Bespoke Africa Safaris

Gorilla trekking is way cheaper in Uganda than in Rwanda since a gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$ 800, which is half the price of Rwanda, which costs US$1500. Besides, Rwanda markets itself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination, and accommodations are high-end, while Uganda positions itself as an affordable gorilla trekking destination with affordable accommodation options.

Going gorilla trekking in Uganda costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per person sharing for a budget and mid-range 3 days gorilla trekking safari. A luxury gorilla trekking safari can cost between $2000 and $6000, depending on the accommodation option you choose. The overall cost of gorilla trekking is usually determined by the accommodation option, the gorilla permit, the number of people traveling, and the transportation option, among others.

Gorilla trekking is worth the money because you will be meeting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are not kept in zoos, nor can they survive in captivity. You can only find them by going gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to have the opportunity to see them face-to-face. This is why meeting the gorillas in their natural habitat is referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Besides, you will also have the opportunity to meet the Batwa pygmies, who are believed to be one of the earliest tribal groups to have lived in Bwindi Forest for thousands of years.

Gorilla trekking requires some level of physical fitness, regardless of whether you trek in Uganda or Rwanda. Healthy individuals are usually more than able to take up the challenge of hiking. You will be hiking at altitudes of between 2500 and 3000 metres above sea level, meaning oxygen will be thinner and the lungs will demand more.

Wearing the most supportive waterproof boots with good traction, lightweight and breathable clothing that protects you from the elements, a rain jacket, thin moisture-wicking socks covered by thicker cotton socks to prevent blisters, trousers, and long-sleeved shirts to protect against scratches and insect bites will ensure a comfortable gorilla trek.

15 years is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda have set this age limit in both countries because these are mountainous regions, which makes it very difficult for those below the age of 15 to undertake the trek, and at the same time, it is quite difficult for them to manage being in the presence of the gorillas since they are wild animals and may be scary to them.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$ 1,500 for foreign non-residents, US$500 for foreign residents and UGX US$ 300 for East African residents, each per person per trek. The minimum age for obtaining a permit is 15 years old.