How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda & Rwanda? (2025 Updated Prices)
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo?
Gorilla trekking is the ultimate wildlife adventure in East Africa. In 2025 to 2026, the gorilla trekking cost depends on your destination: Uganda permits cost USD 800, Rwanda permits USD 1,500, and Congo permits USD 400. Whether you choose Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga, your journey brings you face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Request a Free QuoteHow Much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Gorilla trekking is one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa, but one of the first questions travelers ask is: “How much does gorilla trekking cost?” The price depends mainly on the country you choose — Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and whether you book a budget, midrange or luxury safari package.
As of 2025 and 2026, the official gorilla trekking permit prices are:
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost: USD 800 per person (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit cost: USD 1,500 per person (Volcanoes National Park)
- Congo gorilla trekking permit cost: USD 400 per person (Virunga National Park)
These permit prices are mandatory and form the backbone of every gorilla trekking safari. In addition to permits, the total cost of a gorilla trekking tour will include accommodation, transport, park fees, guides, and meals — bringing the average gorilla trekking safari cost to anywhere between USD 1,500 – 6,000+ per person, depending on the level of comfort.
Whether you are searching for:
- “Uganda gorilla trekking cost 2025”
- “How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?”
- “Cheap gorilla trekking tours in Uganda”
- “Best place to see gorillas in Africa”
This gorilla trekking cost guide answers all your cost-related questions in detail so you can plan a trip that matches your budget, travel style and dream gorilla experience.
Gorilla Trekking Cost by Country: Uganda, Rwanda & Congo (DRC)
Planning your trip and wondering about the Gorilla Trekking Cost? Below is a quick, scannable breakdown of official permit prices for 2025 and what travelers typically spend on full tour packages. Use this as a benchmark when comparing budget, midrange, and luxury gorilla trekking tours.
| Country | Gorilla Permit Price (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | USD 800 | Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga; full-day trekking with ranger guides. |
| Rwanda | USD 1,500 | Volcanoes National Park; premium experience with shorter transfers and high-end lodges. |
| Congo (DRC) | USD 400 | Virunga National Park; more adventurous, limited operations & variable logistics. |
Uganda – Bwindi & Mgahinga
Typical Tour Package Ranges
Permit: USD 800 | Best for value + variety
- Budget: from USD 1,500–2,200 (shared 4×4, cozy lodges, essential inclusions)
- Midrange: USD 2,300–3,500 (comfortable lodges, private guide, added experiences)
- Luxury: USD 4,000–6,000+ (premium eco-lodges, fly-in options, bespoke services)
Keywords: Uganda gorilla trekking cost, Bwindi trekking price, fly-in gorilla safari Uganda.
Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Typical Tour Package Ranges
Permit: USD 1,500 | Best for premium, short transfers
- Budget: from USD 2,500–3,500 (limited availability at this tier)
- Midrange: USD 3,800–5,500 (quality lodges, private guide, Kigali access)
- Luxury: USD 6,500–10,000+ (ultra-luxury lodges, curated experiences)
Keywords: Rwanda gorilla permit price, Volcanoes NP trekking cost, luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda.
Congo (DRC) – Virunga National Park
Typical Tour Package Ranges
Permit: USD 400 | Best for adventurous travelers
- Budget: from USD 1,300–2,000 (basic logistics, local lodges)
- Midrange: USD 2,100–3,200 (comfort lodges, guided logistics)
- Luxury: USD 3,800–5,500+ (select properties, tailored support)
Keywords: Congo gorilla trekking price, Virunga gorilla permit cost, DRC gorilla tour cost.
What Drives Your Total Gorilla Trekking Cost?
- Permits: fixed per country and date; a non-negotiable part of every trek.
- Accommodation tier: budget guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges near trailheads.
- Transport: road safaris vs. time-saving fly-in options (Entebbe ⇄ Kihihi/Kisoro).
- Season & availability: peak dates sell out; book permits early.
- Group size & add-ons: private guides, porters, cultural visits, extra treks.
What Influences the Gorilla Trekking Cost?
Understanding what shapes the total gorilla trekking cost helps travelers plan better and avoid surprises. Beyond the mandatory gorilla permit, your budget will vary depending on accommodation, transport, group size, and extras. Here are the main cost drivers:
1. Gorilla Permits
The permit is the single largest fixed cost. As of 2025, Uganda charges USD 800, Rwanda USD 1,500, and Congo USD 400. Every visitor must secure one permit per trek. In peak seasons, permits sell out months in advance, making early booking essential.
