Quick answer: An AFCON 2027 trip that includes gorilla trekking has six main cost categories: international flights, visas, match tickets, park and permit fees, transport within East Africa, and accommodation. The single biggest wildlife cost is the gorilla permit — US$800 in Uganda or US$1,500 in Rwanda for 2027. A complete 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari in Uganda typically costs US$2,500–4,500 per person depending on lodge level, plus the international flight. Booking early is the best way to control costs, because demand during AFCON will push prices up on flights and popular lodges.
- Uganda gorilla permit 2027
- US$800 foreign non-resident
- Rwanda gorilla permit
- US$1,500
- Kibale chimp permit 2027
- US$300 foreign non-resident
- Uganda gorilla habituation
- US$1,800
- Biggest variable costs
- International flights, lodges and transport mode
- Best way to save
- Book early, travel by road, share vehicle costs
AFCON 2027 is a once-in-a-generation event for East Africa. Demand for flights, hotels and safari services will rise across the region between June and July 2027. Planning and budgeting early helps you avoid surprises and ensures you get the dates, lodges and permits you want. This guide breaks down every cost category so you can decide where to spend and where to save.
1. International flights
Your international flight is likely to be one of the biggest single costs. Entebbe (Uganda), Nairobi (Kenya), Kigali (Rwanda) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) will all see higher demand during the tournament.
Tips for saving on flights
- Book as early as possible. Fares typically rise as AFCON approaches. Setting fare alerts now is a good strategy.
- Consider open-jaw tickets. Flying into Entebbe and out of Kigali (or vice versa) can save you a backtrack and sometimes costs the same as a return to one city.
- Be flexible on dates. Arriving a few days before the tournament opens or leaving a few days after the final often means cheaper fares and less airport congestion.
- Compare airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Emirates all serve East Africa. Connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Doha are often the most competitive.
Budget estimate: US$600–1,500 return from Europe; US$800–2,000 from North America; US$300–800 from within Africa. These are rough ranges — actual fares vary widely by origin, airline and booking date.
2. Visas
Visa costs depend on which countries you visit:
| Visa | Cost (2027) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda e-visa | US$50 | Single entry, valid 90 days |
| Rwanda visa | US$50 | Single entry, 30 days (many nationalities visa-free) |
| Kenya e-visa (ETA) | US$30–50 | Check current rules — some nationalities visa-free |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | US$100 | Covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one visa — saves money if visiting all three |
| Tanzania visa | US$50 | Separate from the East Africa Tourist Visa |
The East Africa Tourist Visa is good value if you plan to visit two or more of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Apply through the first country you enter. Tanzania requires its own visa regardless.
3. Match tickets
AFCON match ticket prices and sales channels are set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee. Prices typically range from US$10–20 for group-stage matches to US$50–100+ for knockout rounds and the final, but 2027 pricing has not been announced at the time of writing. Follow official CAF announcements for on-sale dates and pricing.
4. Park and permit fees
These are the fixed, non-negotiable costs of the wildlife side of your trip:
| Activity | 2027 fee (foreign non-resident) |
|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking permit, Uganda (Bwindi or Mgahinga) | US$800 |
| Gorilla habituation experience, Uganda (Rushaga, 4 hours) | US$1,800 |
| Gorilla trekking permit, Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) | US$1,500 |
| Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale NP | US$300 |
| Chimpanzee tracking, Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP) | US$50 |
| Queen Elizabeth NP entry (per 24 hours) | US$40 |
| Murchison Falls NP entry (per 24 hours) | US$40 |
| Lake Mburo NP entry (per 24 hours) | US$40 |
| Kazinga Channel boat cruise | US$30 |
| Golden monkey tracking, Mgahinga | US$100 |
Fees can change, so always confirm with your operator when booking. East African and African residents pay significantly lower rates.
5. Transport within East Africa
Transport is where your budget and your schedule pull in different directions:
Private 4×4 with driver-guide
This is the standard for safari travel. You share a vehicle with your travel companions, and the driver doubles as your wildlife guide. Rates vary by vehicle type and operator, but budget US$150–250 per day for the vehicle and driver (not per person). For a group of 2–4 people, this is excellent value. See private safari with driver-guide.
Domestic flights
AeroLink and other charter operators fly between Entebbe/Kajjansi and airstrips near the parks (Kihihi for Bwindi, Kisoro for Mgahinga, Kasese for Queen Elizabeth). One-way fares are typically US$180–350. Flying saves 1–2 days of driving round trip, which can be critical when fitting a safari between AFCON matches. The trade-off is cost and the fact that you miss roadside scenery and stops.
