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Tales from the Mist

Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda – 2025 Permit, Safari & Budget Breakdown

By May 31, 2025No Comments3 min read

H1: How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda? Full 2025 Breakdown
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is often described as priceless, but it does come with real costs — ones that fund conservation, protect endangered mountain gorillas, and support local communities. If you’re planning this life-changing journey in 2025, understanding the full cost breakdown is essential for building a budget that aligns with your expectations, comfort level, and travel style.

From gorilla permit fees to transport, lodging, guide services, meals, and gear, here’s a complete guide to what gorilla trekking in Uganda truly costs — whether you’re on a backpacker’s budget or planning a luxury safari.

H2: 2025 Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees in Uganda
The gorilla permit is the heart of your trekking budget and is mandatory for every visitor who wants to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As of 2025, the official Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rates are:

$800 USD for foreign non-residents

$700 USD for foreign residents

UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

This fee covers:

Entry into the national park

One full hour with a habituated gorilla family

Services of a professional UWA ranger and trackers

What it doesn’t include: transportation, accommodation, porter hire, tips, meals, or equipment.

H2: Cost of Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages
Most travelers opt for a fully packaged gorilla trekking tour, which combines permits, transfers, meals, accommodation, and sometimes even domestic flights or wildlife extensions. These packages vary based on length, comfort level, and whether other parks are included.

Here’s a rough 2025 estimate based on tour styles:

Budget Gorilla Safari (3–4 Days):
$1,300–$1,800 per person
Includes a permit, basic accommodation (budget lodges or guesthouses), meals, and 4WD transport from Kampala or Kigali.

Midrange Gorilla Safari (3–5 Days):
$1,900–$2,800 per person
Offers better lodges, private rooms, comfortable transfers, and more personalized service.

Luxury Gorilla Safari (4–7 Days):
$3,500–$6,000+ per person
Features high-end lodges like Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, private guides, charter flights (optional), and all-inclusive comfort.

Longer trips (7 to 14 days) that include other national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Kibale Forest, or Murchison Falls will add costs, but they offer a more complete Ugandan wildlife experience.

H2: Additional Costs to Consider
1. Porter Fees
Hiring a porter costs around $15–$20 USD, and it’s highly recommended. Not only do they carry your bag and assist on steep trails, but the fee directly supports local livelihoods.

2. Tipping
Guides, trackers, and lodge staff generally receive tips. A good rule of thumb is $10–$15 USD per day for guides, and $5–$10 for porters or lodge staff.

3. Transport
Overland transport from Kampala to Bwindi takes 8–9 hours by road and can cost $150–$200 per vehicle, one way. Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi