What is the cheapest way to see gorillas? It is not easy to see gorillas on a budget, but you can follow the steps below to see gorillas cheaply and save some money on your gorilla safari.
Choosing the Right Tour Operator
A tour operator is one of the most important factors in ensuring that you trek gorillas on a budget.
There are various companies available online, but you should be careful about which one you choose.
There are a few things you need to consider before choosing a tour operator, and these are:
- First and foremost, read through the reviews of the company, both good and bad.
- Secondly, find out if the company is legally allowed to operate within Uganda or Rwanda.
Working with a registered company may seem more expensive, but it’s for your own safety. Some people will tell you to work with unregistered operators, but remember cheap things are expensive.
So bear in mind that these unregistered companies will, in the long run, be very expensive, and there’s a higher chance of being scammed.
On the other hand, registered companies can help you plan your entire gorilla safari, from buying the permit to arranging transport and accommodation, all planned within your budget to help you have an enjoyable but budget-friendly gorilla trekking safari.
Accommodation
Accommodation is also a very important factor when planning to visit gorillas on a budget.
The accommodations in Uganda and Rwanda can be divided into three categories: budget accommodation, mid-range accommodation, and luxury accommodation.
Rwanda is considered a luxury gorilla destination; however, if you have a limited budget, you have to choose accommodation wisely that fits your budget.
You may also want to consider camping. Explain to your tour operator about your budget; they will advise you accordingly and can book for you more affordable accommodation.
Also, make sure you book ahead of time so you don’t panic at the last minute.
The Number of Days
The days you are willing to spend on your gorilla safari also determine whether you travel for a cheap or expensive gorilla trek.
The best way to travel on a budget for a gorilla safari is to reduce the number of days to spend on the safari.
For example, if your plan is to spend five days on the safari, reduce them to three because the more days you spend, the more money you spend, and vice versa.
Note: Most tour operators do not book gorilla safaris for less than two days, so budget gorilla safaris should be at least three days long.
Travel in Groups
Most tourists prefer to go on their own on a gorilla trekking safari, but this means you have to cover all the costs, which makes gorilla trekking expensive.
However, if you are looking for a cheap way to see gorillas, we recommend that you travel in groups because this reduces the cost since the costs are shared among the travelers.
The costs may include transport fees, accommodation, tips, among others.
Traveling in groups is fun, and you meet people from different backgrounds.
The Season of Travel
Finally, one of the best ways to see gorillas at a low price is by selecting the right time of the year and avoiding the peak season.
There are two seasons experienced in both Uganda and Rwanda: the peak season (from June to October and December to February) and the low season also known as the green season (from March to May and October to November).
The peak season means a lot of tourists, which means the cost of services is high.
The low season is also a good time to go on a gorilla trek, as accommodation rates are lower during this season, hence making it a budget-friendly season.
In conclusion, you can go and enjoy seeing gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda on a budget if you follow the above tips.
Wish you all the best on your budget-friendly gorilla safari, see you there.
