When you talk about mountain gorilla trekking, majority of travelers are left to think that is only for the rich.
But regardless of your budget, it is very possible that even when you are on budget safari in Uganda, you can still see the mountain gorillas in their wonderful home. If you are a Ugandan, you will save more on your trip.
If you follow these tips, you will plan a perfect gorilla trek and you also have the same inspiration just others on luxury safari.
Where to go
Uganda is one of the only four countries that host the endangered mountain gorillas. These great apes are jealously protected in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
These two protected areas are found in South Western Uganda.
Over the past 20 years, tourists have been visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the memorable gorilla trekking expeditions into the montane forests where the mountain gorillas live! The hikes do not come simply!
A successful gorilla trek will involve hiking through the forests that is characterized with hills and valleys. With your walking stick, you can successfully meet the great apes within a time frame of about 3 hours to a whole day hike since the gorillas wander through the forest at their own pace and will!
In Bwindi National Park, there are can start their gorilla treks in anyone of the park’s four regions; Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma, each of which comprises of distinct gorilla families. If your plan is to trek gorillas from Buhoma region then the groups for you to explore include Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja and Katwe; Nkuringo region; Nkuringo, Bushaho and Christmas; Ruhija area; Bitukura, Mukiza, Oruzogo and Kyaguliro while in Rushaga area, the gorilla families include Kutu, Busingye, Rwigi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Mishaya, Bikingi and Kahungye.
Are you wondering about how you can get to this end of the world for a gorilla trek?
If you plan carefully before hand, you can enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda at reasonably low prices. The essentials of your trip should be;
Transportation – You need a 4×4 safari vehicle since this is a montane area with unpaved roads.
Accommodation – You need to sleep in a descent lodge.
Activity Fees – There are set prices for gorilla tracking in Uganda.
Below are the different ways you can plan a memorable trip to the gorillas in Uganda, the Land that has been “Gifted by Nature”
Book an All Inclusive Tour
Would you like a fully inclusive tour? Booking a gorilla safari in Uganda with Gorilla Trekking Uganda is the perfect decision that will bring memorable experiences to you easily. You will get a valuable all-inclusive trip planned for you and we will make sure that you get the value of your money.
Get in touch with our reservation team and we shall organize budget gorilla safaris for you and still you will get back home when filled with lots of lasting memories. We take you through exceptional gorilla trekking experience with a great opportunity for you to also interact with locals in their local communities.
Would you like to plan the Trip by yourself?
Here are some tips to help you plan a perfect tour by yourself;
Hire a car within your budget.
You can easily rent a car and hit the road to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While there are many rental car options, not all are pocket friendly. For a budget trip in Uganda, choose from our classic and comfortable 4×4 drive safari cars and professional driver guides.
There are budget rental car options range from 4×4 Toyota Rav4 to 4×4 safari land cruisers.
These recommended vehicles can maneuver through the remote roads of south western Uganda.
Know the Best times for a budget trip
Most travelers visiting Uganda prefer doing gorilla treks during the dry season.
However, the dry months fall within the peak season, which is always associated with high lodging fees. You can save more on your safari if you plan to travel during the shoulder months as well as the wet season. This time is ideal for budget travelers or backpackers since most hotels or safari lodges cut down the rates for accommodation and you at times you can even receive a 50% discount on accommodation.
The wet/rainy/low season in Uganda usually occurs in March, April, May and October, November and these are the best months of the year to embark on budget gorilla tour in Uganda. You can save more on not only accommodation but also transportation.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla permits.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 however, the rates will with effect from 1st July 2020 be at $700. You can secure a permit in Uganda through our reservation team or reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Choose budget safari lodge within Bwindi Impenetrable National and Mgahinga National Park, there is a wide range of budget safari lodges that offer cheaper accommodation for budget travelers.
Whether you are looking to spend as low as US$10, you will find options for you. Please note, since gorilla treks are conducted from different trailheads, you need to get accommodation from the sector where you booked the gorilla permits from;
In Buhoma sector of Bwindi National Park some of the budget lodges include Buhoma Community Campsite, Buhoma View Bandas, among others.
Within the Ruhija Sector, you can plan your stay at the Gift of Nature Lodge, Crater Bay Cottages, etc. Also note that if you are to track gorillas in the Ruhija Sector, you can also plan to stay at Lake Bunyonyi and leave for the gorilla trek early in the morning. Possible budget lodging options include Bunyonyi Overland Camp, Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort among others.
Within the Rushaga Area, budget accommodation options like Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens, Nshongi Campsite, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp etc.
If you are traveling to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, plan your stay at Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Sawa Sawa Guest House, Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel, Ikoro Hotel among others.
What to bring on budget tour in Uganda
It is important to have the essential items needed for a gorilla trek. In your packing list, you need to consider essential items first starting with gardening gloves, first aid kit, insect repellents, sweaters, hat, sunscreen, trousers, socks, waterproof hiking boots, bottled water, camera with no flashlight, long sleeved shirts, rain jacket or poncho, walking stick which you can find at the park headquarters or lodge.
I wish you a great trip to the gorillas.
After meeting Uganda’s unique treasures, don’t forget to share memories with your friends and relatives. Protecting the mountain gorillas is our responsibility so that our grandchildren can also see some of these animals that have been classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