2. Accommodation Levels
Lodging can range from budget guesthouses to ultra-luxury eco-lodges. Most visitors choose midrange safari lodges for comfort and affordability. Luxury lodges add exclusivity, while budget options lower overall gorilla trekking cost in Uganda and Rwanda.
3. Transport: Road vs. Fly-In
Road transfers are cheaper but take longer — for example, Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi takes about 8–9 hours by road. Fly-in safaris save time (1 hour flights to Kihihi or Kisoro) but increase costs. Many luxury travelers choose Uganda fly-in gorilla safaris for convenience.
4. Group vs. Private Tours
Joining a group gorilla trekking tour is more affordable because transport and guiding costs are shared. Private tours offer flexibility but come at a premium. Solo travelers usually benefit from joining groups.
5. Extras: Porters, Tips & Cultural Tours
Hiring a porter (~USD 20) is recommended for comfort and supports local communities. Tips for guides, meals, and optional activities such as Batwa cultural visits or Lake Bunyonyi excursions can add to your overall budget.
Which Country is Best for Gorilla Trekking?
Choosing between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo depends on your budget, time, and travel style. Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of gorilla trekking cost and experience across the three destinations:
| Factor | Uganda | Rwanda | Congo (DRC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Cost (2025) | USD 800 | USD 1,500 | USD 400 |
| Accessibility | 8–9 hrs by road from Entebbe; 1 hr fly-in to Kihihi/Kisoro | 2.5 hrs road transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes NP | Goma border access; security & logistics may vary |
| Accommodation | Wide range: budget, midrange, luxury eco-lodges | Mostly high-end lodges, fewer budget options | Limited lodge choices, mostly basic to midrange |
| Overall Costs | USD 1,500–6,000 depending on tier | USD 3,000–10,000+, premium focused | USD 1,200–4,000, lowest entry price but fewer amenities |
| Experience | Diverse habitats, highest gorilla population (Bwindi) | Premium trekking experience, easier access | Raw adventure, fewer tourists, unstable security |
Summary: Uganda offers the best balance of cost, accessibility, and gorilla populations; Rwanda is ideal for luxury and time-saving; Congo is the most budget-friendly but requires an adventurous spirit.
Trekking Gorillas in Uganda via Kigali Rwanda
Many travelers save time and money by choosing to fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then cross into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This route is becoming increasingly popular because Kigali is only a 4–5 hour drive from Bwindi Forest, compared to the 8–9 hour drive from Entebbe, making it the fastest way to reach Uganda’s gorillas.
Visitors can easily cross through the Cyanika or Katuna border posts, both of which are reliable entry points. With the East African Tourist Visa, you don’t need separate visas for Uganda and Rwanda — one visa covers multiple entries across Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, making it cost-effective and convenient. This option combines the affordability of Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits (USD 800 in 2025 and 2026) with the time-saving advantage of Kigali’s closer proximity. It’s also ideal for travelers planning a short Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali or those who want to blend Rwanda’s city culture with Uganda’s raw jungle adventure.
Choosing this route is not only unique but also highly practical, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets for travelers searching for the cheapest, fastest, and most rewarding gorilla trekking experience in East Africa.
Gorilla Trekking Cost FAQs
How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs USD 800 for a permit (2025 price) in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Tour packages range from USD 1,000 (budget) to over USD 4,000 (luxury) depending on accommodation and transport. See some of our Gorilla Packages.
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
Gorilla trekking is costly because it funds conservation, ranger protection, and community development around national parks. Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day are allowed, ensuring sustainable tourism and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is gorilla trekking cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is significantly cheaper. A permit in Uganda costs USD 800, while Rwanda charges USD 1,500. Congo is the most affordable at USD 400, but with more adventurous logistics. Check for costs here.
Do I need to book a gorilla permit in advance?
Yes. Gorilla permits sell out months ahead, especially in high season. Booking at least 6–12 months in advance guarantees availability for your preferred trekking sector and date.
What’s included in a gorilla trekking tour package?
Most gorilla trekking packages include permits, accommodation, meals, transfers, park entry fees, and professional guiding. Extras like porters, tips, and cultural add-ons can be arranged separately.
Ready to Trek Gorillas?
Experience the ultimate bucket-list adventure with a tailor-made safari that balances your budget, comfort, and time. Whether you want a budget-friendly group trek or a luxury fly-in safari, our team will plan it all for you.
Don’t wait — permits are limited!
