Gorilla trekking is still Uganda’s leading tourism activity. For over a decade now, gorilla safaris in Uganda have overshadowed any other tourism activity in Uganda. Many people are often blown away by the price of a gorilla trekking safari and here is what you need to know about what makes gorilla safaris in Uganda expensive.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda has two major gorilla national parks. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is the leading gorilla trekking destination in Uganda with four major gorilla trekking locations; Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector, and Nkuringo sector.

All year long, gorilla trekking is possible for anyone that possesses a valid gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority for any of the sectors in Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Why are gorilla safaris are priced highly?

There are a number of reasons affecting the prices of gorilla safaris in Uganda but we mind the following at the forefront of influencing the price of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.

High cost of a gorilla permit

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda goes for $700 for foreign none residents, $600 for foreign residents, and Ugx 250,000 for East Africans. There is no special offer for Africans outside the East African community.

Many foreigners have complained about the cost of the gorilla trekking permits but the purpose of the rate is to limit the number of people that go for gorilla trekking. If gorilla trekking was as cheap as other safari activities in Uganda, then it would have been filled to capacity almost throughout the year.

There used to be a time when Uganda offered low season permit offers but not anymore. The agenda still remains to get not very many people to visit the forest yet at the same time get the resources to support gorilla conservation activities. Even though the price is high, there are chances that it will even go higher.

Travel Restrictions

There are a few things required to enter Uganda besides your Visa. That is a valid covid-19 certificate and a yellow fever vaccination card. If you are the kind that does not agree with the covid-19 vaccination, your trip will cost a little be higher given the covid-19 test expenses.

Expensive Accommodation

Many travelers expect to get budget-friendly accommodation but it is sometimes not the case with gorilla trekking accommodation. Most lodges charge a minimum of $50 on basic accommodation while those offering dissent accommodation charge as much as $200 per night.

The accommodation rates are attributed to the high cost of putting up a lodge in Uganda. Most proprietors have to raise capital outside banks and on top of that, they have to wait for close to a month or two without hosting a client.

Gorilla safaris in Uganda are seasonal, therefore clients often are charged to compensate for the time the business people keep out of business because of the low seasons.

How to cut expenses on your gorilla safari in Uganda

There are three major ways to cut expenses on your gorilla safari in Uganda;

Self-Drive Gorilla Safaris

Book a self-drive safari with a recognized tour operator. It will help you reduce the expenses on the driver, fuel, and sometimes accommodation. You can also contact us for self-drive gorilla safaris in Uganda

Book Accommodation Early

Whenever you book accommodation six months in advance or more, you have the opportunity to get a good bargain. The other option would be trying out new lodges that are trying to make an entry into the business.

Travel In the Low Season

Many tour operators including Gorilla expeditions offer huge low-season discounts that you can take advantage of to ensure that you cut your gorilla safari expenses.