Group transport
For larger groups (10+), a coaster bus for the highway sections plus 4x4s for the park roads is the most cost-effective option. See our guide to group gorilla trekking for AFCON supporter clubs.
6. Accommodation
Lodge costs vary enormously depending on location and comfort level:
| Level | Typical cost per night (per person sharing) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | US$30–80 | Basic rooms, shared or private bathroom, simple meals. UWA bandas, guesthouses near park gates. |
| Mid-range | US$100–250 | Comfortable rooms with en-suite bathroom, good food, helpful staff. Most safari lodges in this range. |
| Luxury | US$300–800+ | High-end lodges with premium locations, excellent food, spa facilities. Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. |
In Kampala, hotels range from US$30 budget to US$150+ for international-brand hotels. During AFCON match days, Kampala hotels will be in high demand — book as early as possible.
7. Daily spending money
Beyond your package costs, plan for:
- Meals outside your package: US$5–15 per meal in local restaurants, more in hotel restaurants.
- Tips: Gorilla trekking rangers (US$10–20 per person), porters (US$10–15), driver-guide (US$10–15 per day), lodge staff (US$5–10 per day for the team).
- Drinks: Beer is US$1–3 in most places. Bottled water US$0.50–1.
- Souvenirs and crafts: Budget whatever feels comfortable — Uganda has excellent crafts markets.
- Mobile data/SIM: A Uganda SIM with data costs about US$5–10 at the airport.
For detailed guidance, read our guide on how much cash to bring to Uganda per day.
Sample budget: 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari
| Item | Budget level | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla permit | US$800 | US$800 | US$800 |
| Park fees (Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo, 2 days) | US$80 | US$80 | US$80 |
| Kazinga Channel boat cruise | US$30 | US$30 | US$30 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | US$200 | US$600 | US$2,000 |
| Transport (private 4×4, 5 days shared by 2) | US$500 | US$500 | US$500 |
| Guide and driver | Included | Included | Included |
| Tips | US$50 | US$80 | US$150 |
| Spending money | US$50 | US$100 | US$200 |
| Total per person | ~US$1,710 | ~US$2,190 | ~US$3,760 |
Add international flights and visa to get your complete trip cost. These figures assume two people sharing a vehicle and room.
Where to spend and where to save
- Spend on: The gorilla permit (non-negotiable and worth every dollar), a reliable driver-guide, and a lodge close to your trekking sector (avoids a pre-dawn transfer).
- Save on: City hotels in Kampala (you are there to sleep, not to stay), road transport when you have the time (saves domestic flight costs), and travelling with friends to share vehicle costs.
- Flexible: Accommodation level near the parks. Mid-range lodges in Bwindi are comfortable and well-run. Luxury adds ambiance and views but not a better gorilla experience.
Uganda vs Rwanda: cost comparison for gorillas
| Uganda (Bwindi) | Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla permit | US$800 | US$1,500 |
| Travel time from capital | 8–10 hours by road, or 1.5 hours by air | 2–3 hours by road from Kigali |
| Minimum trip length | 3 days | 2 days |
| Lodge range | US$30–800+/night | US$100–1,500+/night |
| Best for | Budget-conscious travellers, combined wildlife safaris | Time-pressed visitors, luxury seekers |
For a detailed comparison, read gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda: price and value.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive part of an AFCON safari?
Usually the international flight and the gorilla permit. Together, they can account for half or more of the total trip cost. Lodges are the third biggest expense and the one with the most range.
Is Uganda cheaper than Rwanda for gorillas?
The permit is US$700 cheaper. Lodges and transport in Uganda also tend to be less expensive. Rwanda saves time — you can trek from Kigali in 2 days — which may offset the higher permit cost if you have limited time between matches.
Will safari prices go up during AFCON?
Demand will rise, and the best-value lodges and vehicles will book first. Gorilla permits and park fees are set by the authorities and do not change based on demand. Operators may charge more for last-minute bookings. The lesson: book early.
Can I do a gorilla trek on a tight budget?
Yes. The permit is fixed at US$800, but you can stay in budget guesthouses near the park (US$30–50/night), share a 4×4 with other travellers, and eat in local restaurants. A no-frills 3-day gorilla trip from Kampala can be done for around US$1,200–1,500 per person including the permit. See our budget gorilla trekking guide.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is customary and appreciated, but not compulsory. Common amounts: gorilla trekking ranger US$10–20, porter US$10–15, driver-guide US$10–15/day, lodge staff US$5–10/day for the team.
Want a tailored quote? Send us your dates, group size and preferred comfort level. We will send a detailed costing within 24 hours.
