Affordable Budget Gorilla Trekking and Safaris in Rwanda

How to Save Money for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa

Mountain gorilla trekking has become one of the most sought-after tourist activities in the world.

It can only be done in four national parks globally: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is the most expensive tourist activity for travelers, given that a permit to trek costs a significant amount depending on the country you choose.

This cost does not include your air ticket, ground transportation, meals, and accommodation. Therefore, everyone interested in gorilla trekking in Africa must save up some money.

To save money for gorilla trekking, you must first decide whether you will trek in Uganda or Rwanda.

Knowing where to trek will give you insight into how to save because both countries offer different prices for gorilla trekking permits. You should compare the permit prices and choose one that fits your budget.

It is also essential to research accommodation options available in Virunga National Park, Mgahinga, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to help you save money for gorilla trekking.

Uganda’s national parks offer a variety of budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation options for all kinds of travelers.

However, lodges in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park tend to be more luxurious, making them less favorable for budget travelers. Furthermore, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are more expensive.

If you are a luxury traveler, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a great option.

Many travelers coming to Uganda and Rwanda to trek mountain gorillas typically use travel operators.

By choosing, researching, and comparing prices from several companies, you can save money for your gorilla trekking experience.

Dealing with a local tour operator is usually cheaper compared to using travel agents back home.

However, you must be careful when choosing a local operator by confirming their membership with relevant operator associations in the respective country to ensure the company is legitimate and fully registered.

Choosing your route will also help you save for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla national parks are all located within the Virunga Massif region, except Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, although it is also not far from the Virunga area.

You will save more if you plan to trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and fly into Rwanda, as it is only a four-hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Uganda, compared to flying into Uganda and taking a 10-11 hour drive from Entebbe International Airport to Mgahinga National Park.

The mode of transport you choose for trekking mountain gorillas will also help you save money.

There are airstrips within or near all gorilla national parks that you can fly to from Entebbe International Airport, Kajjansi Airfield, or Kigali International Airport.

Alternatively, you can use road transport, which is cheaper than air travel.

Book Discounted Gorilla Permits

Booking discounted gorilla permits can greatly reduce the total cost of your tour package.

Discounted Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda introduced discounted gorilla trekking permits in 2017 when the price of normal gorilla trekking permits increased from $750 to $1,500.

Although the discounted permits do not match the normal trekking permit prices in Congo and Uganda, they provide some savings.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was heavily affected worldwide, with many countries, including Rwanda, under total lock-down.

On June 17, 2020, Rwanda reopened its national parks for tourism, offering good news to travelers as gorilla permits were discounted.

Foreign national residents now pay $500 compared to the usual $1,500, Rwandan citizens and East African nationals pay $200, and foreign non-residents continue to pay the normal price of $1,500.

Rwanda offers discounted permits during the low seasons of May and November.

The normal gorilla permit costs $1,500 during other seasons and $1,050 during the low season per person.

However, to qualify for the discounted permits, travelers must stay for more than three days in the country and visit at least one other national park besides Volcanoes National Park.

Discounted Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Uganda introduced promotional rates for mountain gorilla trekking following the lock-down, initially from December 2020 to March 2021, and then officially extended to June 30, 2021.

There is also the possibility that these promotional rates may be extended until the end of 2021.

The gorilla trekking permit price was reduced from $700 to $400 for foreign non-residents, from $600 to $300 for foreign residents, and from 250,000 to 150,000 Ugandan shillings for East African residents.

Previously, Uganda offered low-season discounted gorilla permits for April, May, and November at $450 per person for foreign non-residents and $400 for foreign residents.

However, these low-season discounts were discontinued when Rwanda raised its prices from $750 to $1,500.

The normal cost for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda is $800, and this rate will apply after the promotional rates end.

Please note that there are currently no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

Traveling in Groups to Reduce Costs

Traveling in groups offers several advantages for most travelers, as explained below:

Tour Operator Discount

One of the benefits of traveling in groups is that many tour operators provide discounts for group travelers, and in some cases, the tour leader is not even charged.

This is much cheaper than booking a trip alone, where you may not receive any discount.

Pay Less for Transport

When traveling in groups, everyone contributes to fuel costs, making it more affordable than if you were traveling alone.

Pay Less for Accommodation

Traveling in groups reduces accommodation costs. For example, you can stay in dormitories, twin, or triple rooms and pay less compared to booking a single room on your own.

Cheapest Time to See Gorillas

Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking national parks experience similar weather patterns throughout the year.

Mountain gorillas can be seen year-round, but some months are better than others, especially during the drier seasons.

Although the best time to see mountain gorillas is during the dry months of June to August and December to February, the cheapest time to see gorillas is during the wet season.

