Gorilla Trekking On A Budget
Gorilla trekking is among the most popular activities and experiences while on an african vacation safari. Gorilla trekking offers an extraordinary opportunity to tourists where they have an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas within their natural habitat. The trekking takes place in three countries that is in Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. Due to the high costs many tourists tend to ignore the experience but with planning one can have the very best gorilla trekking experience while on their african safari.
- Friendly destination
Gorilla trekking takes place in 3 different countries, therefore choosing the right gorilla trekking destination is the major important issue. However, the price of the permits and the total cost of the safari entirely depends on which destinations you choose.
Rwanda;
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in volcanoes national park and its only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali international airport. Rwanda positions itself as a luxury african safari destination with high end eco lodges, smooth infrastructure and emphasis on conservation driven tourism. Combining gorilla trekking with other experiences such as a game drive in akagera national park or nyungwe national park for chimpanzee trekking allows tourists to get more while on an african safari.
The gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person making it the most expensive option. Although the cost of the permit is high, this is compensated by its accessible, efficiency and world class hospitality.
Uganda;
Uganda offers a balance of affordability and rich wildlife experiences. Gorilla trekking permits are priced at $800 per person hence making the country more budget friendly.
While on an african vacation safari, gorilla trekking adventure can be combined with other classic african safari experiences without stretching your wallet thus making Uganda to stand out. After a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park, tourists can enjoy game drives in queen Elizabeth national park to spot tree climbing lions in ishasha sector and other wildlife species or take a boat cruise on the kazinga channel. This diversity of activities allows tourists to enjoy a full african vacation safari.
Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda also offers gorilla habituation experience for $1,500 which offers tourists a 4 hour semi habituated gorillas. Compared to Rwanda’s standard one hour trek at the same price. This option offers deeper value for tourists seeking immersive encounters on their african vacation safari.
Democratic republic of Congo;
Democratic republic of Congo offers the most affordable gorilla trekking experience in Africa at $500. This makes it the most budget tourists paradise when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris and experiences.
The country’s affordability means that the budget conscious tourists can as well enjoy a world class african safari experience without overspending. Besides gorilla trekking, Virunga national park offers an amazing add on like hiking mount Nyiragongo or exploring chimpanzees and other primates. These unique activities make Congo a hidden gem for those searching a wild and authentic african vacation safari.
- Multiple activities
In order to enjoy your gorilla trekking adventure, tourists are advised to combine their trekking safari with other activities within the same itinerary.
- In Rwanda, tourists can combine gorilla trekking in volcanoes with chimpanzee trekking in nyungwe forest or a classic big five safari in akagera national park. the combination of a game drive and primate tracking makes your african safari a thrilling and amazing one.
- In Uganda, gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be combined with game drives in queen Elizabeth, a boat cruise along the kazinga channel where tourists can spot hippos and crocodiles as well as birds, a relaxation at lake bunyonyi or have a cultural encounter of the Batwa thus adding onto your african vacation safari.
- Gorilla trekking in Congo can be combined with a hike at mount Nyiragongo, chimpanzee trekking and a visit at Lwiro primate rehabilitation centre among others. Thus, making your african safari a budget friendly one.
- Budget accommodation
The most expensive expense while on an african vacation safari is accommodation. Although luxury lodges offer an amazing experience, views and good amenities, tourists can still enjoy the budget lodges and camps which as well offer a more welcoming and comfortable at a small cost.
Although Rwanda is a high end safari destination, it has budget lodges such as kinigi guest house, Muhabura hotel among others. Uganda as well as budget friendly lodges around Bwindi in the four different sectors thus making your african vacation safari a memorable and cost friendly.
- Group tours
In order to cut costs on a gorilla trekking safari is to join a group tour. Group tours allow you to share essential expenses such as transportation, accommodation and guide fee. By combining resources, the cost per person decreases without sacrificing quality.
in Uganda and Rwanda, tour operators offers gorilla trekking packages at a small cost including permits, transportation and accommodation. For budget tourists, this is the best way to enjoy a fully organised african vacation safari without worries.
- Permits
Due to the high demand of the permits and they are limited most especially in the peak season, tourists are encouraged to book their tickets before their travel period to avoid any inconveniences. Because delaying and paying when time is out may make you miss out the trekking experience or pay for permits at a high price.
Therefore, in order to avoid any problems, tourists can book their tickets through the proper authorities that is;
Gorilla permits in Uganda are given out by the Uganda wildlife authority, in Rwanda by the Rwanda development board and in Congo permits are booked through the Virunga national park website.
Tourists can as well book their permits through trusted tour operators that help you to fully plan your african vacation safari
- Low season
In order to save money but still enjoy an unforgettable african safari, tourists can travel during the low season. The rainy season in the months of April to May and October to November are considered the off season and during this time, tour operators offer discounted permits, accommodation and even transportation.
Although trails can be muddy and more challenging, the experience is more rewarding. The forests are at their greenest and most vibrant, the air is crisp and fresh, wildlife viewing remains excellent. The added bonus is that there are fewer tourists within the park thus making your african vacation safari feel even more private and exclusive.
Planning early for your african vacation safari offers you a chance to compare the prices of accommodation, search out for promotions and as well choose the best transport option that fits your budget. This helps you in making your african vacation safari more affordable and peaceful