How much does a Gorilla safari in Rwanda cost? You would not be the first one who has this question in mind when they are in the planning stage of their Gorilla safari in Rwanda. When you get right down to it, the price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda is however much you want it to be. Therefore, the first step for you is figuring out if you want a budget, midrange, or luxury Gorilla safari experience.
Having gone past this hurdle, you can refer to our article that covers the whole ground of the price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda. We wouldn’t want to keep you guessing, so let’s dive in headfirst!
Factors affecting the price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda
Certain parameters come into play when calculating the overall price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda. These include the lodge choice/level of comfort, duration, group size, and the time you visit the country for your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. It is worth noting that gorilla trekking permits cost the same ($1500 per person). Let us get into more detail on these factors.
Accommodation
The type of accommodation you choose for your Gorilla safari in Rwanda will have a significant impact on the overall price.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has a variety of options available, ranging from Luxury Safari Lodges to budget-friendly Guesthouses.
Additionally, the level of comfort and luxury you desire will impact the cost of your accommodation. It will interest you to know that up-market Safari Lodges can cost several thousand dollars per night, while the budget-friendly Guesthouses can be as low as $100 per person per night. Most of our selected accommodation options provide exceptional value, considering all inclusions and exclusions.
If you opt for an all-inclusive Luxury Lodge, which might appear more costly initially, you will surprisingly be saving on additional costs such as drinks, laundry, and internet, while trying to enhance your overall gorilla safari experience.
Time of the year
Gorilla safari high season is more costly than off-peak times. Booking your gorilla trekking adventure to happen during the low season can see rates being half the cost of high season prices, especially when it comes to accommodation. This season also guarantees a more intimate gorilla trekking experience as fewer visitors will want to trek mountain gorillas during this season.
The high season for Gorilla safaris in Rwanda is generally during the dry season, between June and September, and then December and February.
During these months, prices tend to be higher due to the increased demand for gorilla safari adventures. However, if you are flexible with your travel dates, you might be able to find better deals during the low season (also referred to as off-season).
Shoulder season can sometimes guarantee midrange pricing. For this reason, flexible travel dates allow you to take advantage of these savings away from the crowds and can also lower the average price of the gorilla safari in Rwanda.
Duration of the Gorilla safari in Rwanda
The length of your trip will also play a role in determining the Rwandan gorilla safari price. Some Gorilla safari packages may only be a few days long, while others can last for several days (up to a week). Longer gorilla safaris are typically more costly, as they require more logistics and support from the Tour Operator.
Size of the Gorilla safari Group
Booking your gorilla safari in a larger group might actually help you to benefit from group discounts, while smaller groups or solo visitors might incur a higher per-person price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda.
Type of Gorilla safari
Guided gorilla tours, self-drive gorilla safaris, and private gorilla safaris all have different price points. Our safari experts are seasoned planners for several budgets as well as customizable gorilla packages to craft the most impactful, unforgettable safari adventure for you.
Travel and transfers
When budgeting for your Gorilla safari, consider the cost of domestic (if any) and International flights, as well as transfers between Safari Lodges and destinations (if you have more than one place to explore).
International flights to Rwanda typically range from $500 to over $1000, depending on your departure location and the time of the year.
Domestic flights (especially charter Helicopter flights), such as those between Volcanoes National Park and all other major safari destinations, can cost between $500 and $800 per person per leg. Transfers between Safari Lodges and National Parks, whether by air or road, also impact your overall price of the gorilla safari in Rwanda. These road transfers can cost around $150 to $400 per trip.
Meals and Drinks
It is always important to determine beforehand whether drinks and meals are included in your accommodation package or if they will be additional expenses. While evaluating your gorilla safari accommodation package, feel free to ask about the inclusions. For this reason, our seasoned safari experts are on hand to explain it all to you:
- Self-Catering: This means that accommodation is only provided without any meals included, hence allowing you to prepare your own food or even dine out.
- Bed and Breakfast: This means that your accommodation includes only breakfast, with other meals and drinks only available at an extra cost.
- Half-Board: This means that your accommodation includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Extra meals and drinks are provided at an extra cost.
- Full-Board: This is one of the most popular options and typically includes three meals each day (breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) might or might not be included in such packages. For this reason, it is advisable to ask for clarification beforehand to avoid extra costs that you could have avoided.
- All-inclusive package: These accommodation packages include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), local or selected alcoholic drinks, snacks, and some Lodge or community activities. These provide more comprehensive coverage, hence reducing additional costs.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance has an effect on the overall price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda, yet it is important for medical emergencies, safari cancellations, and other unexpected events.
Gratuities and tipping
Tipping isn’t mandatory during your Gorilla safari in Rwanda, but it is courteous for it to be factored into your budget for the trip. Some of the service providers you might need to tip during your Gorilla safari in Rwanda include;
- Trackers and Ranger guides: You will need $20 to $30 per day, per trek for tipping Ranger guides and trackers leading gorilla groups. However, for exceptional service, you can consider tipping towards the higher end of this range.
- Porters: You might need porters to help carry your backpack and provide support during your gorilla trekking adventure. For this, in addition to the porter hire fee of $15 to $20 per porter, you might need to tip any amount between $5 and $10 per person.
- Driver guide/s: A tip of $5 to $15 per day, per driver guide is good enough. This amount might vary based on the duration of the gorilla safari, as well as the quality of service.
- Safari Lodge staff: We recommend a tip of $5 to $10 per visitor, per day. This can be given collectively or distributed among individual Lodge staff members.
Other personal expenses
Other personal expenses, such as Visas, Vaccinations, souvenirs, personal items, and any other incidental expenses, can impact the overall price of a gorilla safari in Rwanda.
