Gorilla Trekking in Uganda on a Tight Budget
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda on a Tight Budget is not only possible. It is one of the best ways to experience Africa’s most thrilling wildlife encounters without breaking the bank. Uganda’s affordable gorilla permits make trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see endangered mountain gorillas budget-friendly compared to Rwanda.
This guide unveils how to affordably plan a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, covering permits, budget lodging, transport advice, and a sample itinerary.
Undertaking a gorilla safari is one of the greatest ways to de-stress from the everyday hustle and bustle of running a business, office work, or even school activities. However, these tours come with a lot of budgeting and planning, which can sometimes eat deep into one’s savings. Uganda Gorilla permits alone cost $800 per person if you’re a foreign non-resident, $700 per person if you are a foreign resident, or about $83 per person if you’re an East African Community resident.
Two Gorilla Destinations in one Place
Uganda is a wonderful gorilla trekking destination with two National Parks. These are; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. They shelter a combined population of over 550 mountain gorillas. This makes Uganda the best and most unmissable place to get up close and personal with the Giant Apes in their natural habitat. It is therefore undeniable that Uganda is a wonderful gorilla trekking destination, but with the “tourist” treatment comes expensive bills and cut-throat charges.
With the 25 habituated gorilla families with unique composition and characteristics, stunning scenery, mouth-watering meals, numerous unmissable activities, and beautiful accommodation options, one can quickly blow up the budget if not critical. Thankfully, our article offers actionable tips on how to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on a tight budget. Read on to find out.
Is gorilla trekking expensive?
Gorilla trekking is quite expensive when compared to other safari adventures such as game drives, nature walks, and boat rides, but it can be more costly or cheaper depending on how you want the adventure. However, if you are planning a budget-friendly gorilla safari to Uganda, we have tips below to help you get started.
How much does a gorilla tour to Uganda cost?
A Gorilla tour to Uganda will cost anywhere between $1600 and $5000 per person for a three-day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, inclusive of food, accommodation, transportation, and gorilla trekking permit. The package is exclusive of flight fares.
Here are the tips on how to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on a tight budget.
Booking a gorilla trekking adventure outside the peak season
If you want to save on your gorilla trekking tour, consider traveling to Uganda during the off-season. This is because prices for accommodation and transportation are normally discounted during the low season. For this reason, you can visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and/or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from March to May or October to November. However, it is important to be prepared for the season.
While you are likely to enjoy the feel of having the Lodge and Park to yourself and having reduced rates, the wet season, which coincides with the low season, is marked by heavy downpours. This means forest trails are muddy, slippery, and quite uncomfortable to explore while searching for the Giant Apes. Make sure that you have packed outfits that suit the weather during your gorilla trip. Essentials like a rain jacket, a sweater, safari pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a backpack, an insect repellent, and sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
Stay in budget accommodation facilities
When it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda on a tight budget, staying at budget Lodges is a sure bet. There are comfortable budget options around Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which will not only save money but also provide the opportunity to meet locals and learn about their interesting culture.
These include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Ride 4 a woman Guesthouse, Bwindi View Bandas, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp among others, for those planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, budget accommodation options include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp and Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, among others.
Similarly, booking accommodation in advance is a great way of saving money on your Uganda gorilla trekking trip. Several Lodges provide early bird rates and discounts for guests who book in advance. Also, you can compare accommodation rates and find the best deals to suit your budget.
Opt for group gorilla trekking tours
Gorilla trekking in Uganda will become quite cheaper when you travel in groups rather than solo. Native Africa Tours mainly organizes private gorilla tours. We also have options for group adventures that are scheduled for any of the two National Parks all year round. Besides splitting bills and saving more, you will meet other like-minded travelers and have more fun by joining one of our group gorilla trekking tours. We always share these groups on social media and our websites, so always look out for these nice gorilla trekking deals, especially if you are planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on a tight budget. Additionally, these group gorilla tours come with an experienced tour guide who helps with directions and haggling prices when necessary.
Spending like the locals
You will hear people saying, “while in Rome, live like the Romans”, and we agree. Not to sound cliché but one of the best advice we give our clients is that while in Uganda, it is better to transact in the local currency. This is one of the easiest ways to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on a tight budget.
Reduce on souvenirs
Bwindi and Mgahinga surrounding areas are known for their beautiful and unique handcrafts. Hence, it can be difficult to resist buying souvenirs for family and friends back home. Nonetheless, those colorful scarves and lesus, trinkets, and leather sandals can add up quickly. Before you even know it, you have blown your entire budget on souvenirs and are looking for ATM points to withdraw money for other expenses.
It’s not like we are saying you shouldn’t buy souvenirs. But rather set a budget for yourself and only buy those that fall within that budget. You might not get the exact items your family or friends asked for, but you will at least afford more souvenirs when you aren’t spending all the money on one thing.
Plan/Prepare your meals.
Eating out can be a bit costly in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, especially if you are on a tight budget. To save money, plan/prepare your meals and bring along some food and snacks.
If your Safari Lodge has a kitchenette, it is advisable to prepare your own meals as it is not only affordable but makes it possible to taste some of the country’s local cuisines. Fortunately, most Campsites around Bwindi or Mgahinga have barbecue points, Campfires, shared kitchens, shared bathrooms, and grocery shops.
We don’t advise eating street food as we aren’t sure of the hygienic processes of making these foods. Alternatively, you can taste foods from some of the neat and affordable restaurants around nearby Towns.
Are You Ready to Trek Uganda’s Gorillas without Breaking the Bank?
Native Africa Tours offers affordable gorilla trekking safaris from Uganda and Kigali. We will assist you with securing your gorilla permit, booking budget-friendly lodging, and arranging inexpensive transportation, all while maintaining a high-quality experience.
To start planning your Budget friendly gorilla trekking trip to Uganda in 2025 or 2026, contact us today. We can make your dream safari happen, even if you’re on a tight budget.
