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Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo: Plan your gorilla trekking adventure with our detailed 2025 cost guide for Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.

Learn about permit fees ($400–$1,500), accommodation ($40–$3,000/night), transportation, and hidden costs like visas and tips. Discover budgeting tips for Bwindi, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a bucket-list adventure, offering an unparalleled opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

However, this experience comes with significant costs, driven by permit fees, accommodation, transportation, and various hidden expenses.

This comprehensive guide details the costs associated with gorilla trekking in each country, covering permit prices, accommodation options, transportation logistics, and hidden fees that can impact your budget.

It also provides cost-saving strategies, practical tips, and insights into the unique aspects of each destination to help you plan an affordable and memorable trip

Overview of Gorilla Trekking Costs

Gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive wildlife activities in Africa due to the high cost of permits, which fund conservation efforts, and the logistical challenges of accessing remote national parks.

The total cost of a gorilla trekking trip varies depending on the country, travel style (budget, mid-range, or luxury), group size, and additional activities.

Below, we break down the key cost components—permits, accommodation, transportation, and hidden fees—for Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, with a focus on 2025 pricing.

Key Cost Components

• Gorilla Trekking Permits: The primary expense, required for access to habituated gorilla groups.
• Accommodation: Ranges from budget lodges to luxury eco-resorts, significantly affecting the overall cost.
• Transportation: Includes international flights, domestic transfers (by road or air), and local transport to trekking sites.
• Hidden Fees: Visas, porter fees, tips, vaccinations, gear, meals, and optional activities.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is the most budget-friendly destination for gorilla trekking, offering competitive permit prices and a wide range of accommodation options.

It hosts two national parks for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with 17 habituated groups in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, providing over 150 daily permits.

Permit Costs

• Standard Gorilla Trekking Permit: $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for African citizens, and approximately $80 (300,000 UGX) for East African Community (EAC) citizens. This permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla group.

• Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit: $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX for EAC citizens. Available only in Bwindi’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors, this permit allows four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, accompanied by researchers.

• Availability: Bwindi issues over 100 permits daily across its four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo), while Mgahinga issues 8 for the Nyakagezi group. Permits sell out quickly in peak seasons (June–September, December–February), requiring bookings 6–12 months in advance. In low seasons (March–May, October–November), permits are more available, sometimes even last-minute.

• Booking: Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be booked directly or through tour operators like US, Hail Tours Uganda Safaris. We also charge a $50 logistical fee for standalone permit bookings, which is often waived in package tours.

• Cancellation Policy: A 75% refund is available for cancellations 91+ days before the trek, 50% for 46–90 days, 25% for 8–45 days, and no refund within a week. A 50% refund may be offered if illness prevents trekking, to protect gorillas from human diseases.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in Uganda varies widely, catering to budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Lodges are typically located near park entrances, with prices reflecting proximity and amenities.

• Budget: $50–$100 per night (e.g., Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge). These offer basic, self-contained rooms targeting international travelers.

• Mid-Range: $100–$500 per night (e.g., Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp). These provide comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, and hot showers, often with jungle views.

• Luxury: $700–$1,500 per night (e.g., Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge). These eco-lodges offer premium amenities, gourmet meals, and panoramic views, sometimes including drinks like wine and coffee.

• Low Season Discounts: Some lodges offer discounts in March–May and October–November, reducing costs by 10–20%. Booking through operators like Engabi Tours may secure additional discounts due to their relationships with lodges.

• Notes: Most lodges include breakfast, and many provide packed lunches for trekking. Budget and mid-range options may exclude some meals, adding $10–$40 per meal if dining out.

Transportation Costs

Getting to Bwindi or Mgahinga from Entebbe or Kampala involves long drives or domestic flights, impacting costs significantly.

By Road:

• Private 4×4 Vehicle: $70–$150 per day for a basic 4×4, $250–$300 for a luxury safari Land Cruiser, including driver and fuel. The drive from Entebbe to Bwindi (8–10 hours) or Mgahinga (9–11 hours) typically requires 2–3 days of rental.
• Public Transport: Buses to Bwindi’s Buhoma or Rushaga sectors cost $20–$40 one-way but are unreliable, risking delays that could cause you to miss your trek. Public transport is not recommended for Mgahinga due to limited routes
• Group Travel: Sharing a vehicle with 2–6 people reduces costs to $30–$75 per person per day.

