Realm Africa Safaris™ is a lead Gorilla Tour Operator for Gorilla trekking holidays into Uganda & Rwanda ( We don’t outfit trips to DR Congo – Curious to know why?, then read our blog post; Why Congo is considered not safe for Gorilla Trekking). Browse our list of Best Budget Gorilla Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda.
How to Plan a Pocket-friendly Gorilla Safari in 2021 – 2022
Planning a budget Gorilla Safari can be difficult if you don’t know where to start! However, today we will assist you to understand how to the most important things to consider when planning a budget Gorilla Safari.
How to Plan a Budget Gorilla Safari in 2021 – 2022
- Decide on where to go gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Mountain Gorillas can only be seen in three (03) countries; Rwanda, Uganda & DR. Congo. Of the three (03) countries, only Rwanda & Uganda are safe to visit for gorilla trekking – curious why? Read more: Why DR.Congo is Considered Not Safe for gorilla trekking.
Between Rwanda and Uganda, you have got to decide on where to go gorilla trekking. However, to make this a lot easier for you, we advise looking at two (02) major things; the price of the permit, and the price of accommodation.
Price of the Gorilla Permits in Uganda/ Rwanda for 2021 – 2022.
Gorilla permits In Rwanda cost $1,500 per person to watch and photograph (for 01-hour) gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
In Uganda, Gorilla Permits cost $700 per person to spend up to 01-hour with gorillas in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Parks.
Price of accommodation.
Accommodation In Rwanda is a lot more pricey. Budget hotels in Musanze District – 13 Km away from Volcanoes National Park costs between USD100 – 150 per person sharing a double room. Rwanda is marketing itself as a premier luxury destination – evidently premium Luxury brands like Singita- Kwitonda Lodge & Bisate Lodge have opened up high-End Properties that cost an arm to stay overnight. However, if your budget allows, these properties are worthwhile.
Uganda, unlike Rwanda, offers a wide range of affordable budget, Midrange to upmarket options from as low as USD50 per person sharing.
Best time to go on a budget Gorilla Safari
If planning a budget gorilla safari, you have got to choose the best time to go on a Budget Safari. Gorilla Trekking has seasons; peak & low season.
The peak Season for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda is in the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. During these months, there is less rainfall and sometimes even no rains at all. Most travellers like to plan and book their gorilla safaris for these months because the parks are fairly dry, and the forest trails are a little easier to navigate – of course with minimal gorilla trekking fitness required.
For the mobility challenged, elderly, and disabled persons – Intending to indulge in Gorilla Trekking, a sedan chair carried by local porters can be arranged on request and prior planning is a necessity especially if travelling in the high season months.
Related: Gorilla Trekking for Mobility challenged & Elderly Persons.
Gorilla permits in peak Season are very scarce and usually sold out. We, therefore, recommend pre-booking and paying for your gorilla permits well-in-advance especially if travelling In High Season – you can do this 1-2 years in advance.
The low season falls in the months of March, April, May, and November. During these months there is rainfall especially in afternoons – something that discourages most travellers from venturing Into Low season gorilla Trekking.
However, it’s important to understand a few facts about the mountain gorillas prior to choosing your ideal gorilla trekking Seasons. Mountain Gorillas live in tropical rainforests characteristic of rainfall meaning that NOT even the dry season is actually completely dry otherwise trekkers would never be asked to pack rain jacks if travelling in the high season.
Overview: Although gorilla trekking is generally considered a costly venture, doing this in the Peak Season is expensive in regards to the cost of accommodation, and companies will often offer non-negotiable rates for their gorilla packages since the demand then is high compared to the low season months when you have the chance to bargain for a Great value Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Besides Gorilla Trekking, what else can I do In Rwanda or Uganda?
Rwanda besides gorilla trekking has only two (02) National Parks; Akagera & Nyungwe National park.
Related: Things to See & Do In Rwanda.
Uganda, On the other hand, has up to eight (08) national parks (excluding the two gorilla parks: Bwindi & Mgahinga). There is a lot more things to see & do in Uganda than there is in Rwanda.
Related: Things to See & Do In Uganda.
