Without Expert Advice, Planning a Gorilla Safari can be a daunting experience. However, now that you found yourself here, we will take you through how best to plan and enjoy a Gorilla Safari in Africa. We will give you in-depth advice & tips on Planning a Gorilla Safari in 2024.
Expert Advice & Tips on How to Plan Gorilla Safari in 2024 – 2025
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 for 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.
- Carefully consider the Price of the Gorilla Permits.
- 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 (will increase to $800 per person/permit after 1st/July/2024) to spend up to 01-hour with gorillas in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Parks.
- Look into the Price of accommodation.
Accommodation In Rwanda is a lot more pricey. Budget hotels in Musanze District – 13 Km away from Volcanoes National Park cost between USD100 and 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 $50 per person sharing.
- Choose the Best time to go on a budget Gorilla Safari.
If planning a budget gorilla safari from 2024 – 2025 onwards, ensure you choose the best time to go on a Budget Safari. Gorilla Trekking has seasons; peak & low seasons.
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 rain 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 the High Season – you can do these 1 – 2 years in advance.
Related: In-advance Gorilla Safari planning & booking
The low season falls in the months of March, April, May, and November. During these months there is rainfall, especially in the afternoons – something that discourages most travellers from venturing Into Low season gorilla Trekking.
However, it’s important to understand a few facts about mountain gorillas prior to choosing your ideal gorilla trekking Season. 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 during 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 in 2024?
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 are a lot more things to see & do in Uganda than there are in Rwanda.
Related: Things to See & Do In Uganda.
Popular Gorilla Trekking Offers & Deals for 2024 – 2025
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