Cheap Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Cheap Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda: A popular choice for cheap gorilla trekking safaris, with permits costing much less than those in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It offers unique opportunities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, housing significant gorilla populations that contribute almost half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas.
Cheap gorilla trekking tours in Uganda occur in two main locations, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, with Bwindi Gorilla Park being the most popular. This dense jungle of Bwindi hosts over 459 mountain gorillas, accounting for more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population in the four sectors of Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.
Cheap Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Local tour operators like Journeys Uganda offer budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. They arrange ordinary permits, budget accommodations, and low-cost transportation for travelers seeking affordable options in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
Travellers can book gorilla trekking safaris on their own, but it’s recommended to use a tour operator. Journeys Uganda helps budget travelers organize these safaris. To arrange your trip, email them with your travel dates, budget, and planned activities. They will check availability and verify trekking permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Booking Gorilla Permits Directly from Uganda’s Wildlife Authority
Budget travelers can book gorilla trekking permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Visitors can collect these permits from Uganda Wildlife offices on their way to their safari destinations. To arrange a booking, first determine your travel dates, month, and year, and then email the reservation office for clarification. Include your travel details in the email for permit availability confirmation. Once confirmed, you will receive an email with banking details for payment. After sending a scanned payment proof, your permit will be booked.
Through Using a local Tour Operator
Local tour operators can help organize budget trekking safaris to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks by securing gorilla trekking permits. Journeys Uganda is a reliable operator that can arrange and hold these permits. To book your trekking gorilla permit with Journeys Uganda, simply send your travel dates, month, and year via email for permit availability verification.
Once your trekking permit is approved, you will get an email with banking details to choose your payment method. After sending the money, please send a scanned copy of your receipt. Budget travelers should book gorilla permits 4-5 months in advance.
Prices of Gorilla Trekking Permits for Budget Travelers.
A gorilla permit is required for budget travelers to access mountain gorillas in Uganda’s parks. Non-foreign residents pay $800, foreign residents $700, and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000. This covers entrance, community development, and ranger guide fees. Travelers should book permits 4-5 months in advance during peak season.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park offers a unique wildlife adventure. Visitors can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi has four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga—all of which host these endangered animals. In Rushaga, one semi-habituated gorilla family is available for gorilla habituation, while 22 families are open for trekking.
What to Pack for Budget Gorilla Trekking Tours in Bwindi and Mgahinga?
Things to pack include binoculars, insect repellent, energy snacks, waterproof shoes, long sleeves, a hat, a camera, a pair of binoculars, extra batteries, gardening gloves, long socks, long pants, a face mask, hiking shoes, and a waterproof jacket for gorilla trekking.
What is the Best Time to do Budget Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda?
Budget gorilla trekking tours in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga parks are available year-round, with some months being better than others. The rainy season, from March to May and October to November, is ideal for budget tours due to significant discounts offered by lodges. However, this season also brings heavy rainfall, making roads muddy and slippery, and the thick vegetation can hinder views of wildlife, including gorillas and birds.
Budget travellers can visit Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the dry season, from June to September, and December to February. At this time, rainfall is low, trails are dry, and visibility of wildlife, including gorillas, is good. The roads to the park are also easily accessible.
Where to Stay on a Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda?
The park offers various budget-friendly accommodation options throughout, including Bwindi View Bandas, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Nshongi Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Nshongi Campsite, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Forest Camp, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman, Nshongi Camp, and Ruhija Safari Lodge, catering to different traveler needs.