Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Gorilla trekking is one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the world, this experience offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the rare and endangered mountain gorillas only found in the Central Africa rainforests in the Virunga Mountain slopes and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Uganda is a known gorilla trekking destination offering the best gorilla trekking experiences in the world, gorilla trekking is a must a do wildlife experience and to enable all travelers to participate in this incredible wildlife experience. Uganda offers subsided trips with reduced costs that fit in the budgets of even low-income earning travelers who want to trek gorillas in Uganda.
In the whole world, mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here is how to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on a budget
Target the low season
Plan your Uganda gorilla trekking safari during the low season months of March to May and October to November, in these months hotels, camps and lodges offer lower rates. Also, discounted rates are offered on other services such as transportation due to low demand.
The lower seasons increases your chances of seeing the gorillas without breaking a bank.
Consider using public transportation
Hiring a private vehicle and a private driver for your Uganda gorilla trekking safari can be expensive, for a budget gorilla trekking in Uganda it is best to use public transportation to get to larger towns closer to the gorilla trekking destinations such as Kabale and Kisoro in Uganda. From here, it is easy to hire a vehicle and driver and head to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a one-day gorilla trekking experience.
Using public transportation from Kampala to Kabale and Kisiro will significantly bring the costs of your Uganda Safari down.
Travel as a group
Traveling as a group on a Uganda gorilla trekking experience is the best way to save money and bring your costs down, on a group safari the costs for a Uganda gorilla safari are shared amongst the members as opposed to traveling solo. A solo traveler foots all the costs for their gorilla safari.
Consider budget accommodation
To cut the costs of your Uganda gorilla trekking safari, consider staying in budget accommodations. However, keep in mind that the quality of your accommodation can make or break your Uganda gorilla adventure trip.
When looking for a budget accommodation, look for a budget friendly option with the bare necessities like en-suite bathroom and toilet, a mosquito net and a clean environment.
Budget accommodations to stay while on a budget Uganda gorilla trekking safari include
Trekker’s Tavern Cottages
The accommodation facility is located on the top of Ruhija hill boasting views of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Ruhija Section.
Buhoma Rest Camp
Buhoma Rest Camp is a beauty accommodation facility located a few meters from the main entrance gate of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Buhoma Sector, the facility offers a variety of lodging options including two non – self contained twin cottage bandas, six self – contained safari tents and six dormitory style accommodations and campsites.
Buhoma Community Campsite is owned and operated by the local community in Buhoma, rooming at the camp are single, double, twin and triple bedding. Food and beverages, fully stocked bar, Resturnat, transportation, a secure parking lot, Artisan craft shop among others.
CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp
CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp is one of the best budget options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offering accommodation on the outskirts of the park, the camp boasts break taking panoramic views of the top of the forest.
All the proceedings benefit on ground gorilla conservation efforts.
Ruhija Gorilla Resort
This local owned and operation safari lodge is located near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Ruhija Sector, the lodge is situated close to the park’s entrance and from this lodge visitors can walk to the gorilla briefing point which is in a short distance.
Nshongi Gorilla Resort
This accommodation is located in Rubugiri town near the trekking sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, Nshongi gorilla resort offers two types of accommodations that is a guest house and cottages.
Guest house accommodations include self – contained rooms, double and twin rooms and large double windows overlooking the tranquil scenic view of the Bwindi forests.
Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
Wagtail Eco Safari Camp is a budget – friendly tented lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable national park located in Rubuguri town, this camp serves travelers to Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors. This beautiful camp is built with local materials such as papyrus roof, a banana fiber ceiling, impressive furniture and a floor tightened with local stones.
The camp has four different room types that is guest room, deluxe queen, junior king and superior king.
Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority and they cost as follows
Foreign residents – US$ 700 per person per day
Foreign Residents of East Africa Countries (Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Kenya) – US$ 600 per person
East African Residents – Ugx 250,000 per person
Best time to visit for Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time to go for budget gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season when the rain is less, the drier months are preferred as the trekking trails are less slippery and vegetation is less thick.
The dry season coincides with the high and peak season in Uganda so the prices may be slightly higher.
Rainy season in Uganda is experienced in April, May, November and October, during this period lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer discounted rates. If you wish to do gorilla trekking in Uganda on a budget, it is best to take advantage of these lower rates.
