What is the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda? Trekking Gorillas during the low season is the Cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda because you are able to take advantage of the discounted accommodation and transportation Prices. The gorilla trekking low season in Uganda is during the Months of January, February, April, May, October to November.
The key factors that determine how cheap a gorilla tour can be include transportation, accommodation and how long you plan to be in the destination as explained below:
Gorilla safari lodging options
One of the cheapest ways to see Uganda gorillas is by booking a budget gorilla safari lodge. All kinds of gorilla safari lodges exist in Uganda. To keep within your wallet size, we recommend that you book a budget or basic accommodation facility for your overnight stay.
Some of the most affordable gorilla lodges to consider booking while on gorilla tour in Uganda include Engagi Lodge, Eco marvels Gorilla Resort, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Cuckoo land Tented Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp and others.
Budget/cheapest lodges to stay on Volcanoes National Park gorilla safari include Musanze Caves Hotels, Kinigi Guesthouse, and Muhabura Hotel. At Virunga National Park, affordable accommodation facilities include Bukima Tented Camp, Tchegera Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp and more.
Length of gorilla trek
Visitors can choose to go on 2 days or 3 days gorilla tour in Uganda or Rwanda. The 3-Day gorilla trip includes 2 nights and it can cost about USD 1275. This is for the case of visitors on budget tour in Uganda where gorilla permits are still obtained at the lowest cost. The Uganda Gorilla Permit Costs USD800 for Foreigners
Transportation
Booking a budget safari car for your ground travel on Uganda gorilla safari is another cheapest way to see gorillas in the wild. There are several rental cars to book including luxury, standard and budget. To save on your travel costs, we advise you opt for budget rental cars such as 4×4 Toyota Rav4 and alternatively travel in a group so as to spread the cost on transportation amongst yourselves. Traveling in a large group requires you to hire a bigger vehicle and the best options include Coaster bus (for groups of 20-28pax), Super custom/safari vans with a capacity of about 8pax. A good super custom or van can be hired at USD 70-80 per day.
What to wear & pack for a gorilla trip
On actual gorilla trekking, the essentials to consider wearing include waterproof hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirts, rain coat, pair of socks, safari hat, and others. Other items to pack: high energy giving snacks, a camera free of flashlight, bottled drinking water, insect repellents, gorilla permits, and first aid kit.
When to visit Uganda to see gorillas?
There are 2 dry seasons that are experienced in each of the gorilla parks, and they are considerably the best time to go see gorillas. The longest dry months run from June, July, August to September, also referred to as the peak months of the year. The other option is traveling during the short dry months –December, January to February.
The other months are mainly low season/rainy months, also regarded as the best months for budget travelers to visit gorillas. During these months, there is low turn up of tourists across the Uganda gorilla safari parks and some lodges even cut down on the cost of accommodation.
Timing your gorilla trip is key when planning a gorilla safari. Traveling during the low/rainy months is amazingly one of the cheapest ways to see gorillas.
Book in advance
Booking your gorilla tour early enough should be a must-do whether you plan to go on luxury gorilla tour or budget. At Engabi Tours and Travel, we recommend that you book your gorilla trip and Gorilla permits at least 1 year earlier.
Contact Us to Start Planning your unforgettable Budget Friendly Gorilla Tour. You May also reach us through WhatsApp Texting on +256 757341593