Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda (2026 Guide)
Learn the full cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, including permit prices, safari costs, and which destination offers the best value for your gorilla trekking experience.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda (2026 Guide)
Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Africa. Travelers from around the world visit East Africa to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The two main destinations for this experience are Uganda and Rwanda.
In this guide, we explain the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, including permit prices, safari costs, and the differences between the two destinations.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost
The gorilla trekking permit is the most important cost when planning a gorilla safari. The permit allows visitors to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family in the forest under the supervision of trained park rangers.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority currently cost:
- USD $800 – Foreign non-residents
- USD $700 – Foreign residents
- USD $500 – Other African citizens
- UGX 300,000 – East African citizens
The permit includes park entry, ranger guides, security, and one hour with a mountain gorilla family. (Adventures and Hikes)
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in:
- Volcanoes National Park
Permits issued by the Rwanda Development Board cost:
- USD $1,500 – International visitors
- USD $500 – Foreign residents
- USD $200 – East African citizens
This higher price reflects Rwanda’s focus on premium tourism experiences. (Adventures and Hikes)
Comparison: Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost
Destination Permit Price Main Park Travel Style
Uganda From $800 Bwindi / Mgahinga Best value and longer safari options
Rwanda From $1,500 Volcanoes National Park Premium and shorter trips
Because Uganda’s permit is about $700 cheaper, many travelers choose Uganda and combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris in other parks. (Adventures and Hikes)
Total Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Safari
Besides the permit, travelers must also budget for accommodation, transport, and guiding services.
Typical gorilla safari prices:
Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost
- Mid-range safari: $2,300 – $3,500 per person
- Luxury safari: $4,000 – $6,000+ per person
Rwanda Gorilla Safari Cost
- Mid-range safari: $3,800 – $5,500 per person
- Luxury safari: $6,500 – $10,000+ per person
The higher permit price in Rwanda significantly increases the overall cost of a gorilla trekking trip. (Adventures and Hikes)
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda
Uganda also offers a unique gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. This allows visitors to spend up to four hours with gorillas instead of one hour.
Permit cost:
- USD $1,500 per person 2026 &
- USD1,800 from January 01st 2027
Only a few permits are issued daily, making this a special experience for wildlife enthusiasts. (Adventures and Hikes)
Which Destination Is Better?
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences.
Choose Uganda if you want:
- Lower permit cost
- More gorilla families
- Combination safaris with wildlife and chimpanzees
Choose Rwanda if you want:
- Short travel time from Kigali
- Luxury lodges
- A quick gorilla trekking trip
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla permits are limited and often sell out months in advance. Travelers are advised to book their permits and safari packages early to secure their preferred trekking dates.
If you are planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda, our team at Adventures and Hikes Ltd can help design a tailor-made safari that matches your budget and travel style.
