How Much Does It Really Cost To Trek Mountain Gorillas? A Detailed Breakdown
One of the frequently asked questions when it comes to gorilla trekking is how much does it cost? Gorilla Trekking is one of the prime activities and is a memorable encounter to go on an adventure tracking these endangered species. Mountain Gorilla Trekking is best done in two national parks located in East Africa that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Both national parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas whose habitat is in the deep forest jungles.
One of the differences between gorilla trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the price. The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person while the gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500.The choice on where you decide to track the mountain gorillas is entirely dependent on you and your interests. Some visitors choose Uganda because they are interested in exploring other parks in the country like Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other visitors chose Rwanda because they are interested in exploring other parks in Rwanda like Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. There are also visitors that are interested in experiencing both gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda so they opt for a tour that will combine both.
Briefing from a ranger guide before starting the gorilla trek in Bwindi
The total cost of an entire gorilla trekking safari includes accommodation and other safari needs like car,fuel and driver guide. The cost of a gorilla trekking safari for mid-range accommodation starts from $2500 per person. This price depends on the number of people travelling. For high-end and luxury accommodation the gorilla trekking safari can cost between $3500 – $6000 per person depending on the lodge of choice. These rates would include accommodation, car, driver guide, meals while on safari and gorilla trekking permits.
Mid-range lodges in Uganda that we recommend for gorilla trekking include Haven Lodge Buhoma, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
High-end Lodges in Uganda that we recommend for gorilla trekking include Bwindi Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Mid-ranges Lodges in Rwanda that we recommend for gorilla trekking include Gorilla solution Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge and Ingagi Park View Lodge.
High-end Lodges in Rwanda that we recommend for gorilla trekking include Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
The mid-range lodges usually cost between $200-$350 per night while the high-end lodges cost between $350-$5000 per night.
Best time to do Gorilla Trekking
Gorillas can be seen all year round that is permits are available for booking from January all the way to December however the trek is obviously easier during the dry season that is between June- August and July – September. The drier months are considered as a high season period so gorilla permits tend so sell out fast however the good thing is one can always look at booking during the less busy months. We always recommend booking the permits in advance as sometimes the permits do sell out fast.
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