By Air: Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro (for Mgahinga or Bwindi’s southern sectors) cost $500–$600 round trip per person, operated by AeroLink or Fly Uganda. Transfers from airstrips to lodges add $50–$100.

International Flights: Round-trip flights to Entebbe from major hubs (e.g., Europe, North America) range from $800–$1,500, depending on the season and airline.

Hidden Fees

• Visas: A single-entry tourist visa for Uganda costs $50 (valid for 60 days, applied online). The East African Tourist Visa ($100, valid for 90 days) covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, ideal for multi-country trips.
• Porter Fees: $15–$20 per trek for a porter to carry gear or assist with challenging terrain. Highly recommended for Bwindi’s steep trails.
• Tips: Tipping guides ($5–$10) and trackers ($3–$5) per person is customary. Luxury travelers may tip more ($20–$50).
• Sedan Chair Carriers: For elderly or less fit trekkers, sedan chairs in Bwindi cost $400–$500 per trek, arranged in advance or on-site.
• Gear and Equipment: Essential items include hiking boots ($50–$150), rain jacket ($30–$100), insect repellent ($10–$20), sunscreen ($10–$15), gloves ($5–$20), and a camera ($100–$1,000). Rentals may be available for $10–$50.
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination (required for entry) costs $40–$100. Other recommended vaccines (e.g., malaria prophylaxis, typhoid) add $50–$150.
• Meals and Drinks: Budget lodges may exclude meals ($10–$40 each). Alcoholic beverages or snacks cost $5–$20 daily.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering trekking and medical evacuation costs $50–$150 for a 10-day trip.
• Miscellaneous: Souvenirs ($10–$50), local taxes, or operator markups ($50–$200 for administrative costs) may apply.

Total Cost for a 3-Day Gorilla Trek in Uganda

• Budget: $1,200–$1,550 per person (sharing), including $800 permit, budget lodge ($50–$100/night), shared 4×4 transport ($30–$75/day), visa ($50), and basic meals. Excludes flights and optional fees like porters ($15–$20).

• Mid-Range: $1,800–$2,900 per person, including $800 permit, mid-range lodge ($100–$500/night), private 4×4 ($70–$150/day), visa, meals, and porter/tips.

• Luxury: $3,000–$5,000+ per person, including $800 permit (or $1,500 for habituation), luxury lodge ($700–$1,500/night), domestic flight ($600), and all extras.

• Solo Traveler: Add 20–30% ($1,800–$3,500 for budget/mid-range) due to unshared transport and accommodation costs.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Travel in a group to share transport and accommodation costs.
• Visit during low season (March–May, October–November) for cheaper lodges and better permit availability.
• Book through a tour operator for package deals, which may include discounts on lodges.
• Opt for budget lodges like Bwindi Backpackers or Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
• Avoid public transport to ensure timely arrival for treks.

You may also like our 2 days grilla trekking in Uganda Safari

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda positions itself as a premium gorilla trekking destination, with higher permit costs and a focus on luxury infrastructure.

Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla groups, issues 96 daily permits, making it a popular but expensive choice. Its proximity to Kigali (2–3 hours by road) reduces transport costs compared to Uganda.

Permit Costs

• Standard Gorilla Trekking Permit: $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for African citizens, and $200 for EAC citizens. The permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla group.

• Discounts: A 30% discount ($1,050) applies for international tourists visiting other Rwandan parks (e.g., Nyungwe, Akagera) for 2+ nights from November to May. Conference attendees with documentation pay $1,275.

• Availability: Permits are limited to 96 daily, with high demand in peak seasons (June–September, December–February). Booking 5–12 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular groups like Susa or Amahoro. Low season (November–May) offers better availability.

• Booking: Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through operators like Hail Tours. No logistical fees are typically charged for package bookings.

