What’s the cost of gorilla trekking is among the commonly asked questions for most travelers planning to visit gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Well, its wise to clearly understand how much is a gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest/ Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Park. The cost of gorilla trekking each country is different as put by respective gorilla conservation bodies. However, the gorilla trekking experience in each country is magical in its own kind and worth the cost. African Apes Holidays brings you a detailed breakdown of gorilla trekking costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to help you choose your gorilla safari destination wisely. Your budget will determine which country you will visit for gorilla trekking in East Africa. The breakdown of the cost of gorilla trekking is as follows:
Cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda
For everyone visiting to trek Uganda mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the permit cost is categorized as foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African Citizens. Each Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for gorilla conservation and tourism in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park issues all gorilla permits in Uganda. You can book directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through African Apes Holidays making it easier for you.
Congo Gorilla Permit prices
Trekking gorillas in Virunga National Park Congo is relatively cheaper costing $450 compared to Uganda and Rwanda. The Democratic Republic of Congo is therefore the best gorilla safari destination for travelers on a budget. The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature is responsible for gorilla conservation, permits and trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, African Apes Holidays helps you to book and obtain a Congo gorilla permit in time. 64 gorilla permits are available each day in Virunga National Park
Cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda
Each Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 paid by all travelers irrespective of one’s originality including Rwanda nationals. The cost of Rwanda gorilla permits was hiked in 2017 from $750 to $1500 transforming the country into a luxury gorilla tour destination in Africa. Each day, Rwanda Development Board issues 80 gorilla permits in Volcanoes National park. African Apes Tours & Travel can help you book and pick up your Rwanda gorilla permit from RDB.
When to book a gorilla permit
Booking of mountain gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is recommended at least 6 months in advance. The reason for early booking is the high demand for gorilla permits, especially in the peak season. Upon confirmation, travelers are asked to pay a 30% deposit fee, and the top-up is required at least 90 days before the trekking date.
Cost of gorilla habituation experience
If you want to spend more time (4 hours) with the gorillas, the permit costs $1500 each. Gorilla habituation experience is done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The experience is all about training wild mountain gorillas and taming them to be used with people. Each mountain gorilla family goes through 2-3 years of habituation experience before its opens for trekking. 8-gorilla habituation permits are available each day and issued on a forest come first to serve basis.
What is included in the gorilla permit cost?
It’s undeniable that gorilla permits are surely expensive compared to other travel experiences. Most travelers have often asked what is included in the gorilla permit costs. Mountain gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo include:
1. Park entrance fees. Once you have paid for a gorilla permit, you will not be asked to pay entrance fees to any gorilla national Park unlike in other savannah parks where travelers are asked to pay entrance fees separate from other activities done within the Park.
2. Gorilla Trekking Experience: The gorilla permit allows you to spend an hour with a gorilla family in the national park of your choice. The permit is valid of an hour after which it becomes invalid.
3. Conservation Fee: Some portion of gorilla permit money is used for conservation purposes. YES, mountain gorillas are endangered species, which require tight conservation to promote sustainable gorilla tours in Africa.
4. Park Rangers’ fee and allowance: From gorilla permit money gorilla park managements get money to facilitate full-time rangers in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. When going gorilla trekking, travelers are given two armed rangers to escort them throughout the trek
5. Facilitation of gorilla tourism police and doctors who ensure the safety and well-being of these endangered species.
6. Government taxes
What is excluded from the Gorilla permit cost?
The exclusions of the gorilla permit cost in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo include:
1. Extra activities apart from gorilla trekking
2. Your driver’s guide
3. Accommodation
4. Meals
5. Transport fees
6. Visa Fees
7. All other personal expenses
Conclusively, understanding of gorilla permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is very important before confirming any gorilla safari. Contact African Apes Tours for more information and travel advice.