A Guide to a Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari
One of the most exhilarating experiences that gives you the chance to see these huge, critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is gorilla trekking. The iconic destinations of Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are home to these gentle giants. However, this guide to a budget gorilla trekking safari will help you to carefully consider the cost of the gorilla permit, the best time to travel, and accommodation options while making plans for a low-cost gorilla trekking experience.
The Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits
Following a study guide to budget gorilla trekking safari, Rwanda permits for gorilla trekking are twice as expensive as those in Uganda. This equates to a 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, which includes lodging for two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, transportation, meals, an English-speaking safari driver guide, a gorilla trekking permit, and lots of fun in the African jungle. In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost US$ 1,500 per person while in Uganda, they cost US$ 800 per person for foreign non-residents US$ 700 per person for foreign residents, US$ 500 for the rest of Africa, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Ultimately, whether you decide to go on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda, is entirely up to you, but with our experience, we will ensure that your travels are the most memorable experience possible and that trekkers leave with priceless memories. Additionally, the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs US$ 1,500 per person and is exclusive to the Rushaga section of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allows visitors to spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas.
Peak season / low season
On a budget gorilla trekking safari, prices are always lower in the off-peak months during March, April, May, and October through mid-November, particularly in the national parks of Uganda and Rwanda. When the weather is bad, especially during heavy rains, most lodges and hotels lower their rates to attract visitors to their establishments. The term “low season” refers to a period when there is very little competition for engaging in adventurous tourism activities like gorilla trekking or other tourism-related activities in national parks.
This is because there is a lot of rain during this time. Budget travelers can book these discounted rates since lodges lower their prices during this period, tour operators on the other hand also lower the cost of vehicle transportation, and park officials run promotional rates. Consequently, each of these components contributes to the lower cost of the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda.
Advance Booking- A Guide to a Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari
Following your guide to a budget gorilla trekking safari, booking your gorilla trekking safari in advance is advised for the sake of adequate planning. This primarily pertains to group travellers and allows us adequate time and space to haggle with our lodging providers, such as hotels or lodges. Additionally, there is less chance for adequate lodging or room for the events. Budget travellers benefit from this since, in contrast to individual travellers, they may choose to split the cost of the vehicle and transportation. Numerous reasonably priced cars are available for hire, catering to large groups of passengers.
Accommodation facilities
Several accommodation options are available for selection. There are three types of accommodations available: low-cost and basic, mid-range and high-end, and luxurious. You should always be aware that Caracal Explorers has evaluated and tested the lodge or hotel facility before presenting it to you (our customers) to ensure you have a great time there. Despite what many people believe, the accommodations that Caracal Explorers referred to as cheap accommodations are everything. However, despite their low hotel pricing and reasonable rates, these are decent facilities with good meals, comfy beds, and helpful and pleasant staff for those on a budget.
These accommodations are therefore essential for any safari that visits Uganda’s national parks with savannah animals as well as gorilla sites. To save money on the safari, guests can also alternate between comfortable, low-cost accommodations for one night and luxurious or mid-range accommodations for the remaining nights.
To attract customers, the lodges are compelled to provide discounted rates, which are always higher during the peak season and lower during the off-peak months. You can choose from a wide variety of affordable hotel options in each of the gorilla sectors of Bwindi Forest.
Several accommodation options in the surrounding areas include Broadbill Forest Camp in Ruhija, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Eco Safari Camp in Buhoma, Kisoro Travellers Rest Inn, Nshongi Camp Site, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Crater Bay Cottages and Bunyonyi Backpackers Hostel, among others.
Best season to do gorilla trekking- A Guide to a Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari
Since there is a limited number of visitors during the wet season, there is less traffic, which allows budget travellers and backpackers to get up close and personal with the enormous apes in the wild. While many visitors tend to avoid this season, budget travellers take advantage of it.
The low season is characterized by heavy rainfall, which makes the impenetrable forest gorilla muddy, and slippery for tourists to trek through to see these endangered primate species in their natural habitat. As a result, many travelers avoid this time of the year, however, because during this season, there is ample food for these endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors, find it interesting because it is easier to see them roaming around for food.
Following your guide to a budget gorilla trekking safari, expect to see several other primates such as golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, where over 1500 individuals are conserved alongside 12 different primate species. This will astound you as you enjoy your low-cost trekking safari.
In comparison, Uganda offers affordable gorilla trekking safaris with a gorilla permit costing only US$800 per person. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to provides affordable accommodation and a $50 visa upon arrival. Rwanda charges US$1,500 per person per day for permits, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, the relatively new gorilla destination costs USD 400 per person and requires a $100 visa. Despite these low costs, there are expensive hotel options.