• Cancellation Policy: No refunds for cancellations or no-shows, but rescheduling is possible with 30 days’ notice via a tour operator. A full refund or re-trek is offered if the assigned gorilla group moves across borders or is not found after a full day’s trek (75% refund).

Accommodation Costs in Rwanda

Rwanda offers a range of lodging, with a focus on high-end eco-lodges near Volcanoes National Park. Budget options are limited compared to Uganda.

• Budget: $60–$100 per night (e.g., Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guest House). Basic but clean, often including breakfast.
• Mid-Range: $150–$400 per night (e.g., Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge). Comfortable with modern amenities and jungle proximity.
• Luxury: $400–$3,000 per night (e.g., Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge). These offer premium services, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences like private guides.
• Low Season Discounts: November–May offers 10–20% reductions at some lodges, especially mid-range.
• Notes: Most lodges include breakfast and often lunch, but extra meals cost $10–$40. Luxury lodges may include drinks, reducing additional expenses.

Transportation Costs

Rwanda’s compact size and proximity to Kigali make transport more affordable than in Uganda.

By Road:

• Private 4×4 Vehicle: $100–$250 per day, including driver and fuel. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (2–3 hours) typically requires 1–2 days of rental.
• Public Transport: Buses to Musanze (near Volcanoes) cost $5–$10 one-way but are unreliable for early trek start times (7 a.m.). Not recommended.
• Group Travel: Sharing reduces costs to $20–$50 per person per day.

By Air: Helicopter transfers from Kigali to Volcanoes cost $1,000–$1,500 round trip for small groups. Charter planes are rare due to the short distance.

International Flights: Flights to Kigali from major hubs cost $800–$1,500 round-trip, similar to Uganda.

Hidden Fees

• Visas: A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 (60 days, applied online). The East African Tourist Visa ($100) is ideal for multi-country trips.
• Porter Fees: $10–$20 per trek, essential for steep or muddy trails.
• Tips: $5–$10 for guides, $3–$5 for trackers per person. Luxury travelers may tip $20–$50.
• Gear and Equipment: Similar to Uganda ($50–$150 for boots, rain jacket, etc.). Rentals cost $10–$50.
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination ($40–$100) is required. Other vaccines add $50–$150.
• Meals and Drinks: Excluded meals cost $10–$40. Drinks or snacks add $5–$20 daily.
• Travel Insurance: $50–$150 for a 10-day trip, covering trekking and evacuation.
• Miscellaneous: Souvenirs ($10–$50), operator markups ($50–$200), or cultural tours ($20–$100) may apply.

Total Cost for a 3-Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

• Budget: $1,700–$2,000 per person (sharing), including $1,500 permit ($1,050 with discount), budget lodge ($60–$100/night), shared transport ($20–$50/day), visa ($50), and basic meals
• Mid-Range: $2,000–$3,500 per person, including $1,500 permit, mid-range lodge ($150–$400/night), private 4×4 ($100–$250/day), and extras.

• Luxury: $3,500–$7,000+ per person, including $1,500 permit, luxury lodge ($400–$3,000/night), private transport, and all extras.

• Solo Traveler: Add 20–30% ($2,200–$4,200 for budget/mid-range).

Cost-Saving Tips

• Visit in low season (November–May) for a 30% permit discount by combining with Nyungwe or Akagera visits.
• Choose budget lodges like Hotel Muhabura or Kinigi Guest House.
• Travel in a group to share transport costs.
• Book a one-day trek from Kigali ($1,700) for time-constrained travelers.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC offers the cheapest gorilla trekking permits but requires careful planning due to security concerns and less developed infrastructure.

Virunga National Park hosts 8 habituated mountain gorilla groups, issuing 64 daily permits. Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers eastern lowland gorilla trekking, also at $400 per permit.

Note that Virunga has faced closures (e.g., 2020 due to COVID-19 and security issues), so check travel advisories before planning.

