Gorilla Trekking Costs: How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda & Rwanda
A gorilla trekking experience can cost from USD $ 1,500 per person on a low end, to USD $ 5,000 and above on the luxury end.
The main costs making up gorilla trekking costs are the trekking permits, accommodation, transport, meals and tips, plus optional expenses like hiring a porter.
Gorilla trekking cost is determined by three big factors that is where you go (Rwanda or Uganda), going in a group Vs private tour, and the class of accommodation you are looking for.
Most international visitors to Uganda and Rwanda book everything in an organized tour package, this is by far the easiest way to travel on a gorilla trekking safari.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost
Most visitors use a tour operator who will arrange a driver-guide for the duration of the tour. Typically, the drive will welcome you at the airport, take you to your lodge and accompany you to the start of the gorilla trekking point. The majority of visitors will extend their trip several days afterwards, with the same safari vehicle and driver.
The gorilla trek starts early in the morning, so you will want accommodation near to your chosen national park entrance. It is recommended that you arrive at your lodge the day before you trek and then spend a second night at the same lodge. Most accommodation options are full board.
Most of the lodges are independently owned. Some are owned by local, and others by international operators. Generally speaking, locally-run establishments are cheaper. Some are commercially run, and others support local projects around the lodge. Internationally owned establishments often have more years in the business and thus give a better overall experience, at a price.
Although your gorilla trekking permit does include a fee for the ranger guides, tips are greatly appreciated. You will also find it very useful to hire a porter so should allow a fee of $ 10-$20 per person plus tip.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Costs
In Rwanda a gorilla tracking permit costs US$ 1,500 for international tourists. At the time of writing (2025), there are 96 permits available per day. You can buy your permit up to two years advance through the Rwanda Development Board or through a registered tour company.
Rwanda pitches itself as the high-end gorilla trekking destination which is reflected in the higher price of the gorilla permit and the bigger range of top-end accommodation. Rwanda has some sensational luxury properties and a fair number of overpriced mid-range options, so book with caution.
Typical accommodation costs in Rwanda:
- Budget : $50 – $80 per person per night based on two sharing
- Mid-range: $90 – $250 per person per night based on two sharing
- Luxury: $350-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking region is only two hours’ drive from Kigali City, making the gorillas far more accessible than in Uganda. In theory this means you can save on transport and accommodation by doing a shorter trip. It is possible to do a one-day gorilla trek in Rwanda from around $ 1,700 per person.
A two-day gorilla tour will start from £ 1,900. A three-day luxury gorilla safari may cost $ 2,000 to $ 5,000 per person. Tours Packages include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, English – speaking guide, accommodation and meals. Charter plane and helicopter transfers are additional options.
Travel Advice – while on a gorilla trek, slow down and don’t rush in and out just to track the gorillas. You will be doing yourself and your hosts a great disservice.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Costs
A gorilla permit in Uganda is US$ 800 per person.
In Uganda there is also the option for an extended “habituation experience” permit which allows approximately four hours with the gorillas, rangers and researchers and costs $ 1,500.
As an incentive for visitors to explore less-visited corners of the country, gorilla permit holders are entitled to a day’s free entrance to either Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda or Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve in western Uganda. This fee doesn’t cover activity fees, only park entrance.
With 23 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and a maximum of eight visitors per group, there are a total of 184 permits available per day. Gorilla tracking permits can be purchased up to two years in advance through a registered tour company.
Uganda has more budget and mid-range accommodation options than Rwanda and also has a number of luxury lodges.
- Budget : $60-$80 per person per night based on two sharing
- Mid-range: $100-$120 per person per night based on two sharing
- Luxury: $400-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing
The cheapest three-day gorilla trek will cost around $ 1,200 per person and will include one gorilla tracking permit, private transport, an English – speaking guide, accommodation and meals. A three day luxury gorilla safari may cost upwards of $ 3,000 per person. Higher – priced tours may include flights to one of the small airstrips a half – hour drive from the gorilla trekking region.
Budget Gorilla Trekking
The price of a gorilla permit is non-negotiable, however it is possible to cut other costs by traveling independently. As an expert, this is perfectly safe and is a great way to experience local culture unfiltered by the tourist industry.
Using public transport, the most accessible gorilla trekking sectors are Buhoma and Rushaga in Bwindi, both of which are accessible by bus and have a fair choice of affordable accommodation. If you are self-driving, any park in Uganda or Rwanda is a realistic goal.
Note: In Uganda, you can only secure a permit via an unauthorized tour operator, but you are free to make all the other travel arrangements yourself. Just be very careful that the family you have the permit for is close to where you book your lodge.