At the start of planning a Gorilla safari of a lifetime, many travelers will ask themselves, “what is the cost of a gorilla safari?” It is totally understandable but the thing is, the only time you will actually know how much a gorilla safari costs is when you begin contacting Tour Operators. It will take a lot of reaching out to different Tour Companies that you can eventually figure out the exact (or even estimate) and also choose someone to book the trip within your budget.
Surprisingly, a Gorilla safari cost can be challenging to estimate as the price varies due to a number of factors- the type of accommodation, transport, and duration of stay. Nonetheless, it is understandable why thousands of travelers plan gorilla safaris to Rwanda each year. Nothing beats the thrill of getting up-close and personal with these Giant Apes to watch them go about their day-to-day activities (such as foraging, playing, resting, grooming each other, to mention but a few).
Gorilla safaris are undeniably more costly than other wildlife safaris, and it is even more costly when done in Rwanda but it will surprise you to know that visitors are able to find budget-friendly options while achieving unforgettable gorilla safari experience. Therefore, our article will help breakdown a typical gorilla safari cost from price of gorilla permits, transport, to overnight stays. Let’s delve into these factors to have a better understanding of a gorilla safari cost;
Cost of Gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla trekking permits are one of the largest contributors to the overall cost of your gorilla safari. Whether you choose to go budget or luxury, you will pay the same amount for a gorilla permit which currently goes for $1500 per person per trek. This guarantees access to Volcanoes National Park to track one of the habituated gorilla families.
Accommodation cost
When planning a Gorilla safari, you will come across several accommodation options that are based on basic/budget, midrange, luxury, and the super luxurious ones. Typically, the majority of these Safari Lodges are outside of the National Park, just a few minutes drive from the Kinigi Park Headquarters. Visitors can stay at budget Lodges for $200 to $300 per night, midrange lodges at $400 to $600 per night, whereas the upmarket Lodges can go for $2000 to as high as $10000 per night depending on the amenities provided.
Mode of Transportation
It is worth noting that Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, about 116 kilometers drive from Kigali International Airport/City and it’s a smooth ride on tarred and well-maintained road. Therefore, the mode of transportation will have a great effect on your gorilla safari cost. The most costly option is taking a helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport (or any other part of the country) to Musanze airstrip, Volcanoes National Park. While it is expensive, it is actually faster and provides aerial views of the country’s Lakes, rolling hills, forests, and other areas.
Although slightly cheaper than a helicopter flight, a private guided gorilla safari is also costly but comes with a private safari driver. With this option, you and your travel mates will be discovering the country’s countryside on your own agenda. Also, our safari drivers boast numerous years of experience in Rwanda and know the nice places to stop for meals or photography.
You can however opt for a self-guided gorilla safari where you won’t be paying extra costs for the private safari driver. The advantage with this option is that you have the freedom to relax and enjoy a specific area for as long as you desire without pressure of having to continue faster. You will need $50-$80 per day to hire a small vehicle, about $80 to $100 for a medium vehicle, while a luxurious jeep or land cruiser can be hired at $150 to $300 per person. However, all these costs don’t include fuel.
While the above are the main factors, there is also a need to add porter hiring fees ($10 to $20) per person to provide support and carry backpacks during trekking. Also, don’t forget to budget for tips and gratuities during your safari.