Gorilla Trekking Costs in Africa, is a comprehensive Guide.

The Gorilla Trekking Costs Africa

Gorilla Trekking Costs Africa, makes Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. The opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, deep within the forests of East Africa, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This article explores the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as how to get to the popular trekking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in the DRC. We will also discuss accommodation options in these areas.

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking involves a guided hike through the forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla Trekking Costs Africa, lets you spend up to an hour with a gorilla family, observing their behaviour and interactions. The experience varies by terrain, gorilla family, and hike length but is always rewarding. Trekking is popular in three East African regions: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in the DRC.

Each park offers a unique experience, but all provide a rare opportunity to witness the endangered mountain gorillas up close.

How to Get to Gorilla Trekking Locations

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking. The park is accessible by road or air. Fly to Entebbe International Airport in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and then take a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi airports, which are the closest to Bwindi. From there, it’s about a 2-3 hour drive to the park. Bwindi is about a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala, covering approximately 500 kilometers. The road can be rough, but the scenic views of the countryside are stunning.

2. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Located in the northwest of Rwanda, near the border with Uganda, Volcanoes National Park is another renowned destination for gorilla trekking. Fly into Kigali International Airport, the capital of Rwanda. From Kigali, it’s about a 2.5-3 hour drive (approximately 100 kilometers) to the park. If traveling by road, you can take a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, which is well-connected by good roads.

3. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo Kahuzi-Biéga, located in the eastern part of the DRC, is less frequented than Uganda and Rwanda but offers a unique gorilla trekking experience, especially with its lowland gorillas. The closest airport to Kahuzi-Biéga is in Bukavu, which can be accessed by flights from Kigali, Rwanda. After arriving in Bukavu, it’s a short drive to the park. It is possible to drive from Kigali to Bukavu, although the journey can take several hours (approximately 6-7 hours).

Accommodation Options for Gorilla Trekking

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Bwindi offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury lodges.

Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp: Located right at the park’s edge, this luxurious camp offers high-end tented accommodations and excellent service. Bwindi Lodge: A luxury lodge with stunning views of the forest, offering comfortable rooms and eco-friendly amenities.

Mid-Range: Buhoma Community Rest Camp: This camp offers comfortable, affordable accommodations with a great view of the Bwindi forest. Silverback Lodge: A mid-range lodge with excellent service and stunning views of the park’s rainforest.

Budget: Lake Mutanda Resort: A simple but comfortable resort located by the beautiful Lake Mutanda, offering affordable options for visitors.

2. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has numerous accommodation options, catering to all levels of comfort. A scenic view of the volcanic peaks in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, a renowned gorilla trekking destination.

Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: A luxurious lodge located near the park entrance, offering a premium experience with spacious rooms and breathtaking views of the volcanoes. Virunga Lodge: A high-end lodge with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes, providing an exclusive experience for visitors.

Mid-Range: Kinigi Guesthouse: A comfortable guesthouse offering more affordable rates without compromising on quality and comfort. The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: This mid-range hotel offers excellent service and is well-situated for trekking excursions.

Budget: Red Rocks Rwanda: A community-based budget lodge offering simple, affordable accommodations with a focus on sustainability and cultural interaction.

3. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, DRC In the DRC, accommodations near Kahuzi-Biéga are more basic, but there are still options for comfortable stays. Guides wearing masks near a lowland gorilla in the grasslands of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC, with scenic mountain views in the background."

Luxury: Kahuzi-Biéga Lodge – A remote, high-end lodge with luxury rooms, park views, and top-notch services.

Mid-Range: Hotel Horizon Bukavu – Combines comfort and affordability, offering scenic Lake Kivu views.

Budget: Guesthouses in Bukavu – Basic, budget-friendly accommodations near the park entrance.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits

The cost of gorilla trekking permits varies between the three countries, and these prices are subject to change based on government policies.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda As of 2024, the price for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is USD 800 per person per trek. This includes the permit fee, park entrance fee, and the services of a ranger guide. Bwindi offers various trekking options depending on the sector you visit, with some sectors requiring more strenuous hikes than others.

2. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Rwanda is known for having one of the most expensive gorilla trekking permits in Africa. The current cost for a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park is USD 1,500 per person. This price includes the park entry fee, a ranger guide, and the one-hour experience with the gorillas.

3. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, DRC The cost of a gorilla trekking permit at Kahuzi-Biéga is more affordable compared to Rwanda and Uganda. The permit costs USD 400 per person, making it a budget-friendly option to see lowland gorillas, though the experience may differ. Gorilla trekking offers a rare chance to connect with nature and observe endangered gorillas. Destinations like Bwindi Forest in Uganda, Volcanoes Park in Rwanda, or Kahuzi-Biéga in the DRC each provide unique experiences. Permit costs and accommodations vary from budget to luxury, so planning based on your preferences, budget, and logistics is crucial. No matter where you trek, it’s an unforgettable highlight of any African safari.