transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National park or Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively.
That aside, there other costs one should consider to make his or her gorilla trek memorable. Such additional costs include visa, tips, meals, porter fees among others.
Please note that some of these additional costs are optional and can be avoided depending on client’s preference and satisfaction levels.
Visas for Uganda and Rwanda
Singe-Entry Uganda Tourist Visa: For those interested in trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park, a valid visa is a requirement. Most travelers to Uganda require a visa and the most common one is a singe-entry tourist visa which costs UD$50 and allows you 60 days. A Uganda single-entry tourist visa can be obtained only online.
East Africa Tourist Visa: If you plan to visit both Uganda and Rwanda as it is for our Uganda Gorilla trekking tours via Kigali, consider applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries to both countries and costs US$100.
Meals and Drinks in Uganda and Rwanda
Meals and drinks Not Included: Most tour packages offered by Encounter Africa Safaris are on full board basis where breakfast, Lunch and dinner are all included. However if you prefer exploring some local resturants or enjoy a snack enroute, we encourage you to put a side some funds for this. A local meal costs from US$5-15.
Also in our packages, Alcoholic drinks are not included so a budget of US$10-15 per person per day should be enough to cater for beers and soft drinks per day.
Lodges and Hotels: Meals at lodges and hotels can be more expensive, with a typical lunch or dinner costing around US$20-US$40.
Snacks and Drinks: Pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to save on these expenses while on the trek.
Cost of Porters
We encourage all our clients to take porters for their gorilla trek for several reasons. First, they carry your bags, and when you are approaching gorillas, they will remain with your packed lunches and all items you might not need. Second, they will give you a push or a pull during your trek in the forest. This extra effort is to enable you to achieve your dream of viewing these endangered mountain gorillas.
The other significance of taking a porter is that by doing so, you are contributing to community development since most of these porters are school dropouts or continuing students that need this money to finance their education.
By paying for a porter, you are contributing directly to the local community. A gorilla trekking porter costs a minimum of $20. You can give more if you feel generous and appreciative of their work.
Cost of Tips
Tips are an appreciation of good service rendered to you by your safari guide, gorilla trekking guide, waiters and porters. It’s not a must that you have to do this. However, as a responsible Tour Company, we recommend that you put some small funds aside for tipping.
Cost of additional Activities
When costing a gorilla tour to Uganda or Rwanda and you have sometime to spare, we encourage you to participate in some extra activities as underlined below. These activities can be done before or after your gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda
Batwa Community Visits and experience (Uganda): Join the pygmies of Uganda to experience by yourself the rich culture of the Batwa people who originally inhabited Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the surrounding forests. This Batwa walk costs around US$50 per person and include a guided tour of their village where you will enjoy and participate in traditional dance performances, and storytelling to learn more about them.
Guided Nature /Forest Walks: Bwindi and Volcanoes National park provides an opportunity for travelers to enjoy a guided exploration the diverse flora and fauna of these national parks typically costing US$30-US$100 per person.
Birdwatching excursions: Uganda and Rwanda are birdwatching havens, and guided birdwatching excursion in Bwindi or Mgahinga and Volcanoes National park can range from US$50-US$150 per person.
Company Markup.
On top of the above costs, the company puts between 10-20% of the total cost as fixing or service fee.
It’s part of our profit as well as helping us to book all services such as gorilla permits, accommodation and making telephone calls to check availability and make sure that all is in order.
Booking a gorilla tour
Since 3003, Encounter Africa has taken countless tourists into the tropical rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda to meet our primate cousins. We would like to use that expertise and experience to help you plan and take this one-time travel dream to meet the mountain gorillas. Our costs are quite affordable to all travellers, and we work with you to create a trip that fits your budget yet giving you the whole experience.
Talk to our consultants now and get a quote, or send us an email to info@gorilla-tracking-uganda.com and a consultant will jump the opportunity to serve you.
