Costs to See Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park

What is the cost of visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park?

If you’re planning on going gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, there are a few major cost factors to consider. These include the cost of gorilla permits or passes, accommodation or lodges for overnight stays in the national parks, and transportation to and from Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.

In addition to these essential elements, there are also other extra expenses to take into account, such as tips for lodge staff, guides, and porters, as well as the cost of hiring porters for your gorilla trek or sedan chairs for elderly individuals.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we understand that organizing a gorilla trekking safari can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help tailor a safari package that covers all essential elements, including gorilla permits, accommodation, and transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the most important cost to consider is the gorilla trekking permit. This permit is a document or card that allows you entry into either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, and it is required in order to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.

The gorilla permit booking systems in both Uganda and Rwanda are highly organized and regulated to ensure the protection of the mountain gorillas in these national parks. As a result, both countries have a maximum limit of 8 people allowed to visit a habituated mountain gorilla group per day for a maximum of one hour.

When booking a gorilla trekking safari, it is important to budget for the cost of the gorilla trekking permit, as it is a significant portion of the total cost. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help you secure your gorilla trekking permit and plan your entire gorilla trekking safari to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Gorilla trekking permits are essential for any trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. However, the availability of these permits depends on the number of habituated mountain gorillas in each park. To find out the number of gorilla permits available for booking daily in either national park, refer to our informative articles on the topic. (How Many Gorilla Trekking Permits are Available Daily in Uganda?)

Each gorilla trekking permit is valid for a single day and is assigned a unique serial number. The permit includes personal details of the individual, which is why passport information is required at the time of booking.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we take care of all the logistics when you book your gorilla safari with us. We provide a driver-guide and transportation for your entire tour, including airport transfers, transportation to your lodging, and the trekking points. If you want to extend your safari to other national parks, we can also help you organize that.

For further information on gorilla trekking permits and booking a gorilla safari with Trek Africa Expeditions, please do not hesitate to contact us via Email: info@trekafricatours.com.

When planning for a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park, it is important to consider booking accommodation closer to the park entrance and starting point. This will help you avoid any delays on the day of your gorilla trek, as the trek usually starts very early in the morning. We recommend arriving at your lodge a day before your trek and spending one more night at the same lodge after your gorilla trek. This is because it is difficult to predict when the trek will end, and having an extra night is always ideal.

Most lodges in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park are independently owned and operated by either international or local business people, offering a variety of options to choose from depending on your interests and budget. There are high-end, mid-range, and budget lodges spread throughout the area. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can advise you on where and what to book for your overnight accommodation while in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.

When you book your gorilla trekking safari with Trek Africa Expeditions, we will take care of all your accommodation needs. The lodges we book for you are typically on a full board basis, covering all your meals. Our aim is to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay while on your gorilla trekking safari. Contact us today for more information on booking your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.

When it comes to selecting a lodge for your gorilla trekking adventure, there are several options available to you in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Local lodges are generally cheaper than high-end lodges run by international chains, but the latter often provide a more polished experience due to their years of operation.

While your gorilla trekking permit covers one hour with the habituated mountain gorillas, a ranger guide, and park entry fees, it’s important to note that tips of around $10-20 are not included but are greatly appreciated. Additionally, hiring a porter to assist you during your trek is recommended for an extra fee.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help you choose the perfect lodge based on your budget and interests. For more information about our gorilla trekking packages and services, please contact us via Email: info@trekafricatours.com.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees

Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in booking gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, which cost US$1500 for international non-residents. This permit covers the cost of spending an hour with habituated mountain gorillas, the services of a ranger guide, and entrance fees to Volcanoes National Park.

Booking your permit through Trek Africa Expeditions not only guarantees a seamless booking process, but also ensures that you will have an experienced guide to accompany you during your trek. Additionally, our team can assist with arranging transportation, accommodation, and other logistics for your trip.

Please note that the permit fee does not include tips for your guide or porter hire fees, which are highly recommended. If you have any questions or need assistance booking your permit, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

How to Check Availability of Gorilla Permits in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has ten habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with a maximum of eight people allowed to visit each family per day. This means there are a total of eighty gorilla permits available daily. To secure your gorilla permit, contact Trek Africa Expeditions, and we will check, reserve, and secure your permit for you.

