Uganda gorilla trekking price; Gorilla trekking is an interesting and one of the major activities that attracts many tourists to travel to Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable national park which harbors the highest number of mountain gorillas found in four sectors that is Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern region. Price of gorilla trekking safari in Uganda depend on different factors including the length of the safari, number of people, accommodation costs, type of transportation, among others. Price of a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is one of the common questions that tourists ask before coming on a gorilla trekking safari and this article will guide you on how to plan a successful gorilla trekking adventure.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit
When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, the first thing to consider is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit which costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. Travelers who wish to engage in gorilla habituation experience, a gorilla habituation permit costs 1,500 USD per person for foreign non residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Cost of transport
Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are located in southwestern park of Uganda and can either be accessed by road or air transport means. Due to the location of the gorilla destinations in Uganda the least number of days to spend on a gorilla trekking safari is 2 days when coming from Kigali where on day 1, you will drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park, on day 2 you will engage in gorilla trekking and then transfer back to Kigali and 3 days when coming from Entebbe or Kampala where on day 1, you will transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park , day 2 you engage in gorilla trekking and day 3, you transfer back to Kampala. When planning for transportation costs you will budget for vehicle costs, fuel costs and services of a driver guide during the safari. When using road transport means, the journey takes about 9 to 12 hours’ drive and you can plan to travel in a 4WD safari van or a safari Land Cruiser depending on your budget.
Tourists who wish to fly to Bwindi impenetrable national park can also plan for domestic flight fares as there are two airline companies which organize scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips and then connect to the park headquarters by road. You can reach out to us at Achieve Global Safaris if you want to hire a vehicle to Bwindi impenetrable national park or book a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips.
Accommodation costs
Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park have a wide range of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. When planning for accommodation costs, you will consider the number of nights you will be spending on the safari for example if it’s a 3 days gorilla trekking safari you will be able to spend 2 nights at the lodge and if it’s a 2 day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali, you will be able to spend 1 night at the lodge.
When budgeting for accommodation costs, you should also consider the type of accommodation you prefer to stay at as the lodges range from Budget, midrange and luxury. Cost of budget accommodations range from $100-$150 for two people sharing a double room per night, midrange accommodation costs range from $200-$400 for two people sharing a double room and luxury accommodation costs range from $300 per person per room for two people sharing a double room.
When planning for accommodation, you should also consider the season when you wish to travel for example during the peak season accommodation costs are high and lodges usually get booked quickly while during the low season some luxury accommodations reduce their rates as a way to attract tourists.
Cost of hiring a porter
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park involves tourists moving on foot into the tropical rainforest which takes about 2 hours to 7 hours therefore we encourage all clients to hire porters when going for gorilla trekking so as to carry their back packs and also give a pull and push during trekking as sometimes the trails are muddy and slippery.
Hiring a porter is also a way of contributing directly to the development of the communities as some porters are school going boys/girls while others have families. Gorilla trekking porters charge a fee of $15-$20 per porter, however you can give more if you appreciate the service offered.
Tipping
Tipping in Uganda is not mandatory and most people working in the service sector like lodges do not expect tips after offering a service however we encourage our clients to tip the service providers like safari drivers, park guides, porters, waiters and waitresses among others when they can as an appreciation for the good service rendered.
For more information about Uganda gorilla trekking price, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris to book an all-inclusive safari package for example 2 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali or 3 days gorilla trekking safari with transportation, accommodation and gorilla permit or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.