Permit Costs

• Standard Gorilla Trekking Permit: $400 per person for foreign non-residents in Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega. Low-season discounts (April–May, October–November) reduce costs to $250.
• Availability: With only 64 permits daily in Virunga, demand is lower than in Uganda or Rwanda due to security concerns, making permits easier to secure, even last-minute in low season.
• Booking: Permits are issued by Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega authorities, bookable via their websites or operators like Mission Africa Safaris. Booking 3–6 months in advance is advised for peak seasons.
• Cancellation Policy: The DRC allows tour postponements with notice, but refund policies are less clear. Operators can clarify terms.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in the DRC is limited, with fewer options than Uganda or Rwanda, and focuses on budget to mid-range near Virunga.

• Budget: $40–$100 per night (e.g., Mikeno Lodge, basic guesthouses in Goma). Basic but functional, often including breakfast.
• Mid-Range: $100–$250 per night (e.g., Kibumba Tented Camp). Comfortable with en-suite facilities and jungle views.
• Luxury: $350–$800 per night (e.g., Mikeno Lodge’s premium rooms). Limited luxury options offer high-end amenities.
• Low Season Discounts: April–May and October–November may see 10–20% reductions.
• Notes: Meals are often included, but extra meals cost $10–$30. Goma’s dining options add $5–$20 for drinks/snacks.

Transportation Costs

The DRC’s remote parks and security concerns increase transport complexity and cost.

By Road:

• Private 4×4 Vehicle: $100–$250 per day, including driver and fuel. The drive from Goma to Virunga (2–4 hours) requires 1–2 days of rental. Roads are rough, and security escorts may be needed.
• Public Transport: Buses from Goma to park areas cost $5–$15 but are unreliable and unsafe due to security risks. Not recommended.
• Group Travel: Sharing reduces costs to $20–$50 per person per day.

By Air: Domestic flights from Goma to Virunga airstrips cost $400–$600 round trip. Helicopter transfers are rare but cost $1,000+.

International Flights: Flights to Goma via Kigali or Entebbe cost $900–$1,800 round trip, often requiring connections.

Hidden Fees

• Visas: A DRC tourist visa costs $100–$150, often requiring tour operator assistance due to complex online systems. The East African Visa does not apply.
• Porter Fees: $10–$20 per trek. Essential for Virunga’s dense terrain.
• Tips: $5–$10 for guides, $3–$5 for trackers.
• Gear and Equipment: Similar to Uganda/Rwanda ($50–$150). Rentals cost $10–$50.
• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination ($40–$100) is mandatory. Others add $50–$150.
• Meals and Drinks: Excluded meals cost $10–$30. Drinks/snacks add $5–$20 daily.
• Travel Insurance: $50–$150, critical due to security risks.
• Security Costs: Some operators include armed escorts ($50–$100/day). Check advisories for eastern DRC.
• Miscellaneous: Souvenirs ($10–$50), operator markups ($50–$200), or optional activities like Mount Nyiragongo hikes ($300–$400).

Total Cost for a 3-Day Gorilla Trek in the DRC

• Budget: $900–$1,300 per person (sharing), including $400 permit ($250 in low season), budget lodge ($40–$100/night), shared transport ($20–$50/day), visa ($100), and basic meals.
• Mid-Range: $1,500–$2,500 per person, including $400 permit, mid-range lodge ($100–$250/night), private 4×4 ($100–$250/day), and extras.
• Luxury: $2,500–$4,000 per person, including $400 permit, luxury lodge ($350–$800/night), domestic flight ($600), and all extras.
• Solo Traveler: Add 20–30% ($1,200–$3,000 for budget/mid-range).

Cost-Saving Tips

• Trek in low season (April–May, October–November) for $250 permits.
• Choose budget lodges like Mikeno Lodge’s basic rooms.
• Travel in a group to share transport costs.
• Combine with lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega for variety.

