Gorilla trekking Uganda cost
Gorilla trekking Uganda cost: Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the highlight of the Ugandan safari experience, its clear that a Ugandan Safaris without Gorilla trekking is incomplete. Since its almost a done activity in Uganda, most guests can ask how costly to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Here is the answer for all your thoughts and doubts about Gorilla trekking cost in Uganda. You donot need to break the bank in order to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Its also not easy to estimate the accurate amount that costs a gorilla trekking in Uganda with a wide range of factors to be considered.
The first step before you start thinking of the total cost one has to know how much does a gorilla permit cost. Each Gorilla trekking countries charge different amounts for the Gorilla permits for example Rwanda charges 1500usd per gorilla permit while Congo charges 450usd per gorilla perm it and Uganda Charges currently 600usd per Gorilla permit but will increase to 700usd by 2020. Gorilla habituation costs 1500usd per permit, the difference between Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla trekking is that in Gorilla trekking one spends a miximum of only one hour with the Gorillas while Gorilla Habituation One spends four hours with the Gorillas. Another difference is that in Habituation there are only four people in a group while in Gorilla trekking 8 people are in the group.
After considering the Gorilla permit, one can now start answering the question of Gorilla trekking Uganda cost considering other factors like Accommodation, length of the Gorilla trekking safari and many others. The combination of the above can give a rightful figure on how much it costs to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda. For the length of the safari Uganda Gorilla safaris has a minimum of 2 days.
Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are the key and starting point for all guests who wants to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking Uganda cost adds all the expenses one encouters during the most successful Gorilla trekking in Uganda. The cost of the Gorilla permit is one of the key costs one has to consider when budgeting for the Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The Gorilla trekking permit can be obtained through Uganda Wildlife Authority or using reputable tour operators. Uganda used to have two season Gorilla permit prices charging high during peak season and low during low season. That was called off and now the rates remain the same throughout the year. It costs 600usd though from July2020 the cost of the gorilla permit will be 700usd. Gorilla habituation permits are bought at 1500usd. The guests may wonder as if the prices are high but be assured that there is great value for your money. The unique experience gives your lifetime memories. The money is also used to promote conservation of the mountain Gorillas for the future generation.
The Uganda Gorilla permits are booked in advance depending on the months or the season. If your interested in going during high season, then you have to book your gorilla permit four months early. The high season months start from June to October and December to February. If your plan to do Gorilla trekking in low season, then you will book a month early. The low season months are also called the rainy season months which are March to May. The cost of the permit generalizes all the guest no saying luxury or budget unless one goes for habituation.
Accommodation
This is the second determinant of the Gorilla trekking Uganda cost, the type of accommodation chosen will determine the cost of your safari. We can all enjoy the wildlife experience of the Gorillas for the same day doing the same number of day but pay different amounts due to the type of the lodge you will stay in. Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga national parks are both surrounded by all kinds of accommodations. The three levels of accommodation include
Luxury accommodation
Luxury accommodation which is also called the upmarket accommodations. Most of these lodges have unique African modern design with balcony of the rooms facing the forest. They have many service facilities like free wifi, spacious rooms, mini bars in the rooms, DSTV in each room, clean flashing private toilets and bathrooms mention but a few.
Mid-range accommodation
This are the middle income accommodations that cater for most of the travelers. This is second to the first class accommodation. The middle income earners enjoy this kind of accommodation which makes them lower the Gorilla trekking Uganda cost. This can make you enjoy the best experience of Gorilla trekking without breaking the bank.
Budget accommodation
Lastly the great news for backpackers is the budget accommodation. These is used by travelers who donot want luxury in sleeping but luxury in the wildlife experience. They are not poor but travelers with sensitive budget plans. Most of these travelers like visiting more than one country at the lowest cost possible.
- Transport cost
This is the part in which guests can negotiate according to the tour operator you have chosen. This has direct impact on the Gorilla trekking Uganda cost, this covers all transfers, driver guide allowance, fuel of the car and car hire. The transport costs is also subdivided as road and air transport. The distance from Kampala trhe capital city of Uganda to Bwindi impenetrable forest is 9 -10 hours drive. Due to that long distance some guests can opt to reduce on the driving time and decide to use air transport with scheduled flights from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airstrip. The type of the transport doenot only affect the price but also the number of days one can take to do Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
- Tipping cost
Tipping is not a must but an appreciation from your heart to someone who has provided you great service. Its not directly connected to the Gorilla trekking Uganda cost but has influence on it. The more days on your safari the more tips you encounter. One has to budget fully tipping when planning to have great safari in Uganda Gorilla trekking safari.
- Cost of potters
Gorilla trekking in Uganda need some level of physical fitness before you go and trek Gorillas. If your not very sure of your fitness during briefing the game ranger introduces the local community members who will be of help to you during trekking. They come at certain cost which is negotiable and paid directly to them hence contributing the total cost of the safari. This fee is direct contribution of tourism to the development of the local surrounding communities.
However much the calculation of the Gorilla trekking Uganda cost can be determined by the above factors, the cost will still be different from tour operator to operator. This list should not scare you at all, you will never need to break your back in order to take the dream of your Uganda gorilla safaris from you. You only need to get rightful local operator who will advise you well and help you plan. When you plan directly with the local operators the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda will be low and it will be done according to your budget. Guest must try to avoid the middle men who need commission and work directly with the local tour operators of Uganda.