For many travelers, gorilla trekking in Uganda is the ultimate wildlife experience — a rare chance to stand face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest home. But one of the most common questions visitors ask when planning their safari is: how much does gorilla trekking in Uganda actually cost?
Understanding the price of gorilla trekking helps you plan your budget and appreciate how your money contributes to the conservation of one of the world’s most endangered species. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda for 2025 and what’s included in the experience.
The Gorilla Trekking Permit: The Biggest Cost
The single largest expense for gorilla trekking in Uganda is the permit. Every visitor must purchase a gorilla trekking permit in advance, which grants them access to the park and the right to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
In 2025, the official cost of a Uganda gorilla trekking permit is USD 800 per person per trek.
This fee is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and applies to both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — the two destinations where trekking is possible in Uganda.
Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–September and December–February).
What Does the Permit Include?
Your gorilla trekking permit covers more than just park entry. It includes:
Access to the national park on the day of your trek
The services of professional guides, trackers, and armed rangers
One hour of time spent observing a habituated gorilla family
Contribution to conservation programs, anti-poaching patrols, and community development projects around the parks
What it doesn’t include are additional expenses like accommodation, meals, transportation to the park, or tips for your guides and porters.
Optional: Gorilla Habituation Permit
If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the gorilla habituation experience, which is only available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. This immersive activity allows up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group and costs USD 1,500 per person in 2025.
Gorilla Trekking
Additional Costs to Consider
While the permit is the main cost, your total gorilla trekking safari budget will also need to include:
Accommodation: Ranges from budget guesthouses at about USD 30 per night to luxury lodges costing USD 300–800 or more per night.
Transport: If driving from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi or Mgahinga, expect vehicle hire and fuel costs. Alternatively, you can book a domestic flight to Kisoro.
Meals and drinks: Depending on your lodge choice, meals may be included or charged separately.
Tips: It is customary to tip your guide, tracker, and porters for their hard work and expertise.
Why the Price Is Worth It
Some travelers may find the cost of gorilla trekking high, but it’s important to remember that this activity directly supports conservation and local communities. Mountain gorilla numbers have steadily increased thanks in large part to responsible tourism, and your permit fee plays a vital role in their protection.
For many, the moment they stand among the gorillas — hearing their calls, watching their playful young, feeling their presence — is priceless. It’s an encounter that leaves a deep impression and a sense of connection to the wild.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda in 2025 starts at USD 800 for the permit alone, with overall safari budgets depending on your accommodation and travel style. Whether you choose a short trek in Mgahinga or a longer stay exploring Bwindi’s different sectors, the experience is worth every dollar.
Plan early, book your permits through an authorized operator or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, and prepare for one of the most moving adventures of your life.