Comparing Costs Across Countries

Component	Uganda	Rwanda	DRC
Permit Cost	$800 (standard), $1,500 (habituation)	$1,500 (discounts to $1,050/$1,275)	$400 (low season: $250)
Budget Lodging	$50–$100/night	$60–$100/night	$40–$100/night
Mid-Range Lodging	$100–$500/night	$150–$400/night	$100–$250/night
Luxury Lodging	$700–$1,500/night	$400–$3,000/night	$350–$800/night
Transport (Road)	$70–$300/day	$100–$250/day	$100–$250/day
Transport (Air)	$500–$600 round trip	$1,000–$1,500 (helicopter)	$400–$600 round trip
Visa	$50 (or $100 East African Visa)	$50 (or $100 East African Visa)	$100–$150
3-Day Budget Tour	$1,200–$1,550	$1,700–$2,000	$900–$1,300
3-Day Mid-Range Tour	$1,800–$2,900	$2,000–$3,500	$1,500–$2,500
3-Day Luxury Tour	$3,000–$5,000+	$3,500–$7,000+	$2,500–$4,000

Key Observations

• Uganda: Most affordable overall, with lower permit costs and diverse lodging options. Ideal for budget travelers and those combining with safaris (e.g., Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls). Long travel times increase transport costs.
• Rwanda: Most expensive due to high permit fees and premium lodging. Short travel times and organized infrastructure appeal to time-constrained or luxury travelers.
• DRC: Cheapest permits but higher risks due to security and limited infrastructure. Best for adventurous, budget-conscious travelers.

Hidden Fees and Budgeting Tips

Hidden fees can significantly inflate your budget if not planned for. Below are common hidden costs and strategies to minimize them:

• Visas: Budget $50–$150 per country. The East African Visa ($100) saves money for Uganda/Rwanda trips.
• Porters and Tips: Allocate $20–$50 per trek for porters and tips. Discuss expectations with your operator.
• Gear: Buy durable, reusable gear (e.g., boots, rain jacket) to avoid repeated rental costs. Second-hand gear can save $50–$100.
• vaccinations: Get yellow fever and other vaccines early to avoid last-minute fees. Check with clinics for package deals ($100–$250 total).
• Meals and Drinks: Choose lodges with full-board options to reduce dining costs. Bring snacks to avoid $5–$20 daily expenses.
• Travel Insurance: Opt for policies covering adventure activities and evacuation ($50–$150). Compare providers online.
• Operator Markups: Some operators add $50–$200 for administrative costs. Request transparent pricing upfront.
• Optional Activities: Budget for extras like cultural tours ($20–$100) or Mount Nyiragongo hikes in the DRC ($300–$400).

General Cost-Saving Strategies

• Book Early: Secure permits 5–12 months in advance for peak seasons to avoid price hikes or unavailability.
• Travel in Low Season: March–May and October–November offer better permit availability, discounted lodges, and lower crowds. The DRC’s $250 permits in the low season are a bargain.
• Group Travel: Sharing transport and lodging with 2–6 people cuts costs by 20–30%.
• Avoid Public Transport: Unreliable schedules risk missing treks, negating permit savings.
• Combine Activities: Pair gorilla trekking with safaris or chimpanzee tracking to maximize value (e.g., Kibale in Uganda, Nyungwe in Rwanda).

Practical Considerations

• Conservation Impact: Permit fees fund gorilla conservation (75% in Uganda, similar in Rwanda/DRC), supporting anti-poaching, ranger salaries, and community development. Your investment helps protect these endangered primates
• Safety: Uganda and Rwanda are safer than the DRC, where eastern regions face security risks. Check travel advisories and book with operators offering armed escorts in Virunga.
• Fitness and Age: Trekkers must be 15+ years old due to disease risks to gorillas. Moderate fitness is required, with sedan chairs ($400–$500) available in Uganda for less mobile travelers.
• Trekking Duration: Treks last 1–8 hours, depending on gorilla locations. Rwanda’s shorter treks (30 minutes–4 hours) suit less fit travelers, while Bwindi’s dense terrain can be more demanding.
• Best Time: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer easier trails but higher costs. Low seasons (March–May, October–November) are cheaper and quieter but muddier.

Ready to trek gorilla!

Plan your gorilla trekking adventure in 2025 with Hail Tours Uganda. Whether you choose Uganda’s Bwindi, Rwanda’s Volcanoes, or Congo’s Virunga, we handle permits, transport, and accommodation at the best rates. Book early, save more, and trek safely with expert guides. Contact us today to secure your unforgettable gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.