How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2025/2026?

The cost of a gorilla trekking safari varies depending on the destination, duration, and level of luxury. Here’s an overview of typical prices for Uganda:

• 1-day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Around $1,200
• 2-day Gorilla Safari: Approximately $1,500
• 3-day Gorilla Tour: Roughly $1,650

Prices can vary based on the number of participants and the type of package. Budget-friendly safaris start at around $1,100, while super-luxury options can range from $4,000 to $6,000 per person. Many travelers opt for mid-range packages that balance affordability and comfort. Traveling during the low season can further reduce costs.

If Uganda isn’t your preferred destination, consider gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Congo.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800, with 75% of the fee supporting gorilla conservation efforts. The government receives 15%, and 10% goes to local communities. The permit covers park entrance, one hour with the gorillas, ranger guides, and advanced trackers.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Meals and Drinks: About $50 per day, often included in tour packages.
• Transport: Flights to Uganda cost $500–$2,400, chartered flights near trekking points $600, and car hire $80 per day.
• Essential Items: Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and other essentials.
• Visas: An East African tourist visa costs $100, valid for Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
• Porter Services: Hiring a porter is $20, while a sedan chair for carrying costs $500.

Tips to Save Money:

• Travel in a group to share costs.
• Opt for budget lodges.
• Choose Uganda over Rwanda for more affordable permits.
• Avoid public buses and chartered flights.
• Plan your trip during the low season for discounts.

Despite the expense, gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that supports conservation and benefits local communities.

Which Country Offers the Best Gorilla Trekking Experience? Comparing Uganda and Rwanda

Determining the best country for seeing mountain gorillas can be tricky, as both Uganda and Rwanda provide exceptional experiences in similar environments. These gorillas live in dense forests, making the trekking conditions in both countries comparable. However, there are distinctions worth considering when choosing between the two.

Uganda stands out as a more diverse safari destination. In addition to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda offers a wide range of other wildlife experiences. You can visit Murchison Falls National Park for spectacular waterfalls and wildlife safaris or explore Kibale Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and other primates. Rwanda, while renowned for its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, is relatively smaller and offers fewer wildlife attractions.

Cost is another major factor. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are priced at $1,500 per person, while in Uganda, they cost $800. Both permits provide an hour with the gorillas in a group of up to eight people. While this might seem expensive, consider that the fee supports the conservation of these endangered animals and their fragile habitats. In addition, only 80 people are permitted to visit the gorillas daily to minimize human impact on the ecosystem.

Ultimately, Uganda emerges as the best option for gorilla trekking, offering not only a more affordable experience but also a wider array of wildlife and safari adventures to complement your trip. Plus, trekking in Uganda contributes directly to conservation efforts and local communities, making it a meaningful and rewarding choice.

How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, because the gorilla population in Mgahinga can sometimes migrate, most permits sold are for Bwindi. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person, granting you one hour with a gorilla family. For those interested in an extended experience, a Gorilla Habituation Permit is available at $1,500, allowing a full-day interaction with the gorillas.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit

To avoid complications, it is strongly advised to book your permit through a local safari operator. While it is possible to book a permit independently, logistical challenges in the remote Bwindi area—such as navigating its various sectors and coordinating accommodation—make this process cumbersome. Safari operators have trained guides familiar with the region and can ensure a smooth experience.

For travelers who choose to work with a tour company, most operators add an administrative fee of $60 to $100 for securing the permit. However, this fee is typically waived if the operator is organizing your full safari package, including transport and accommodation. If you choose to book only a permit through the operator, the added charges cover services like permit pickup from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), administrative costs, and delivery to you.

Steps to Reserve a Gorilla Trekking Permit

1. Provide Travel Dates: Inform the operator of your preferred trekking date and tour schedule.
2. Permit Availability: The operator will check availability for your chosen dates and reserve the permits temporarily.
3. Payment Transfer: Once availability is confirmed, the operator will provide bank details for payment. Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card, but ensure bank charges are covered on your end.
4. Acknowledgment: After payment, the operator will send a confirmation email as proof of receipt.
5. Passport Details: You’ll need to send a copy of your passport, including full name, nationality, and passport number, which will be used to register your permit.
6. Permit Acquisition: Upon payment, the operator secures your permit. While owning a permit doesn’t guarantee seeing gorillas (chances are 98%), it’s a crucial step in the process.

Availability and Booking Policies

At Kenlink Tours, we offer this for no extra costs. Would you make a choice to book a gorilla safari, our team will be able to book for you a gorilla permit, all you need is to avail us with your confirmed travel dates because gorilla permits are booked with a specific tracking date.

However, we Kenlink Tours can buy a permit for you and you pay on arrival.

Unsold permits are made available to the public the following day without restrictions on the number of permits any individual or operator can purchase.

What happens if i booked the permit and i want to change the date?

If you booked the gorilla permit and you want to change the dates, Kenlink Team can always make for you reschedules and change the dates in your favor. However it’s important to do this early, at least 4 days before the tracking date. 

Additional Costs

Beyond the permit price, expect other costs such as transport, food, and accommodation. Hiring a local guide ensures that your chosen gorilla family aligns with your lodging, saving you the hassle of navigating Bwindi’s challenging terrain.

By choosing a safari operator, you save time, avoid logistical challenges, and gain access to their expertise, ensuring an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.