However, this comes with challenges such as thick vegetation, rain, slippery and muddy trails.

Lodges and tour operators offer discounts during the wet season, allowing you to pay less compared to the peak dry season when there is high demand and prices are higher.

Choose the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas

Between Uganda and Rwanda, the cheapest place to see mountain gorillas is Uganda for the following reasons:

Variety of Budget Gorilla Safari Lodges

Uganda offers a range of accommodation options, including budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park primarily offers luxury accommodation.

The availability of budget lodges in Uganda makes it a more affordable option for seeing mountain gorillas.

Affordable Gorilla Permits

Uganda’s gorilla permits cost $800 per person per trek, while Rwanda’s permits cost $1,500 per person.

The combination of affordable lodges and cheaper gorilla permits makes Uganda the most affordable destination for seeing gorillas compared to Rwanda’s higher-priced permits and luxury lodges.

Budget Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another option for affordable gorilla trekking.

You can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and take a road trip to the park, saving money compared to trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where permits and lodges are more expensive.

Additionally, you avoid the long 10-11 hour drive from Kampala to Mgahinga.

Opt for the Cheapest Ways to See Gorillas in Africa

Below are the cheapest ways to see gorillas in Africa:

• Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda: The cheapest way to see mountain gorillas is by booking your gorilla permit in Uganda, which costs $800, compared to Rwanda’s $1,500.
• Book Budget Accommodation: Another cost-saving tip is to research various accommodation options. Uganda offers luxury, mid-range, and budget lodges. By double-checking and selecting a budget lodge, you can reduce your expenses.
• Visit During the Low Season: One of the cheapest times to see mountain gorillas is during the low season. Although gorilla trekking may be more challenging due to wet weather conditions, many lodges and tour operators offer discounted rates during this time, allowing you to pay less for their services.
• Choose a Good Tour Operator: Comparing the prices of different tour operators is another way to save money when planning your gorilla trek. By doing this, you can select a company that fits your safari budget.
• Travel in Groups: Traveling in groups is one of the cheapest ways to see mountain gorillas. By joining group travelers, you can share the costs of various expenses, such as accommodation and transportation.

Best Time to See Gorillas

Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude rain-forests that receive rainfall throughout the year.

While gorillas can be seen all year round, some months are better than others, as all gorilla national parks experience similar weather patterns annually.

The best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the two dry seasons: June to August and December to February.

These months are ideal because the roads leading to the national parks are in good condition, trekking trails are less muddy and slippery, and there is a lower chance of rain during treks.

Additionally, the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot gorillas and take clear photographs.

Though you may experience some light showers even during the dry season, they are not as heavy as during the wet season. After the rain, the sky usually clears up, and the sun comes out.

Tourists are advised to bring gorilla trekking gear just in case, including garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, walking sticks, raincoats, rain jackets, long-sleeved clothing, warm clothing, and socks.

Best Budget Gorilla Trekking Lodges in Rwanda

Most travelers look for budget safaris to trek mountain gorillas.

Some of the lodges that offer budget accommodation include: Volcanoes Residence Limited, Amahoro Guest House, Musanze Caves Hotel, Kinigi Guest House, Eden Rooms, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Amarembo Gorilla Village, Muhabura Hotel, La Bambou Gorilla Hotel, Volcanoes Forest Camp, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Le Palme Hotel, Gate Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, and many others.

Best Budget Uganda Lodges for Trekking Gorillas

There are two national parks in Uganda where gorilla trekking is possible.

Therefore, you should book your budget accommodation according to the sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park you are trekking in or if you are trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Below are some budget lodges in Mgahinga National Park and the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, respectively:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is one of the parks in Uganda where you can see gorillas. The park is bordered by Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

Some of the budget lodges within the park include: Miranda Eco Community Center, Countryside Guest House, Golden Monkey Guest House, Amajambere Iwachu Camp, Kisoro Heritage Guest House, Mgahinga Community Ground Rest Camp, Bugondo Guest House, and Kisoro Tourist Hotel, among others.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into four sectors: Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga. All these sectors offer budget gorilla trekking options.

Some of the budget lodges include: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Ruhija Community Rest Camp Facilities, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Bwindi Guest House, CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp, Bushara Island Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas, Cuckoo Land Tented Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bwindi View Canteen, and many others. The Buhoma sector of Bwindi is well known for its luxurious lodges.

