Budget Gorilla Trekking

Many travelers to Uganda would have wished to trek and meet face to face with the Mountain gorillas in their natural habitats but the costliness of gorilla treks makes it difficult to achieve this dream. This is not only in Rwanda where gorilla permit prices are always considered high but also in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a matter of fact, several passionate gorilla trekkers go as far as relinquishing the pursuit, mainly because of budget constraints.

However, that shouldn’t be the reason you abandon your lifetime dream because you can actually trek mountain gorillas on budget. Giving up on gorilla treks is always the wrong decision because mountain gorillas are extraordinarily only found in three African Countries in East and Central Africa-Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Remember that some costs for gorilla treks especially gorilla permits remain constant and non-negotiable-whether budget or luxury travel at $450 for Congo, $700 for Uganda, and $1500 for Rwanda.

Therefore, how possible is it to enjoy an unforgettable gorilla trek on a budget?

•  Book for permits directly from the issuing Authority

For starters, booking directly from the issuing Authority will evade the extra administrative and ground handling fees added when you book through a Tour Operator/or Travel agent. For Uganda, you can contact Uganda Wildlife Authority directly via email, phone call or reaching the offices physically while for Rwanda permits can be booked through Rwanda Development Board and for Congo via Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature.

• Book for the Gorilla Trekking safari in advance

This sounds odd and funny but it works in the tourism industry. If a gorilla safari is booked at least 6 months in advance, it is easier to negotiate for cheaper prices especially for food, accommodation, and transport to take you through the safari.

• Opt for cheap accommodation

There are a number of accommodation facilities around the National Parks offering gorilla treks (Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga) and they are categorized into the budget, midrange, and luxury offering different services as well as facilities for the ultimate comfort of travelers. If you wish to trek gorillas on budget, it is advisable to book for the budget yet cozy accommodation facilities offering basic amenities such as clean rooms, a restaurant serving meals, clean bathrooms, and toilets among others. For as low as $30, you can find a Banda or Camping ground with shared toilets and bathrooms. Additionally, you can opt for cooking (especially around Campsites) instead of eating from the restaurants.

• Use public transport means/or hire a cheaper car

Instead of hiring an all-inclusive safari where the entire cost of the safari is quoted without having to bargain on the cost of transport, you can opt to hire a cheap car for a self-drive to Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla, or Volcanoes National Park. The many Car Rental Companies in Uganda offer a wide range of vehicles that include the Toyota Rav4 that can be hired at only $40, the Cruiser Prado that you can get for only $90-$100 per day and all you will be required to do is fueling the car. Alternatively, you can go for the option of public transport whereby you will be dropped off at the nearest Town then continue to the Parks by private cabs or motorbike. For Uganda, buses operate between Kampala and Kisoro/Kabale Towns on a daily basis while for Rwanda, take a bus from Nyabugogo Park to Musanze Town and for Congo take a bus from Kigali to Gisenyi then cross over to Goma and finally Virunga National Park.

• Undertake gorilla treks during the low season

Much as discounted gorilla permits are just occasionally provided, there are better ways of saving extra money when you trek mountain gorillas during the low season. For instance, Safari Lodges have a tendency of offering discounted rates during low seasons to keep operations running hence you are likely to enjoy these rates. Even other aspects such as food and transport are offered reduced rates during these seasons-months of March, April, May, October, and November.

• Popular budget Gorilla Safaris/Tours

For gorilla trekking on budget, book for the 3 days Gorilla Adventure Uganda Safari, the 2 days Gorilla Trek Rwanda, the 7 days Uganda Primates Safari and the 3 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour among others.

• Seasons to enjoy discounted Gorilla Permits

Discounted gorilla permits are mainly offered during the low seasons and special seasons (festive), for Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, at the time of writing (September 2021), no discounted permits are being offered but be rest assured of getting the information on all our platforms.

• Budget Safari Lodges and Campsites close to Gorilla trekking Parks

Visitors planning for gorilla trekking on a budget can stay at Countryside Guesthouse, Kisoro Heritage Guesthouse, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, and Mutanda Eco Community Center among others.

Budget accommodation options for visitors to Volcanoes National Park are Muhabura Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Villa Gorilla, New Silver Hotel, and Buffalo Mountain Lodge among others.

The accommodation facility you book in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depends on the gorilla trekking sector, but the budget options include Nshongi Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Karungi Camp, Engagi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Broadbill Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Gift of Nature Lodge, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Bwindi Guesthouse and many others.