Midrange Gorilla Treks
When it comes to midrange safari adventures in Uganda, few match gorilla treks. Two of its 10 national parks (Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks) shelter half the World’s population of mountain gorillas. More so, this country issues the highest number of gorilla permits each single day.
Part of Uganda’s appeal is that, apart from its magnificent gorilla viewing spots and high concentration of these Giant Apes, it also offers a more affordable gorilla trekking option (compared to Rwanda). This makes the country an excellent choice for visitors looking for midrange gorilla treks.
Uganda provides remarkable classic gorilla safaris that don’t involve luxurious Safari lodges with bubble baths or silver-service suppers, yet still offer the most unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Although gorilla safaris are known to cost more (compared to other wildlife safaris), enjoying midrange gorilla treks is quite possible.
How to enjoy midrange gorilla treks in Uganda
If you’re looking for a few tips on how to enjoy midrange gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, here’s where to start;
Target the off-season for Midrange gorilla treks.
Good accommodation deals are rarer than mountain gorilla sightings during Uganda’s peak season (June to September, and December to February). Consider gorilla treks in the green/low season instead. Gorilla trekking in Uganda (or elsewhere) is a year-round activity. Still, the classic imagery of less muddy trails and sparser vegetation is primarily associated with the driest months: January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. The trouble is, the dry season is also the peak season. And gorilla safari prices reflect this. Interestingly, the green season lends itself to a midrange gorilla trekking adventure.
However, Uganda’s rainy season isn’t called the green or wet season for fun. The forested landscapes are transformed into a lush wonderland, triggering breathtaking backdrops for photography. The result is a photographer’s Paradise, and it is not even that wet/muddy/slippery.
March, October, and November
You should organise gorilla treks in March, October and November to avoid the heavy rains of March and April, and you will enjoy unforgettable gorilla trekking at a fraction of peak season prices. While gorilla permit prices remain the same all year round, most Safari Lodges, including the renowned luxurious ones, provide low-season rates, hence allowing you to experience luxury at a midrange price.
Additionally, the low season is also when you can bag a bargain on 4WD Car Rentals. Conclusively, visiting gorillas in the low or shoulder season can save up to 30-50% on transport, accommodations, and gorilla safari packages. However, be sure to check accommodation accessibility before booking.
Think smart: Choose your safari lodge carefully (base yourself in the urban jungle)
As always, comfortable accommodations generally consume a significant portion of the budget when planning a gorilla safari, or any other trip. The more private the experience, the higher the price you pay.
The majority of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s safari lodges are known as much for their gilt-edged luxury as for their off-the-scale location with front seats for gorilla viewing. However, not all the Safari Lodges cost the same, and several of Bwindi’s best locations during gorilla treks offer a variety of accommodation options.
Inside the Buhoma sector of Bwindi, for instance, is home to luxurious safari lodges and tented camps that offer spa treatments and high-end house drinks. However, you will also find perfectly comfortable accommodation options tucked away on the forest edge, providing the same experience for far less.
There are several midrange accommodation options in all four trekking sectors/regions of Bwindi, and they include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, and Silverback Lodge, among others, in the Buhoma sector. For the Ruhija sector, consider staying at Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge. In contrast, in the southern sectors, you can stay at Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Gorilla Leisure Lodge, among others.
Similarly, you can base yourself in Kisoro- the gateway to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to enjoy access to more wallet-friendly accommodations, local restaurants, and grocery shops. Use the money you save to splurge on additional gorilla treks, community walks, or even scenic flights.
Mode of transport
How you get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park makes a big difference to your budget. It is undeniable that fly-in safaris are the fastest and most convenient option for getting to your gorilla trekking destination. But they usually come at a premium. Charter flights even cost more.
If you are aiming at enjoying midrange gorilla treks, road transfers are the best bet. While the drive is long, it is scenic and a more affordable option as it allows you to enjoy views of the countryside along the way.
Set off on a self-drive trip to Bwindi or Mgahinga and save
Similarly, self-drive safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are especially popular and wallet-friendly due to the country’s excellent road infrastructure.
Would you be confident behind the wheel of a 4X4 Vehicle? In that case, a self-drive safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga is another way to enjoy a wallet-friendly gorilla trek in Uganda. You will discover that a three-day Car Rental can cost less than a night in a luxurious Safari Lodge. As a bonus, you will enjoy the road trip at your own pace. Want to spend a few more minutes taking photos of Crater Lake or the stunning rolling hills? No problem.
However, preparation is key to planning and undertaking a self-drive trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For instance, you have to plan your route (like no driving after dark) and arrange your accommodation reservations in advance. We can provide all the information and logistical support needed for this self-drive safari.
Focus your gorilla trekking adventure on one National Park
You don’t have to dip into the two National Parks- Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks to experience different gorilla trekking adventures, especially visitors looking for double gorilla treks. You can instead focus your resources on a single safari destination as a way of cutting down on the cost of Car rental or transfers.
Could you decide on your priorities? If you have an urge to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, then trek the gorillas in Bwindi, and finally, observe the golden monkeys in Mgahinga. Those desperate to track mountain gorillas and also hike one of the Virunga Volcanoes (Gahinga, Muhabura, or Sabyinyo) should go to Mgahinga National Park. If you have a large group, you must book your gorilla trek in Bwindi. This is because it has many Lodges with numerous rooms, and there are more gorilla permits available.
Please be on the lookout for midrange Lodges in luxury locations.
If you would be happier with four solid walls and a roof, you can still save money on your gorilla safari to Uganda. Savvy gorilla trekkers usually seek out less pricey accommodation options in the same area as the super-luxe accommodation facilities. Midrange-oriented digs might not have all the bells and whistles, but they sometimes share the same landscapes and gorilla trekking experiences.
For instance, Four Gorilla’s Lodge is the cheaper option of renowned Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and others in the southern part of Bwindi. Interestingly, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge is a cheaper yet incredible option to Gorilla Safari Lodge. Staying in these places provides breathtaking views of the forest, and also an opportunity to enjoy midrange gorilla treks.
Generally, planning a gorilla safari doesn’t mean sacrificing quality and missing out on memorable experiences. With some strategic planning through the provided tips and insider advice, you can relish an unforgettable gorilla trekking tour without spending a fortune. With tips such as travelling during the low season, opting for road trips and self-drive trips, and focusing on one gorilla destination, you can travel confidently knowing that your Uganda gorilla safari is both unforgettable and affordable.