Budget Gorilla Trekking Questions & Answers

Below are the 30 frequently asked questions about budget gorilla trekking that should help you plan your trip even better:

1. What is the cheapest country for budget gorilla trekking in Africa? Uganda is the cheapest option for budget gorilla trekking, with permits costing $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1,500.
2. How can I save money on budget gorilla trekking permits? You can save by booking during low seasons when discounts are offered or choosing Uganda for cheap gorilla trekking permits.
3. Are there discounted permits for budget gorilla tours in Rwanda? Yes, Rwanda offers discounted permits during low seasons (May and November) for $1,050 compared to the regular $1,500.
4. Can I save money by traveling in a group for budget gorilla tours? Yes, group travel helps reduce costs for accommodation, transportation, and tour operator fees during your budget gorilla tours.
5. How can I get budget accommodation for budget gorilla safaris in Rwanda? Budget gorilla safaris in Rwanda can include accommodations like Volcanoes Residence Limited, Amahoro Guest House, and Kinigi Guest House.
6. What is the cheapest time for affordable gorilla trekking? The cheapest time for affordable gorilla trekking is during the wet seasons (April, May, and November), when accommodation and tours are discounted.
7. How much does a permit cost for budget gorilla trekking in Uganda? Budget gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800, making it a more affordable option compared to Rwanda.
8. Can I trek gorillas in Uganda while staying in Rwanda for a budget gorilla tour? Yes, you can fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda for a budget gorilla tour.
9. What budget lodges are available near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for budget gorilla safaris? Lodges for budget gorilla safaris near Mgahinga include Golden Monkey Guest House, Amajambere Iwachu Camp, and Kisoro Tourist Hotel.
10. How much can I save by booking cheap gorilla trekking permits during the low season? You can save up to $450 in Rwanda and $300 in Uganda by booking permits during the low season for cheap gorilla trekking.
11. How far in advance should I book a permit for budget gorilla tours? It’s recommended to book budget gorilla tour permits 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons.
12. Are there budget-friendly options for budget gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park? Yes, budget gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park includes stays at affordable lodges like Muhabura Hotel and Volcanoes Forest Camp.
13. How can I save money on transportation for affordable gorilla trekking? Use road transport to save on costs, or share transportation with other travelers during your affordable gorilla trekking.
14. Is it possible to trek gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda for a budget gorilla tour? Yes, but you need separate permits for each country to organize your budget gorilla tour accordingly.
15. What is included in the cost of a permit for budget gorilla trekking? The permit for budget gorilla trekking includes entry to the park and guided trekking to see the gorillas.
16. How can I save on accommodations during a budget gorilla tour? Choose budget gorilla tour lodges or campsites, and travel in groups to share accommodation costs.
17. What is the advantage of booking with a local tour operator for budget gorilla safaris? Local operators offer lower prices, making it easier to plan budget gorilla safaris compared to international agencies.
18. Can I get a discount by booking last-minute permits for affordable gorilla trekking? While rare, discounts may be available during the low season or last-minute cancellations for affordable gorilla trekking.
19. How long does a gorilla trek usually take during budget gorilla tours? A typical trek on a budget gorilla tour can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and hiking pace.
20. Is it safe to book budget gorilla trekking tours? Yes, as long as you book your budget gorilla trekking experience with a registered and reputable local tour operator.
21. What activities can I combine with budget gorilla trekking to save costs? You can combine budget gorilla trekking with a safari in Akagera National Park or chimpanzee trekking to save on transport and lodging.
22. Are there low-cost options for budget gorilla safaris in Uganda? Yes, Uganda offers budget gorilla safaris with affordable lodges and cheaper trekking permits compared to Rwanda.
23. What’s the difference between Rwanda and Uganda for budget gorilla tours? Uganda offers cheaper permits and a wider range of budget accommodations, making it a better option for budget gorilla tours.
24. How can I find a reliable tour operator for budget gorilla trekking? Research and compare prices from different operators, ensuring that your budget gorilla trekking provider is registered.
25. Can I bring my own food to save money on meals during budget gorilla safaris? Yes, some budget lodges and campsites on budget gorilla safaris allow travelers to bring their own food.
26. What should I pack for budget gorilla trekking? Essential items include hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera for your budget gorilla trekking experience.
27. How many people are allowed on a budget gorilla trek? A maximum of 8 people can join a budget gorilla trekking group to visit a gorilla family per day.
28. What budget lodges are available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for cheap gorilla trekking? Budget lodges for cheap gorilla trekking in Bwindi include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, and Nshongi Camp.
29. Do I need a guide for budget gorilla trekking tours? Yes, all budget gorilla trekking tours are guided by park rangers to ensure safety and adherence to trekking rules.
30. What is the cheapest way to travel to the gorilla trekking parks for affordable gorilla trekking? The cheapest way for affordable gorilla trekking is by road, either using public transportation or by sharing a vehicle with other travelers.