💰 Cost & Budget Guide
Gorilla Trekking Uganda — Permit Costs & Budget Guide
Uganda offers the most affordable mountain gorilla trekking in the world — and the experience is every bit as extraordinary as the more expensive Rwanda option.
Quick Answer
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person (vs. $1,500 in Rwanda). A complete 3–4 day gorilla trekking trip costs $2,500–$6,000 per person including permits, accommodation, transfers, and meals.
Permit Costs
Uganda Wildlife Authority charges $800 per gorilla trekking permit for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay $700, visitors from the rest of Africa $500, and East African citizens UGX 300,000. In April, May and November a low-season rate of $600 applies for foreign non-residents. Permits allow one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Permits should be booked 3–6 months in advance for peak season.
Accommodation Costs
Budget lodges near Bwindi: $50–$150/night. Mid-range: $200–$500/night. Luxury (Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge): $500–$1,500/night. Most visitors stay 2–3 nights near the park.
Transport & Logistics
Domestic flight Entebbe–Kihihi: $250–$400 one-way (saves 8–10 hours of driving). Road transfer: $150–$300 one-way. Internal flights are strongly recommended for comfort and time savings.
Uganda vs Rwanda: Cost Comparison
Uganda permits: $800 vs Rwanda: $1,500. Uganda accommodation is generally cheaper. The trekking experience is comparable — both offer intimate encounters with mountain gorillas. Uganda's Bwindi has more gorilla families (over 20 habituated groups) and offers longer potential trek times.
What's Included & What's Extra
The permit covers: park entry, ranger-guided trek, one hour with gorillas, and a porter (tip expected). Not included: accommodation, meals, transfers, travel insurance, tips for rangers ($10–$20) and porters ($10–$15).
Sample 4-Day Budget
Budget: $2,500–$3,500pp (budget lodge, road transfer). Mid-range: $3,500–$5,000pp (mid-range lodge, domestic flight). Luxury: $5,000–$8,000pp (luxury lodge, flights, private guide). All include one gorilla trek permit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Reading
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Verified travel facts
- Uganda gorilla permit prices (Bwindi and Mgahinga)
- Gorilla tracking permit: foreign non-residents USD 800; foreign residents USD 700; rest of Africa USD 500; East African citizens UGX 300,000. Low-season rate in April, May and November: foreign non-residents USD 600, foreign residents USD 500 (cannot be rescheduled). Gorilla habituation experience: USD 1,500 foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 foreign residents and rest of Africa, UGX 750,000 East African citizens; from 1 January 2027 it rises to USD 1,800 for foreign non-residents and USD 1,600 for foreign residents (tracking stays USD 800). Permits include guide fee, park entrance for the day and community contribution. Foreign non-residents and rest-of-Africa visitors must book through a UTB-licensed tour operator; full payment is required at booking.
Uganda Wildlife Authority — Conservation Tariff and 26 Feb 2026 notice · Verified 2026-10-26 · Review due 2027-01-26