Many wildlife enthusiasts are hunting for an unforgettable mountain gorilla safari to Rwanda and Uganda. However, ticking a gorilla safari off your bucket list has proven expensive for many travelers. Gorilla trekking is a tourist bucket-list adventure, but it can become costly. however, with careful planning and choices, you can experience the once-in-a-lifetime adventure on a budget. there are several ways to cut costs while enjoying the unforgettable experience with the mountain gorillas.
From choosing affordable destinations to transport costs to taking you to mountain gorilla parks like Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. let us explore the budget tips to help you save money on your gorilla trekking safari. A gorilla safari, however, can be an affordable experience; here are some of the highlights on how to do it affordably.
Travel in a group / join a group.
Group travel is the best option to cut the costs of a gorilla trekking safari. It comes with shared transport, especially when traveling by private transport. here, you split the bills by the number of people. this helps in splitting transport fees, guide fees, and accommodation
In addition, transfer arrangements become easier since no one is left to organize independently. Group travel deals are available in Uganda. Many operators offer them, but you must book with a licensed one to avoid poor services.
Find a special offer.
Travel packages and offers can be obtained through operators, airlines, and travel agent umbrella bodies, such as the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and Rwanda Tours and Travel Association. Contact them or visit their websites to discover what they offer during your travel plan. another thing is that lodges and campsites near the gorilla parks can lower their prices during the off-season
Travel during low-season
The low season is heavy rains in Uganda and Rwanda from March to May and October to November. If you’re planning a gorilla safari to Uganda, you will enjoy discounts on accommodation. However, permit costs for Uganda and Rwanda don’t change; Uganda permits cost $800 and Rwanda $1500, respectively. Due to the number of tourists, some luxury lodges cut their prices in low seasons.
Do not worry much about the damp weather, because it rains all day. Even though dirty roads will get muddy and slippery, as well as trekking trails in the jungles, the reality is mountain gorillas feed closer to the park and move less, accounting for shorter treks. The vegetation is very green and lush for best scenery photography.
Choose a Budget-Friendly Destination
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling experience in three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.in Uganda, gorilla trekking tours are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which are located in the southwestern part of the country. Rwanda’s gorilla tours are only in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in DRCongo.
Among the three countries, Uganda and drCongo offer cheaper gorilla trekking permits than Rwanda. Uganda costs $800 and DRCongo $400. however, DRCongo tourism activities, including gorilla trekking tours, were closed due to the ongoing civil war in the country.
On the other hand, a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500, which is almost double the price of Uganda’s. Therefore, if you are flexible enough, trekking gorillas in Uganda is much cheaper than in Rwanda to minimize the safari costs. You can book online with us, decide on a gorilla destination, make payments, and get instant confirmations.
Use Budget Transport options.
Self-driving while on a gorilla safari is a great option to save. Putting the cost of a driver or guide will save some of your money, but you can also travel at your own pace.
In Kampala or Kigali, hire or rent vehicles from reputable car hire companies or operators. They assist in case of breakage or tire puncture and also maintain their vehicles’ spare equipment. The car hired will be charged daily. Prices differ depending on the type of vehicle, such as Land Cruisers, Toyota Prado, Super Customs, drones, or small cars like Rav 4.