HOW TO PLAN A BUDGET GORILLA SAFARI?

Want to do a gorilla safari on a budget? Get useful travel tips on how to plan a budget gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo in Africa. Planning a successful budget gorilla tour in Africa requires you to be keen enough and be a strategic decision-maker. 

A gorilla safari in Africa is a dream come true and the key highlight of any gorilla trekking whether a budget or luxury allows you to encounter a family of mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas. 

Tips on how to plan a budget gorilla safari

Choose the destination to go for a budget gorilla safari

If you are planning to visit Africa for gorilla trekking, there are only 3 main destinations to visit. These include Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. The most preferred budget-friendly destinations for gorilla trekking include Uganda and Congo. The cost of gorilla permits in these two countries is far lower than that of Rwanda. 

A valid gorilla permit in Uganda for the period 2024-2026 costs USD 800 per person, then in the Democratic Republic of Congo, visitors pay USD 450 per person. Rwanda gorilla permits as of 2024 cost USD 1500 per person and this applies for a single gorilla trek. 

Budget gorilla safari destinations to explore in Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi National Park. Gorilla tours in Congo are best conducted in the Virunga National Park –an ideal location for a section of mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. 

In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the right place to consider for gorilla trekking. The options to explore Rwanda gorillas are available not only for luxury travelers but also for budget visitors. Budget gorilla safari goers can book a gorilla trip to Rwanda around the low or off months of the year. Talk to your local Rwanda or Uganda tour operator to plan the most captivating budget gorilla adventure. 

Pick the right time to travel for budget gorilla tours 

Gorilla trekkers can embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo at any time of the year. But the most preferred period is during the off/low months when most lodges cut down on the rates. This means you can consider spending your next gorilla safari around March, April, May, and October to November. 

The peak months are characterized by high demand for gorilla trekking which is often around June to September; and December to February. Around these months, consider booking a gorilla tour in advance, especially 2-6 months before the actual gorilla trek. It is during these months when the cost of gorilla safari lodges, and rental cars are kept within the normal rates. 

Conduct thorough research on the tour operator to deal with

Hundreds of tour operators exist and offer incredible gorilla trips. As you plan to explore gorillas in the wild in Africa, choosing the right tour operator is one thing to consider a must-do. Different tour operators have target markets ranging from budget, midrange, and luxury. Considering the unlimited time, we are just a minute away from us to guide you. Talk to any of our experts to begin planning and booking a gorilla tour on budget for Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.

Pick budget-friendly lodges 

All the notable 3 categories of lodging or accommodation exist in most gorilla trekking destinations but are considered budget or basic. Budget lodges are pocket friendly and you can get one close to the park offices.

Plan for your travel to and back from a destination 

Booking a rental car for your transportation is the best way to ease your connectivity to and from gorilla safari destinations. Choose from our wide array of budget rental cars in Uganda for your road trips to and from gorilla safari destinations. Our budget rental vehicles to book for your road trip include a 4×4 Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser Prado, and Safari Vans. 

Be flexible when it comes to itineraries/travel plans

Do not be static. Flexibility is essential for anyone with plans to go on a budget gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Also consider joining other groups such that you share the costs with the rest of the visitors, especially on the fuel. 

Gorilla trekking experience should always be the priority

Learn to prioritize your gorilla trekking experience when planning for a budget travel to see mountain gorillas. Ensure that you have a budget assigned to cater for purchasing gorilla permits and others. Even when choosing a package to book, a budget gorilla tour should be your priority.

Book a gorilla safari in advance 

It is essential to begin planning your gorilla trip early. This can allow you to book gorilla permits in advance, lodges, transportation, and other essentials to make your travel dream come true. A gorilla safari should be done about 2-6 months before you take a flight to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo to enjoy a trek to see gorillas. 

What to carry on a budget gorilla safari

A successful budget gorilla tour should involve packing right including a valid gorilla permit, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, an insect repellent, long trousers, a sweater, insect repellents, a first aid kit, and a camera. 

Conclusively, with these travel tips, expect to have a successful budget gorilla safari in Africa (particularly Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo). Contact Us to plan and book your gorilla holiday.