Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and the single most asked-about cost when European travellers plan an East African safari. The short answer: expect to spend between $2,400 and $7,000+ per person for a complete gorilla trekking safari, depending on whether you choose Uganda or Rwanda and your accommodation preferences.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The permit is the biggest single expense, but it’s far from the only cost. This guide breaks down every expense so you can budget accurately for 2026.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sets gorilla permit prices with a seasonal structure:
High season (June–September, December–February): $800 per person
Low season (April, May, November): $600 per person
East African citizens: UGX 300,000 (approximately $80)
Foreign residents: $700 per person
Uganda gorilla trekking takes place in two locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (4 gorilla sectors with over 20 habituated groups) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (1 habituated group — Nyakagezi). Bwindi offers far more availability and is the primary choice for most visitors.
Uganda also offers Gorilla Habituation Experience permits at $1,500 per person. Only 4 participants per day are allowed, and you spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla group that is still being habituated to human presence — a more intimate and extended encounter than standard trekking.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) charges a flat rate year-round:
All visitors: $1,500 per person
East African citizens: $500 per person (with Rwandan ID/passport)
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place exclusively in Volcanoes National Park in the northwest, home to 12 habituated gorilla groups. The park is just 2–3 hours’ drive from Kigali, making it significantly more accessible than Uganda’s Bwindi.
On permit price alone, Uganda is the clear winner — $800 vs $1,500 saves you $700 per person. For a couple, that’s $1,400 in savings on permits alone.
However, the total trip cost tells a more nuanced story:
Uganda advantages: Lower permit cost, more gorilla groups (better availability), longer trekking experience in dense rainforest, can combine with Queen Elizabeth NP and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Budget and mid-range accommodation options are plentiful.
Rwanda advantages: Much shorter transfer time from Kigali airport (2–3 hours vs 8–10 hours to Bwindi), well-maintained roads, premium luxury lodges (Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda), and a more compact itinerary — ideal if you have limited time.
Bottom line: If budget matters most and you have 5+ days, choose Uganda. If time is limited or you want a luxury experience with minimal travel time, Rwanda justifies the premium.
Here’s a realistic per-person budget for a 5-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda (Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth NP → Bwindi → Entebbe):
Budget ($2,400–$3,000):
Gorilla permit: $800. Accommodation (budget lodges/guesthouses): $50–$80/night × 4 = $200–$320. Transport (shared vehicle): $300–$400. Park entrance fees: $40/day × 3 = $120. Meals: $20–$30/day × 5 = $100–$150. Domestic flight Entebbe–Kihihi (optional): $250 one-way. Tips and extras: $50–$100.
Mid-Range ($3,500–$5,000):
Gorilla permit: $800. Accommodation (comfortable lodges): $150–$300/night × 4 = $600–$1,200. Private 4×4 with driver-guide: $150–$200/day × 5 = $750–$1,000. Park entrance fees: $120. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale (optional add-on): $200. Meals (included at lodges). Tips: $100–$150.
Luxury ($5,500–$8,000+):
Gorilla permit: $800. Accommodation (luxury lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge): $500–$1,500/night × 4 = $2,000–$6,000. Charter flights: $400–$600 per leg. All meals, drinks, and activities included. Private guide throughout.
A shorter Rwanda trip is popular due to easy access from Kigali:
Mid-Range ($3,500–$5,000):
Gorilla permit: $1,500. Accommodation (mid-range lodge): $150–$250/night × 2 = $300–$500. Private transfer Kigali–Volcanoes NP: $200–$300 return. Park entrance: included in permit. Golden monkey tracking (optional): $100. Meals: $100–$150. Tips: $50–$100.
Luxury ($7,000–$15,000+):
Gorilla permit: $1,500. Accommodation (Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda): $1,500–$3,000/night × 2–3 nights. VIP airport transfers. All-inclusive with premium experiences.
Book early. Gorilla permits sell out months in advance, especially for July–August and December–January. We recommend booking 3–6 months ahead for peak season, and at least 1–2 months for low season.
Booking channels: You can book directly through UWA (Uganda) or RDB (Rwanda) websites, but the process can be confusing and permits are non-refundable. Most travellers book through a licensed tour operator like Nature Nest Safaris — we handle the permit application, confirm your preferred dates, and manage any changes.
Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking. Bank transfers and credit cards are accepted. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable (though rebooking to different dates is sometimes possible through operators).
The trek begins with a morning briefing at 7:00–8:00 AM at the park headquarters. Rangers assign you to a gorilla group based on your fitness level and group availability.
Duration: The hike to find gorillas takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 6+ hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day. Average trek time is 2–4 hours each way. You spend exactly 1 hour with the gorilla group once found (4 hours for habituation permits).
Fitness level: Moderate fitness is required. Trails range from gentle forest paths to steep, muddy hillsides at altitudes of 2,000–2,800 metres. Hiring a porter ($15–$20) is highly recommended — they carry your daypack and help you on difficult terrain.
What to bring: Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket, gardening gloves (for grabbing vegetation), 1–2 litres of water, snacks, and a camera without flash.
Nature Nest Safaris arranges gorilla trekking packages in both Uganda and Rwanda, with permit booking, accommodation, transport, and expert guides included. We’ll recommend the best option based on your budget, timeframe, and travel style.
View our gorilla trekking packages or request a custom quote.
Ready to plan your East African adventure? Browse our curated safari experiences:
Let our expert team craft your perfect safari adventure. Custom itineraries, competitive prices, and unforgettable experiences.
Start Planning Your Safari