How to Go Gorilla Trekking Cheaply in Uganda and Rwanda

Find the cheapest way to see mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations that are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which has one habituated family known as the Nyakagezi gorilla family and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has 20 gorilla families that are open for trekking and found in the four sections of Bwindi which are Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sectors. Bwindi has the highest number of gorillas in the world, making it the perfect destination for gorilla trekking.

Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination, the Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest part of Rwanda in the Virunga region and a two hours’ drive from Kigali. To most travelers, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a luxury since the gorilla permit costs uS$1500. It has often been referred to as a destination for all tourists looking to have a luxurious stay on their safari, and this is usually because of the cost of the gorilla permit.

Choosing a Budget Friendly Accommodation Facility

Accommodation is important when planning how to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda have accommodation categorized into three: budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities, which means that you can still travel to the two countries on a limited budget if you choose the right accommodation facility. On the other hand, Rwanda is a luxury gorilla destination, but once you explain your budget to your tour operator, they will advise you accordingly.

Some of the budget-friendly accommodation facilities that are found around Bwindi and Mgahinga include the Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi View Bandas. Lake Kitandara Bwindi camp, Buhoma community Rest camp, CTPH Gorilla Conservation camp, and Ruhija community Rest camp. For more budget/ basic accommodation, contact your tour operator to help you make a choice and we advise that you book in advance to avoid last-minute panicking. You can also try camping, although we recommend communicating with the tour operator first to help you choose the best option.

Going for Shorter Trips

Gorilla trekking is adventure that needs no complimentary activities to make it a complete deserving experience, a guarantee to those who seek close encounter with the mountain gorillas.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider short Uganda gorillas safaris like the 3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking tour. This package dedicates the first and last days for transfers, leaving the second day for the main adventure.

If you’re pressed for time, the 1-day Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali or 2-day Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali, Rwanda, are perfect. Kigali is conveniently the closest city to Bwindi impenetrable national park with an international airport.

Traveling in Low Season

One way to see gorillas cheaply is by choosing the right travel season and avoiding the crowded season. Two seasons are experienced in Uganda and Rwanda: the peak season (June to October and December to February) and the low season, also known as the green season, experienced from March to May and October to November. During peak seasons, a large crowd of tourists increases the cost of services. On the other hand, the low season is a good time to travel for a gorilla trek because the accommodation rates are reduced during this time, making the safari budget-friendly.

Joining Groups

Sometimes tourists prefer having private gorilla trekking safaris but this means that you have to cater for all the costs hence gorilla trekking becoming expensive. But if you are trying to see the gorillas cheaply, we advise that you travel in groups because this reduces the cost since it is shared among travelers. Some of the costs that can be shared include transport, accommodation, and tips, among other costs. It is also fun to travel in groups, and you get to meet people from other walks of life.

In Conclusion

Gorilla trekking has been termed as an expensive activity and most tourists believe that they cannot enjoy the safari but with the few steps mentioned above, you can still get to enjoy a gorilla safari cheaply in both Uganda and Rwanda.