Gorilla Trekking

I am currently volunteering in Uganda and I will be here until the 19th of December. I, along with a few other volunteers, are interested in gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda. However, we are trying to find out how to do it at the most reasonable price. We have been given lots of very expensive quotes over 1,000 USD for one day of trekking. Does anyone know a good tour guide to go through or another option that would make it cheaper. I realize permits will be $500usd but I would like to try to keep the expenses minimal since I don't have a paycheck while I am here.

Thanks

Yikes that's expensive. Have you tried contacting the VSO office in Uganda? Or other volunteer networks? Finding someone working there like that might lower the cost drastically. It worked for me in Cameroon and Nigeria.

You might want to check the Rwanda Tourism website. There is lots of information over there regarding other things you need to arrange besides the $500 permit.
You need to get a bus to Ruhengeri, stay the night and get transport to the park headquarters which can cost $100 as well, but can be shared.
Rwanda has more options regarding getting tickets within a day or two unlike Uganda where things fill up more quickly.

I realise this is a little late but i just did the gorillas in Rwanda, so as a price guide i would say:
$500 permit
$80 for car hire for the day (per car not person). If you get the susa group the fee will be $100 because they are further away.
$15 accommodation for night before and after total.
That is all based from Ruhengeri. Depending on your nationality you will need a Rwanda visa (UK free, Aus $60).
Transport to Ruhengeri is priced ok.

I dont know what treking in Uganda is like but i heard that the undergrowth is thicker so they sort of come and go from view whereas they are mostly visable in Rwanda. But as i said this is hearsay i havent treked in Uganda.
Loved the experience, well worth the money.
Enjoy

Gorilla permits are 500 Dollar. If you try in Uganda or Rwanda its the same. It is the price of goverment,so there is no way to get it cheaper.
I have my brother in law in Kampala, who book just permits. Its no problem.
We have also a jeep to bring you to the mountains. If you want infos you can contact me.

Bye Fiffi