Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi on a Budget: The process of walking and hiking through dense woods or high slopes in pursuit of mountain gorillas is known as mountain gorilla trekking. The action might be difficult and stressful, but it is also exciting and adventurous. Viewing a variety of rare bird species, plants, flowers, and other animals is possible.
Because the few remaining mountain gorillas are exclusively located in East Africa, gorilla trekking is not a popular pastime across the world. To be more specific, mountain gorillas are only found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mountain gorillas are habituated in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, both of which are located in the country’s southwestern region. They may be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and in Congo’s Virunga National Park, albeit this is a relatively new destination.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park on a Budget.
Tourists interested in gorilla trekking tours on a budget in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda are urged to schedule their permits at least 6 months in advance due to strong demand. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 USD, a permit in Uganda costs $700 USD, and a permit in Congo costs 450 USD.
You may be wondering why gorilla permits are so costly. This is an attempt to safeguard endangered animals by limiting the number of visitors visiting habituated gorilla families to no more than 8 members per group per day.
The proceeds from gorilla licenses are the only source of money for gorilla conservation efforts. Furthermore, gorillas are uncommon creatures that behave and appear like humans. The increased global interest in gorilla trekking has led in expensive gorilla permit prices.
How to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi on a Budget?
Despite the fact that gorilla trekking is often pricey, you may still arrange to participate in the activity at a cheaper cost. Let us demonstrate. As previously stated, gorilla permits are priced differently in each of the three nations that provide this service.
Rwanda is attempting to market itself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination. As a result, gorilla trips are prohibitively pricey. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda are the greatest places to do gorilla trekking on a budget.
These two locations provide fantastic hiking opportunities. It takes longer to get to these two parks, but the experience of going by road and seeing how the villagers go about their everyday lives is worthwhile. The gorilla permits in these two parks are not expensive, costing only $700 USD. Alternatively, one might visit the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where permits are merely 450 US dollars.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is unique in that it offers Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Because of the security condition in the areas around the gorilla parks, many tourists avoid Congo.
It’s also a good idea for a visitor who wants to go gorilla trekking on a budget to join a group excursion. This is particularly beneficial since it helps to save expenditures such as transportation and gasoline, among other things. Furthermore, a group experience in the woods is far more interesting and enjoyable.
Another option to go gorilla trekking on a budget is to shorten the trek’s duration. For example, if you had planned a five-day gorilla expedition, you may cut it down to three days or even a one-day excursion. It’s also a good idea to plan lodgings near the national parks so you don’t miss the Game Rangers and Guides’ pre-tour briefing. The briefing is generally done in the mornings before the hikes.
There are some great yet affordable lodgings near Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Among these are the Gift of Nature Lodge, the Bwindi Community Rest Camp, and the Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort. Contact a reputable Tour Operator like Explore Rwanda Tours for additional affordable choices.
Finally, travelers on a tight budget might go gorilla trekking during non-peak seasons, commonly known as low seasons (December to February and June to August). During certain periods, gorilla permits are reduced, making them more inexpensive. More information about discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda, cheap gorilla permits in Uganda, and Congo gorilla permits during low seasons may be found here.
