UPDATED: 23/09/2021: Save Money on a Gorilla Safari
Saving money on a gorilla Safari is hard work! The flights to Uganda or Rwanda cost quite a bit of money, the Gorilla Permits are so expensive, and generally speaking, a gorilla tour might be one of the most expensive adventure experiences in Africa. However, the team at Realm Africa Safaris™ – a specialized Gorilla safari company offering Amazing Gorilla safaris to Rwanda & Uganda can assist you to save money on a Gorilla Safari in 2022 – 2023 & Beyond.
Tips on how to save money on a gorilla Safari
Choosing your destination – It’s always important to take off some time and do some research about the destination you intend to visit. Mountain Gorilla Trekking can only be done in Uganda, Rwanda & DR. Congo – Realm Africa Safaris™ only operates Gorilla Safaris to Uganda & Rwanda – NOT DR. Congo. Curious why? Read our blog ” Why Gorilla Trekking In Congo is Considered Not Safe“.
Being that there are only two (02) Destinations considered safe for Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Africa; Rwanda and Uganda, then your challenge is to decide between the two (02) countries.
The Best way to save money on a gorilla safari in 2022 – 2023 & Beyond
- Cost of Gorilla permit: Carefully compare the cost of the gorilla Permit. Gorilla Permits In Uganda Cost USD700, while Rwanda charges USD1,500 for her permits. If it saving money that we want then we definitely will opt for Gorilla tracking in Uganda.
- Cost of Accommodation – depending on your budget, decide on what sort of accommodation you want to stay at. Uganda, unlike Rwanda, offers a wide range of budget accommodation in Bwindi with the farthest property being at least an hour’s drive. Rwanda, unfortunately, has segmented her Gorilla Safaris for the well-to-do travelers – just not what we are looking for!
- Choosing the right Tour Operator – Dealing with an experienced local Gorilla tour operator other than an overseas agent will definitely guarantee you a good tour rate compared to what you would actually get from the overseas agent back in your home country.
Curious why?
The rate given to you by your home-based travel agency is marked up with their commission – which means you are paying a lot more for the tour than what the actual ground Handler is charging for the gorilla tour.
Most of the foreign Agents like to take advantage of the prevailing “fear syndrome” that runs in the veins of most travellers (especially first-time travellers to Africa). Yes, there is a risk if you are dealing with an unregistered tour operator. However, you can still make time to do a background check on the tour operator you intend to use.
Key things to check for before you book a Gorilla Safari with a local Tour Operator
Ensure the tour Operator is a registered company and is a member of an Association. For example, RealmAfrica Safaris™ is a FULL member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. Write an email to the Association to Confirm if the operator is truly a registered member (e-mail: admin@ugandatouroperators.org or call: +256 414 542 599/ +256 702 542 599)
- Choosing your route – Having decided on the destination, accommodation, and chosen the right local tour Operator in Africa to work with. Speak to the tour operator about the best routing for your gorilla safari.
Obviously, by now we are sure Uganda is your choice of Gorilla Safari Destination, and there are two (02) ways to get to Bwindi Forest. The first option is flying in through Entebbe and driving to Bwindi Forest / Mgahinga NP which typically takes 9 – 10 hours driving – Definitely will cost you more! Choosing to fly into Uganda through Entebbe means you have to go to consider reserving a night stay at a hotel in Entebbe or Kampala on the day of arrival which adds an extra days’ cost to your entire gorilla tour.
The second option (our favourite recommendation) is that you fly Into Rwanda, Kigali – we will pick you Up and drive just 4 – 5 hours including border crossing time. You can plan to fly and arrive earlier, and on the same day drive to Bwindi (only 4 -5 hours). This way you don’t get to incur the cost of an extra night on arrival.
