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What is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Home to half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, Uganda boasts the most gratifying gorilla trekking tour experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a very fascinating safari adventure and one of the most popular Uganda tourist activities. And while gorilla trekking is also the most expensive, the cost of gorilla trekking is dependent on numerous factors including accommodation, gorilla trekking permits, and transportation, to mention but a few. Home to half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, Uganda boasts the most gratifying gorilla trekking tour experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda. Visitors are led by expert guides and rangers on a hike through the thick bamboo forest to explore and interact with the giant, yet gentle mountain gorillas: this is one of the most unforgettable safari highlights that many travelers across the globe desire to experience.
The expense of gorilla trekking is rather costly in comparison to other animal experiences. Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most exhilarating wildlife activities because it is unique, getting up close with animals that resemble humans in appearance and behavior. Because mountain gorillas are endangered, and many people want to view them, gorilla trekking is pricey. To some extent, the high demand for gorilla trekking tours, the concerned governments have opted to raise the price of permits. However, demand is not the sole reason for the high cost of gorilla trekking. Being endangered means that these primates need optimum safeguarding, which explains the high cost of gorilla trekking permits.
The conservation of gorillas necessitates large investments in research, infrastructure, Rangers, and scientists and thus calls for the expenditure of funds. A portion of the revenue from gorilla licenses is used to finance programs aimed at safeguarding these magnificent creatures. In general, a portion of gorilla permit money goes to the government, another to the local communities and the largest portion to gorilla conservation. Moreover, the high cost of these gorilla permits is to limit the number of visitors that visit the gorilla groups since too many visitors would impact the overall well-being of the habituated gorilla populations. Let us look at the factors that affect the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda;
Check out the gorilla trekking rules and regulations
The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Cost of Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits
Uganda gorilla trekking tours offer over 20 habituated gorilla groups for gorilla trekking with only one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group) and the rest in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. To visit any one of these habituated gorilla groups, any tourist must purchase a gorilla trekking permit. Uganda gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and they cost $800 (for non-foreign residents), $700 (for foreign residents), and UGX 250,000 (for East African Citizens).
On the other hand, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1,500. A gorilla habituation experience is quite longer than a gorilla trekking experience. The experience involves tourists tagging along with a group of researchers, scientists, and rangers as they work to acclimate a group of wild gorillas.
A gorilla habituation experience takes 4 hours and it is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla permits can be booked either directly at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala or through a reputable tour operator. Due to the high demand for Uganda gorilla safaris, especially during the peak season (June to September), tourists are advised to always have their gorilla permits ahead of time. Moreover, if you miss out on your gorilla trek due to for instance sickness, you will be refunded.
The Cost of Accommodation
One vital factor of a gorilla safari tour is the cost of accommodation. If you are planning a Uganda gorilla tour, you need to think about where you will spend your nights. The maximum number of nights you would spend on a gorilla tour in Bwindi or Mgahinga is 2 nights. Well majorly because these gorilla national parks lie in the far countryside; about 8 to 10 hours by road respectively from Kampala or Entebbe. All Uganda gorilla trekking tours begin and end in Kampala/Entebbe. Even if you flew from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga via Kihihi and Kisoro Airstrips, you would still require to spend a night after the gorilla trek, to rest.
Fortunately, there are well-established safari lodges and camps situated inside and within the surroundings of Uganda’s gorilla national parks. These accommodation facilities ensure the best of comfort to visitors and are designed to cater to all groups including families, groups, and solo travelers.
Accommodation in Bwindi and Mgahinga ranges from budget to mid-range and luxury safari lodges and camps. For budget accommodation, a decent budget lodge costs between $50 to $130. Mid-range accommodation, on the other hand, is between $150 to $250 and the luxury lodges and tented camps cost between $400 to more than $5,000 per night per person. Whereas most of these accommodation facilities can be booked online, it is often safe to book through reliable tour operators; to avoid inconveniences especially, if your lodge or camp is quite far away from your gorilla trekking site.
The Cost of Transport
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda is also affected by the factor of transportation from your country of origin to Uganda’s gorilla parks. Depending on the airline, air tickets to and from your country of origin cost between $400 and $2,000. Chartered flights from Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga range anywhere up to $600 and are operated by Bar Aviation and AeroLink Uganda.
However, for those with budget constraints, road transport is quite affordable and more exploratory. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is about 8 to 9 hours by road whereas Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is approximately 9 to 10 hours from Kampala/Entebbe. Depending on the type of car, hiring a car in Uganda costs anywhere between $80 for salon cars to $250 for 4WD open roof safari land cruisers including car hire and driver/driver guide. Fuel is often charged differently depending on how much a particular type of car consumes.
Cost of Items on the Packing List for a Uganda Gorilla Trek
A packing list for gorilla trekking is something you definitely should plan for. Mountain gorillas live in thick dense bamboo-covered and hilly slopes whose conditions require careful preparation when planning to trek these magnificent apes. Among other things, a gorilla trekking packing list includes a waterproof lightweight backpack, good pair of hiking boots, a waterproof rain jacket, long trousers, long-sleeved T-shirts, packed food or energy-giving snacks, a water bottle, a good camera, extra batteries and a pair of binoculars; sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, a medical kit, a sun hat, etc.
The Cost of Meals
Whereas most of the Uganda gorilla trekking lodges offer meals as part of the accommodation packages, it is important to plan for meals, especially outside the lodges including beverages. Some lodges even give complimentary packed lunch while embarking on your gorilla trek. Nonetheless, you will need water and food when you leave the hotel or travel. Hence the price a decent meal costs between $20 to $40. The cost of beverages such as alcoholic beverages, varies and should be budgeted for individually. However, if you are booking your Uganda gorilla trekking tour through a reliable tour operator, they will cater your meals and water during your stay.
The Cost of Porters
During gorilla trekking, tourists are advised to hire local porters to assist in carrying their bags and other heavy equipment, in addition to helping them navigate difficult trails and slopes. It doesn’t matter how physically fit one is, a porter is necessary when trekking gorillas in Uganda’s gorilla national parks. Hiring a porter cost between $10 to $15, and by hiring local natives as porters, the local communities are benefiting from gorilla tourism. Moreover, the porters can be interesting company throughout the adventure, telling you stories about their livelihoods, tales of origin, and experiences. Porters can be found at the park headquarters from where gorilla treks begin.
Cost of Visas and Border Crossings
Visas and border crossings are necessary for travelers who wish to cross borders and enjoy gorilla trekking in either Rwanda or DR. Congo; which is a common case in gorilla trekking. To cross the Congo border for gorilla trekking, travelers are required to pay visa entry fees of $100 at the Goma border post. Most travelers who find the cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda too expensive tend to choose less expensive gorilla trekking trips in Uganda instead. Moreover, they must travel through Kigali to avoid traveling for 8 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. Border crossing from Rwanda to Uganda costs $50 for a visa at either the Katuna or Cyanika border gates. Meanwhile, an East African tourist visa can be obtained for $100.
Tipping
Tipping is an optional thing to do while on Uganda gorilla trekking tours; however, it is a nice gesture that shows appreciation to the staff and personnel that provide you with outstanding services such as drivers, hotel staff, and safari guides. In Uganda, tipping can range between $5 and $20 depending on how impressed one is.
Souvenirs
Planning for souvenirs is also vital when planning your Uganda gorilla trekking tour because you never know what will strike your eye. Souvenirs in Uganda range from African crafts, art, and garments and most of these can be found in craft shops in some lodges. You can also visit a craft shop in the city or along the highways. However, to help communities largely dependent on gorilla tourism, we encourage purchasing gifts from local craft shops around the gorilla national parks.
