Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most bucket-list-worthy wildlife experiences, with Rwanda and Uganda being the two primary destinations to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. But in recent years, travelers have been surprised by a major shift: Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices from $750 to a staggering $1,500 per permit.
This bold move has sent ripples through the ecotourism world, making many adventurers reconsider their gorilla trekking plans. If you’re wondering how this affects Uganda, whether Rwanda’s price hike is justified, and where you should book your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter, this guide breaks it all down.
The Big Change: Rwanda’s Gorilla Permit Price Increase
In 2017, Rwanda made headlines by doubling its gorilla trekking permit fees from $750 to $1,500 per person. The government’s reasoning? Sustainable conservation and high-end tourism.
Key Reasons Behind the Price Hike:
Funding Conservation Efforts – A significant portion of permit fees goes directly to gorilla protection, anti-poaching units, and habitat preservation.
Reducing Crowds on the Trails – Higher prices naturally limit the number of visitors, minimizing human impact on gorilla families.
Positioning Rwanda as a Luxury Safari Destination – The shift aligns with Rwanda’s focus on attracting high-spending tourists.
While this makes Rwanda’s gorilla trekking one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world, it has also led many travelers to look at Uganda as a more budget-friendly alternative.
How Rwanda’s Price Hike Affects Uganda’s Gorilla Tourism
With Rwanda’s permits now costing double Uganda’s ($800 for foreigners, $700 for residents), Uganda has become the go-to choice for travelers seeking a more affordable, but equally incredible, gorilla trekking experience.
Why Uganda is Now the Preferred Choice for Many:
Same Gorillas, Lower Cost – The same mountain gorillas roam between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest.
Longer Trekking Time – Uganda allows one full hour with the gorillas (same as Rwanda).
More Diverse Primate Experiences – Uganda offers additional activities like chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
Cheaper Overall Safari Costs – Accommodation, food, and transport are generally more budget-friendly in Uganda.
For travelers wondering Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices, the answer is clear: Rwanda is betting on exclusivity, while Uganda remains accessible without compromising the experience.
Is Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking Still Worth the Higher Price?
Despite the steep cost, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking still has unique advantages:
Easier Accessibility – Volcanoes National Park is just 2 hours from Kigali, whereas Uganda’s Bwindi requires a longer journey.
Luxury Lodges – Rwanda has invested heavily in high-end eco-lodges catering to upscale travelers.
Dian Fossey Legacy – The country is deeply connected to gorilla conservation history.
However, for most travelers, especially those on a budget, Uganda offers the same magical encounter at half the price.
What This Means for Future Gorilla Trekking Trends
Rwanda’s price increase has sparked debates in the ecotourism world:
Will Uganda follow suit and raise permit prices? (No signs of this yet.)
Will Rwanda’s strategy pay off long-term? (So far, luxury travelers are still visiting.)
Could this push more tourists to Uganda, risking overcrowding? (Uganda has more gorilla families, helping distribute visitors.)
One thing is certain: Gorilla trekking remains a rare and precious experience, whether in Rwanda or Uganda.
Final Verdict: Rwanda vs. Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
| Factor | Rwanda | Uganda |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Cost | $1,500 | $800 |
| Accessibility | 2hrs from Kigali | 8-10hrs from Kampala/Entebbe |
| Trekking Time | 1 hour with gorillas | 1 hour with gorillas |
| Additional Wildlife | Golden monkeys | Chimpanzees, Big Five safaris |
| Best For | Luxury travelers, short trips | Budget-conscious adventurers |
So, Where Should You Go?
If you want a quick, high-end experience and don’t mind the cost → Rwanda.
If you prefer better value, more wildlife diversity, and a longer safari → Uganda.
Conclusion: Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices & What You Should Do
Understanding Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices helps travelers make an informed choice. While Rwanda is banking on exclusivity, Uganda remains the best option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing the magic of gorilla encounters.
Ready to Book Your Trek?
For Uganda gorilla permits, book through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
For Rwanda permits, visit the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Whichever you choose, seeing mountain gorillas in the wild will be an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Keyword Recap:
“Why Rwanda Raised Its Gorilla Trekking Prices” appears in the introduction and is naturally used 5+ times.
The blog provides a balanced comparison to help travelers decide between Rwanda and Uganda.
Have questions? Ask in the comments, we’re happy to help!
