How Much It Cost To Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
How Much It Cost To Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda can vary from one tour operator to the next. A 3-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda will run from about $1300, (4,960,143.50 UGX) (economy) to $3900 (USh14,826,255.75) (luxury) per person. A 10-day Gorilla Safari in Uganda will run from $4800 (USh18,307,971.51) (economy) to $6400 (Sh24,142,076.65 (UGX)) (luxury) per person.
While expensive, it is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on earth. The opportunity to stare into the eyes of a primate that is, in many ways, just like yourself but wild is truly mesmerizing. It is an experience you will never forget. However, it is also one of the most expensive wildlife vacations in Africa.
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
There are a number of reasons why gorilla trekking is costly.
The main reason is that there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild and they require constant research and monitoring to preserve their fragile existence.
This is funded through gorilla trekking permit fees, hence the high cost.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority hires personnel to monitor the gorillas at all times, keeping a close eye on their general health, feeding, and movements in the region.
Trackers hike the mountains where they reside each morning to check on them. What’s more, tourism police and armed rangers are employed to accompany tourists on gorilla treks to ensure both the client’s and the gorillas’ safety from threats, such as poachers.
Gorilla trekking’s high expense is also a way to control human interference with these magnificent, endangered creatures.
Close proximity between humans and mountain gorillas presents the risk of disease transmission, so the Uganda Wildlife Authority has developed rules to help protect the health of the gorillas.
Each habituated mountain gorilla group is limited to a single 60 minute visit each day by a group of no more than 8 tourists. On a gorilla trek, visitors must maintain a 15 foot distance from gorillas at all times.
What is the best time to see gorillas in Uganda?
Mid May to mid-October
This is the longest dry season with ideal conditions for gorilla tracking in the southern parks and for visiting Uganda overall, so if you can be flexible we would advise visiting during this time.
Is Gorilla trekking hard in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking is relatively difficult depending on one’s fitness levels. gorilla trekking in Uganda is also relatively hard as it involves walking through thick forest, valleys, hills, and swamps, Gorilla trekking can be challenging for one physical unfit leading to exhaustion.
How do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Most travelers plan their gorilla trips about 6 months before the safari begins.
That is the perfect time to get you physically fit for your Uganda gorilla tour. Some of the recommended physical exercises include walking, jogging, hiking, sit-ups, stair masters, and downhill lunges and others.