Gorilla Trekking Permit: $800
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD per person and is the single largest expense. This fee is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and cannot be negotiated. The permit includes park entry, guide services, and the one-hour gorilla viewing time.
For the gorilla habituation experience (four hours instead of one), the permit costs $1,500 USD per person. This is available only in the Rushaga sector.
Permits must be paid in advance at the time of booking. They are non-refundable in most cases, though some operators offer rescheduling options with sufficient notice.
Accommodation: $40–$1,500 per Night
Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. Budget lodges and guesthouses start from $40-80 per night for a clean room with hot water and meals. Mid-range lodges cost $120-350 per night and offer comfortable cottages with better amenities. Luxury lodges range from $350-1,500 per night with all-inclusive dining, spa services, and premium furnishings.
Most visitors stay two to three nights near Bwindi — one night before the trek, one night after, and sometimes a third night for additional activities. Total accommodation costs therefore range from roughly $80 (budget, two nights) to $4,500 (luxury, three nights).
Transport: $150–$600
Getting to Bwindi from Entebbe or Kampala by road costs $150-300 for a shared transfer or $300-500 for a private 4x4 with driver. The journey takes 8-10 hours each way on a mix of tarmac and unpaved roads.
Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip cost $250-400 per person one way and take about 90 minutes. This is followed by a 1-2 hour drive to the lodge. Flying saves a full day of driving and is worthwhile if time is limited.
If crossing from Kigali (Rwanda), border transfers cost $100-200 and take 4-5 hours to reach the southern sectors of Bwindi.
Other Costs: Tips, Porters, Extras
Porter hire costs $15-20 for the day and is strongly recommended. Tips for guides and trackers are discretionary but customary — $10-20 per person for the guide and $5-10 per person for trackers is standard.
Other optional costs include Batwa cultural experiences ($50-80), nature walks ($30-50), additional park activities, and visa fees ($50 for most nationalities, available on arrival or as an e-visa).
Travel insurance covering evacuation is strongly recommended and typically costs $50-100 for the trip duration. Comprehensive policies covering trip cancellation provide additional peace of mind given the non-refundable permit cost.
Sample Budgets
Budget trip (per person, 3 nights): Permit $800, accommodation $180 (3 nights at $60), transport $300 (shared road transfer return), porter and tips $40, extras $80. Total: approximately $1,400.
Mid-range trip (per person, 3 nights): Permit $800, accommodation $750 (3 nights at $250), transport $500 (domestic flights), porter and tips $50, extras $150. Total: approximately $2,250.
Luxury trip (per person, 3 nights): Permit $800, accommodation $2,100 (3 nights at $800), transport $600 (charter flight), porter and tips $50, extras $300. Total: approximately $3,850.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
A standard gorilla trekking permit costs $800 USD per person. The gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1,500 USD per person.
Can I do gorilla trekking cheaply?
Yes. With a budget lodge ($40-80/night), shared transport and careful planning, a gorilla trekking trip can cost around $1,300-1,600 per person including the $800 permit.
Are tips expected after gorilla trekking?
Tips are discretionary but customary. $10-20 per person for the lead guide and $5-10 per person for trackers is standard. Porter hire is separate at $15-20.
Summary
The $800 permit is the biggest cost. Total trip costs range from $1,400 (budget) to $4,000+ (luxury) per person for a three-night stay. Flying to Bwindi saves time, hiring a porter is excellent value, and visiting in the wet season can reduce accommodation costs.