How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas – Guaranteed gorilla trekking permits – Acacia Gorilla trekking safaris

One of Africa’s most exhilarating wildlife pursuits is gorilla trekking. Compared to a game drive in the Serengeti, Masai Mara, or Kruger National Park, the experience is unique and one of a kind in the world – gorilla trekking is a life changing wildlife encounter. Mountain gorillas resemble us humans in both appearance and behavior, making gorilla trekking unique, watching these lucrative primates in the wild as the mimic human behaviors will give you a sense of familiarity and will melt your heart. The Mountain gorillas live in families and are ruled by a dominating silverback who runs their families, keeps watch and dictates what other members do. Mountain gorillas are in risk of extinction, and as a result, many tourists desire to go gorilla trekking and a result, many governments have been forced to increase the prices of gorilla trekking permits – How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda and Uganda are a must-include on your bucket list when visiting East Africa. How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas – the main cost involved in gorilla trekking is the gorilla trekking permit, a legal document that grants you permission to enter the gorilla trekking premises where you will encounter these massive giants. How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas, if this question still lingers in your head, here is all you need to know about gorilla trekking costs in Uganda and Rwanda.

How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking

Gorillas permit prices or costs – Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit

To trek mountain gorillas in any gorilla safari destination, be it Rwanda, Uganda, or DR. Congo, one must acquire a gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla permit is a document issued by an organization or authority that regulates national parks where gorilla trekking is done. By May 2017, the Rwanda Development Board, which oversees gorilla trekking in Rwanda, had raised the price of a gorilla permit from USD 750 to USD 1500 per person for each trip. The main reason was to ensure that the mountain gorillas are safe. Despite being expensive, gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s primary turn for safaris and many visitors here have testified the trekking experience as a life time adventure.

In comparison to other gorilla safari destinations, Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits: whereas a gorilla permit in DR. Congo is at USD 450 per person, a gorilla permit in Uganda is at USD 700 (foreign non-residents), USD 600 (foreign residents) and UGX 250,000 for east African Citizens.

The cost of a gorilla permit covers one hour spent with the gorillas, ranger fees, an admission fee, and advance trackers. Gorilla permits are best to be booked from a reputable travel operator or the government officials in charge of tourism in the country of interest.

Cost of Gorilla trekking

It is important to note that a gorilla trekking permit is just part of the expense one will incur when they embark on a gorilla trekking safari as the whole adventure or tour may include other costs like accommodation, transport, meals and tips, plus optional expenses like hiring a porter.

Accommodation costs in Rwanda

Rwanda has positioned itself as a high-end gorilla trekking destination; this is reflected in the higher price of the permit and the bigger range of top-end accommodation.

The accommodation prices in Rwanda

Budget: $30 – $50 per person per night based on two sharing

Mid-range: $80 – $250 per person per night based on two sharing

Luxury: $300-$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing

Gorilla trekking prices in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$700 per person, and the country offers an option for an extended “habituation experience”, with permit which allows four hours with the gorillas and currently costs $1,500 per person per trek.