It is recommended to book your gorilla permit well in advance, preferably a year or two before your intended trek, to avoid missing out. Although Rwanda’s gorilla treks are the most expensive, the gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly. Please note that all gorilla permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis by the Rwanda Development Board. For more information about gorilla permits and booking a gorilla trek, contact us via Email: info@trekafricatours.com.

Accommodation Options and Costs in Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda has established itself as a high-end luxury gorilla trekking destination with expensive gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park. As a result, most lodges in the area are high-end and come with a higher price tag. However, there are also some mid-range and budget options available.

Here are some estimated accommodation costs in Rwanda:

• Budget: $30 – $50 per person per night based on two people sharing.
• Mid-range: $80 – $250 per person per night based on two people sharing.
• Luxury: $300 – $3,000 per person per night based on two people sharing.

Volcanoes National Park is conveniently located only two hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city, making it more accessible than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This means that you can save on transportation and accommodation costs by opting for a shorter stay.

For instance, you can go on a one-day gorilla trek in Rwanda for about $1,800 per person. A two-day gorilla tour will cost around £2,000. A three-day luxury gorilla safari may cost $2,000 to $5,000 per person. These tours usually include a gorilla tracking permit, private transport, an English-speaking guide, accommodation, and meals. Charter plane and helicopter transfers are also available for an additional cost.

The Price of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, it’s important to know the cost of the gorilla trekking permit. The price of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is USUSD800 for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents with working permits can get permits at a reduced price of USUSD700 . East African citizens are charged a discounted price of UGX300,000.

It’s worth noting that gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are in high demand and can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Therefore, it’s recommended that you book your permit in advance to avoid missing out.

The gorilla trekking permit fee includes park entry fees, services of a ranger guide, and one hour with habituated mountain gorillas in the wild. However, it’s important to note that tips for your ranger guide and porter services are not included in the permit fee and are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about gorilla trekking in Uganda or need assistance booking your permit, feel free to contact us at Trek Africa Expeditions.

Availability of Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has 19 habituated gorilla families available for visitors. Each family can be visited by a maximum of 8 people, meaning that up to 152 gorilla permits are available daily. By providing us with your travel dates, we can check for availability, reserve permits and make payments on your behalf.

To avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking your gorilla trekking permits 3-4 months or even a year in advance, especially during high season when permits tend to sell out quickly. With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can secure your permits ahead of time and have a stress-free trekking experience.

Lodging Options and Prices in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides various lodging options for visitors, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. The park has more mid-range and budget lodges than its counterpart, Volcanoes National Park, and all four regions of Bwindi offer high-end luxury lodges.

For budget lodges, visitors can expect to pay between $50 to $70 per person per night based on two sharing. Mid-range accommodations range from $80 to $120 per person per night based on two sharing. Luxury lodges, on the other hand, can cost between $300 to $3,000 per person per night based on two sharing.

When planning a gorilla trek, the cost of accommodation is typically included in the overall price. A three-day gorilla trek with a budget lodging option can cost around $1,400 per person, which includes one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, an English-speaking guide, meals, and accommodation. Meanwhile, a luxury gorilla safari lasting three days or more can cost upwards of $3,000 per person. Higher-priced tours may also include flights to one of the small airstrips, which are just a short drive from the gorilla tracking region.

Transport Options and Costs for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

When planning a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visitors have several transportation options. Both vans and luxury Land Cruisers are commonly used by individuals and tour operators to get to the park.

For budget-conscious travelers, a safari van is a suitable option, with the cost typically around USD $100, including a safari guide. However, fuel costs, which can amount to approximately USD $250, are usually not included. For those willing to spend more on comfort, Land Cruisers are an excellent option, with prices ranging from USD $200 to USD $300, excluding fuel, for transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Alternatively, visitors can opt for a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Daily scheduled and charter flights are available and can be arranged through various tour operators.

It’s important to note that while flights may be more expensive than road transport, they are a faster and more convenient option. Ultimately, the choice of transportation depends on individual preferences, budget, and itinerary.