Cheapest ways to see mountain gorillas in Africa. There are only 3 countries in the whole world where you can track mountain gorillas and these are; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The cheapest country where you can track mountain gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo however, it not safe for tourists. The safest countries where you can track mountain gorillas in Africa are; Rwanda and Uganda, however, Rwanda has the highest gorilla permit costing 1,500 USD compared to Uganda’s 800 USD. Uganda is believed to be more practical because it has 2 destinations where you can track the gorillas and this is Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Gorilla trekking is an expensive experience but here are 5 ways to make your gorilla trekking experience cheap in Rwanda and Uganda. These ways will help you save money and still enjoy the same experience. In Rwanda you will find mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park. For you to have an encounter with mountain gorillas, you have to indulge in hiking, walking and navigating through the thick forests of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda.
You may be wondering why the gorilla trekking is expensive, but literally what makes the entire process expensive the gorilla trekking permits, conservation, transportation, accommodation and the length of the trip.
Here are the Cheapest Ways to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Choose to Travel during Low Season: Low season happens from March May and October and November. This is always a wet season and there are few travelers visiting the parks, therefore prices of most of the services are lowered to attract travelers from all walks of life. There are 2 safari seasons that is low season that happens from March to May, and October to November, and also high season that happens from June to September and December to February. High season or peak season is when the prices of the services are hiked, you do not expect any discount between these months.
Choose Low Budget Accommodation: The type of accommodation in the park also determines the price of your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. If you choose a luxury accommodation, expect the price to be high, but if you choose low budget accommodation, expect your trip not to be expensive. Remember even if you sleep in a luxury lodge or in low budget lodges, the experience will be the same. So if you spend your trip in a low budget accommodation, you will save money on your trip.
Choose to Travel in Groups: If you are a traveler and want to see gorillas, always consider joining group of travelers. You can either mobilize friends and family or consult from tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda to see if there is a group tour to join. When you join a group, expect to share most of the costs for example transportation costs, accommodation and you may not feel the cost of the trip.
Choose Short Gorilla Trekking Packages: Booking a short gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda is another way of beating high prices, for example join our 3 days Bwindi gorilla safari. When your safari is short, it means the price of accommodation, transport and meals will reduce thus making your safari price low compared to longer trips like 21 days Uganda wildlife safari.
Use Public Transport: This is also another way of cutting the costs of your gorilla trekking experience. Use a public transport like a bus to Ruhengeri in Rwanda, Kisoro, Kanungu, or Kabale in southwestern Uganda. From here you can hire a vehicle for 1 day.
