While Mountain gorilla Permit Prices are fixed and non-negotiable, the cost of accommodation, car hire, driver-guide services are variables that can be negotiated directly with your Gorilla tour Operator. Read this Blog to learn the cheapest way to trek Gorillas. (2 mins. read)
The cheapest way to trek Gorillas revolves around making the right decisions on the most important things that could affect the price of your entire Gorilla safari. When Planning a cheap gorilla safari, you need to choose the right place to go; Uganda or Rwanda?, What kind of accommodation to stay at, and how long your gorilla safari should last. We will explain all the above shortly – just keep reading – you are very close to planning the cheapest Gorilla Safari.
Cheapest Way to trek Gorillas: Tips for Planning a Budget Tour
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Decide on Where to go gorillas trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Both Rwanda & Uganda are safe destinations for gorilla trekking. DR Congo is NOT Safe ( See: Why DR Congo is NOt safe for Gorilla trekking).
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda Cost USD1,500 per person (Permits Only!), Uganda charges USD700 per person and the unsafe Congo has the cheapest Gorilla Permits at only $450 per person.
For travelers planning a cheap gorilla Trekking safari, we assume(not so Obvious) that you will definitely choose to go to Uganda. Remember there are only two safe gorilla trekking destinations; Uganda & Rwanda, and Uganda has the cheapest Price On safe gorilla trekking.
Further reading & Planning:
- How to buy a Gorilla Permit in Uganda.
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Decide on accommodation: Budget, Midrange, or luxury?
Rwanda markest its self as a Luxury gorilla trekking destination with very expensive gorilla safari lodges, hotels, and inns/guesthouses.
Uganda instead offers varied accommodation dominated by affordable Budget to Midrange Gorilla safari lodges, camps, & guesthouses located near Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodation Rates in Uganda:
Budget: $50 – $70 per person Full Board (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included!).
Midrange: $80 – $200 per person Full Board (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included!).
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Decide on Transport: Do it yourself or use a local tour operator?
While it is possible for you to do everything by yourself, beware that you could make one silly mistake and your entire trip is ruined. Working with a local tour operator does make both the planning and actual execution of your trip seamless and a lot more enjoyable. They know where to go as opposed to you losing so much time trying to figure out the smallest detail of your safari – these guys have done it over and over again and therefore have the expertise.
Feel free to contact us or any other reputable gorilla tour operators
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Decide When to go on your gorilla tour: Peak or Low Season?
Although it’s possible to go gorilla trekking at any time of the year, our best recommendation is that you consider booking your gorilla tour for the Dry season. Uganda has two distinct dry seasons; Late December – February, and June – September. Trekking gorillas in the dry season means you will trek on less slippery ground, and photography is very enjoyable without you having to worry much about your photography kit
The Downside to choosing the Dry season is the fact that it will be peak season which is often characterized by crowds. It’s why we recommend booking your gorilla Permit at least 06 months in advance of your travel.
- Best time: December – February, and June – September.
- Peak Season ( short dry season): December – February.
- Peak season(Long Dry Season): June-September.
- Low season (Rainy): late September – November, and March-May.
The upside to choosing to go gorilla trekking in the low season months; late September – November, and March-May is the opportunity to travel without crowds. The lodges will also offer discounted low season rates on accommodation – this is undoubtedly the best time to go on a cheap gorilla safari in Uganda
