How Does It Cost to Trek Gorillas – Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
How does it cost to trek Gorillas? Trekking gorillas requires one to first pay for the valid permit which will allow you to access gorillas inhabits and price of Gorilla trekking depends on the number of factors involved and below are the factors we all need to look at to establish the cost to trek gorillas because it involves the whole package and no single event of trekking Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
The cost to trek Gorillas varies to each country, since gorilla trekking can only be done in three countries Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. And one to take part in gorilla trekking, you must obtain a Gorilla permit so the cost to trek Gorillas largely determines the cost of Gorilla trekking in all Gorilla trekking countries.
In Uganda the cost to trek Gorillas is at USD700 for foreign nonresidents, USD600 for foreign residents of East African countries and UGX250,000 East African members and do not be deceived, there’ no low season discount and more.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience permits goes at USD 1,500 for foreigner nonresidents and USD1,000 for foreign resident in East Africa.
The vehicle: Bwindi Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga Gorilla national park, although getting to both places are not smooth on tarmac roads but we recommend you to use a 4×4 vehicle to access the national parks to where your Gorilla trek begins.
Rwanda’s trekking permit cost USD1,500 per person per trek, the fee is both the nationality and visitors. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda can be conducted in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking Congo costs USD400 and trekking takes place in Virunga National Park.
However, Gorilla conservation involves in significant investments in research, ranger and scientists and all this requires money. The money collected from gorilla permits provides protection of these giant primates. To be more specific ,15% of the money collected is the government ,10% goes to the locals and 75% support gorilla conservations. Note this, if the money for the gorilla trekking were reduced there would have been too visitors to the parks thus affecting the wellbeing of our remaining creatures –habituated gorillas.
The cost to trek gorillas differs from country to country. It is important to note that the price of gorilla permits is just worth the cost of gorilla trekking. For this matter, you still have to consider the items inclusive like transportation, accommodation, food, VISAs, Air tickets, packing lists, porters and tips given to the Guides.
The cost to trek Gorillas; Traveler planning to do gorilla trekking in any of these three countries, you will need to pay a gorilla permit first. In all, a gorilla permit is a document that allows you see gorillas in their nature environment whether in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. To be part of gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park, it’s a full day’s thrilling experience and involves four hours with mountain gorillas instead of the one hour allocated to visitors during standard gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit is the requirement need first for gorilla trekking. You cannot be allowed to be part of the trekking group activity without showing a valid permit to the park authorities. A gorilla permits is paid for to interact with the critically endangered mountain gorillas whom share 98% of DNA for one hour, park entrance, ranger fees and advance trackers.
How to book a gorilla permit in each gorilla safari destination; To book a gorilla permit, you need to get a reliable tour operator or book directly to the government authorities in the respective countries. In Uganda ,a visitor can book a gorilla permit from ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices where permits are issued out while in Rwanda you can book directly from Rwanda Development Board .If you are to trek gorillas in Congo book your permit with the Virunga National Park websites or through a trustworthy tour operator .It is very important to book your gorilla permits at least 2 months in advance ,if you are planning to travel in the peak season in the months of ‘’June to August and December to February. It is advisable to do the booking at least 5 to 6 months before the trip so that you don’t be disappointed.
Cost of essentials on the gorilla trekking packing list; For the best experience while trekking gorillas, you will need to travel with a good clear camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand gloves, hiking boots, pair of binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes, rain jackets and warm clothes among others you might carry.
Lastly, we can say that the cost of gorilla trekking activity depends on how many days you set aside for the activity, it could be 2 days or 3 days Gorilla trekking but always consult your tour company to see if they help you with booking a flight to and from your country of Origin, because few tour companies are willing to book air tickets on behalf of their guests and always be very careful of whom you’re booking with your Gorilla Safaris.
