Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost: Updated Guide for 2025

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Uganda is one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in Africa. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is defined as a guided hike through the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search of habituated mountain gorilla families. For many travelers on a Uganda safari, the chance to meet the gentle giants face to face is the highlight of their journey. But before setting off, one of the most common questions asked is: how much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?

The cost of gorilla trekking depends on several factors, including the price of permits, transportation, accommodation, and additional safari services. In this guide, we break down every detail to help you plan your gorilla safari with confidence.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost

The gorilla trekking permit is the most important document you need to join the trek. As of 2025, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revised its rates, and the cost for foreign non-residents is now USD 800 per person per trek. Foreign residents in East Africa pay USD 800, while citizens of the East African Community (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC) pay UGX 300,000. These rates give you access to a guided trek, a team of expert rangers, and one magical hour spent with a gorilla family in their natural habitat.

For those who want a deeper and more extended encounter, Uganda also offers the gorilla habituation experience. This allows visitors to spend up to four hours with gorillas undergoing the habituation process. The habituation permit costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens. Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance, especially during peak safari seasons.

Transport and Vehicle Costs

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park is part of the adventure. The parks are located in southwestern Uganda, about 8 to 9 hours by road from Kampala or Entebbe, although domestic flights are also available to nearby airstrips.

Most travelers prefer to hire a 4×4 safari vehicle to navigate Uganda’s road network and access the remote gorilla trekking regions. According to Jungle Uganda Car Rental, small vehicles such as a Toyota Rav4 cost between USD 45 and USD 65 per day, which is ideal for budget travelers. For more comfort and better road handling, a safari van or Land Cruiser Prado ranges from USD 80 to USD 120 per day. Larger safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs designed for game viewing cost between USD 200 and USD 300 per day, often including a professional driver but excluding fuel.

Fuel costs vary depending on your route, but you should budget an additional USD 150 to 250 for a full gorilla trekking round trip. Travelers short on time can book a scheduled or chartered flight with AeroLink Uganda or Bar Aviation, which lands at Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, with transfers to the parks arranged by tour operators.

Accommodation Costs in Gorilla Regions

Accommodation is another factor that influences the overall gorilla trekking cost in Uganda. Both Bwindi and Mgahinga offer a wide range of lodges and camps, catering to different budgets.

Budget travelers can find basic but comfortable lodges and guesthouses from USD 50 to USD 100 per night, often including breakfast. Mid-range accommodation, which provides better amenities and full board, averages between USD 120 and USD 250 per night. Luxury safari lodges such as Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge range from USD 400 to USD 700 per night. For ultra-luxury options, some exclusive lodges charge over USD 1,500 per night, offering private villas, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of the rainforest.

Additional Gorilla Trekking Costs

Beyond permits, transport, and accommodation, there are other expenses travelers should consider. Hiring a porter is highly recommended, especially given the steep terrain of Bwindi. A porter carries your backpack and offers support on the trek, costing between USD 15 and USD 25 per trek. Not only does this make your hike more comfortable, but it also supports local communities living around the park.

Meals, drinks, travel insurance, tips for guides and rangers, and souvenirs are extra costs to factor in. Most lodges provide packed lunches on trekking days, but visitors should carry bottled water, snacks, hiking boots, rain jackets, and long-sleeved clothing for comfort and protection.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Cost?

When you add everything up, the cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda typically ranges between USD 1,200 and USD 3,500 per person depending on your travel style, group size, and length of stay. For solo travelers, the price tends to be higher due to transport and accommodation being shared less. Group travelers enjoy reduced per-person costs, especially if vehicle hire and lodge rooms are split.

Although gorilla trekking is one of the more expensive wildlife activities in Africa, it is also one of the most rewarding. The permit fees directly support conservation efforts through UWA and provide income to local communities, ensuring the survival of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. With just over 1,000 individuals left in the wild, your visit contributes to protecting them for future generations.

Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari

Planning a gorilla trekking safari requires early preparation, especially when securing permits during peak months of June to September and December to February. At Gorilla Uganda Safari Bookings, we help travelers secure permits, arrange transport, and book the best lodges to suit your budget. Whether you are a solo explorer, a couple on honeymoon, or a group of adventurers, we can customize your safari to include gorilla trekking along with other wildlife experiences in Uganda.

Book your Uganda gorilla trekking safari today by sending us an email at info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly at +256-775630809 to speak with our reservations team. Let us help you create memories that last a lifetime as you meet the gentle giants of Bwindi.