Wondering what is the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda? One of the cheapest ways to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is by booking budget safari accommodation. Gorilla trekking is an undisputed highlight of a safari to Uganda.
But most Uganda safaris that include gorilla trekking tend to be expensive compared to a more conventional safari, regardless of whether it is aimed at a budget or upmarket clientele.
All Uganda tours that include a gorilla visit need to incorporate a gorilla trekking permit fee of US$800 per person which few people would regard as cheap.
However, if you want to keep your gorilla trekking safari as affordable as possible, here are useful tips;
Six Cheapest Ways To See Gorillas In Uganda
1. Visit Gorillas during low season
The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda is when there is less rain.
Therefore drier season months of June to early September and December to February are good for gorilla trekking in Uganda since trails are less slippery. However, the drier season coincides with high and peak seasons in Uganda, making services slightly expensive.
Low seasons in Uganda are the traditional rainy seasons of April, May, November, and October. During this period, some Uganda safari lodges, hotels, and camps tend to offer discounted rates of around 10% which you should take advantage of.
Also during this time, service providers pack their vehicles and would prefer to keep the machines working for lower pay than let them rust away. Any savings on travel expenses can boost your journey, allowing you to enjoy gorilla trekking and other activities on the same trip.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris stays open and provides excellent tour operator services in the low season. We will get you good rates on accommodation, and transport and also secure your gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, especially if you are traveling on a budget. Send us an email at info@tulambule.com to get a low-budget quote to see gorillas during the low seasons.
2. Consider budget or Midrange accommodation
Aside from the gorilla trekking permit cost, accommodation costs at the Uganda gorilla safari parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga can make your gorilla trekking trip expensive.
Therefore, it is good to consider budget or midrange accommodation for your Uganda gorilla trekking tour to become more affordable. But, you should also note that the quality of accommodation can make or break your gorilla safari experience.
It is therefore very important to consider budget friendly accommodation with minimum basic requirements like en-suite bathroom and toilet, a mosquito net and clean environment. Here are some of the best budget and midrange lodges and camps at Bwindi:
- Gorilla Mist camp - Midrange
- Haven Lodge Buhoma - Midrange
- Agandi Eco-Lodge - Midrange
- Buhoma Community Reset Camp - Budge
- Trekker's Tarven Cottages - Budget
- CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp - Budget
- Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort - Budget
3. Consider short gorilla safaris
Another cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda is to cut down on the number of days of your gorilla trekking safari. For example, in case you had planned for 7 day gorilla trekking tour, you can reduce it to 3-day gorilla trek. We offer plenty of amazing short Uganda safaris that include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These short tours range from 2 to 6 days. And, even if you extend your vacation to Tanzania or Kenya for the Big 5 game viewing safaris you will still have a few leave days to spare.
Affordable 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari tour
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4. Opt For a Group Gorilla Tour
The amount you spend while on a gorilla safari is increased manifold, if you are planning to travel alone, instead of going with a group. For example, most accommodation rooms accommodate two guests sharing – and that is how the owners determine their profitability per night.
If you are on your own, then the revenue from the second person is lost – and so most properties will charge you a premium – referred to as a ‘single supplement’ to make up some of the difference. Also in a group, you’ll be eligible for group discounts. And besides sharing accommodation costs, you share the costs of transport and the safari guide. We offer many affordable group gorilla trekking tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
5. Avoid domestic flights in favor of Road Trip
Domestic flights are fairly reasonable in Uganda – costing around USD 250 for a one-way from Entebbe to Bwindi. But it's cheaper and more eco-conscious to travel by long-distance road.
6. Start Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali
You should be able to reduce the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda by booking a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali city of Rwanda. This is because Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport is so close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park that you will be able to trek for mountain gorillas on a 2-day, 1-night package. By contrast, coming from Uganda’s capital Kampala or nearby Entebbe (the home of Entebbe International Airport, you need to set aside at least 3 days and 2 nights to allow for the 8 to 10-hour drive in either direction to/from Bwindi.
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Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Mountain Gorillas?
Right now, the cheapest place to see mountain gorillas is Uganda in the low season. In April, May and November, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla trekking permits for US$600 to foreign non-residents, compared with the standard US$800.
Here is how the three mountain gorilla countries compare today:
| Country | Park | Permit Price (Foreign Non-Resident) | Can You Book It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Bwindi and Mgahinga | US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November | Yes, all year |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | US$1,500 | Yes, all year |
| DR Congo | Virunga National Park | Historically about US$400 | No, closed until further notice |
What about Virunga in DR Congo? Virunga National Park was long known as the cheapest place to see mountain gorillas. However, the park has stopped all gorilla treks until further notice because of insecurity in eastern DR Congo, and there is no confirmed reopening date. We do not recommend planning a trip around Virunga until the park officially reopens and conditions are safe.
Uganda or Rwanda? For the same one hour with the same mountain gorilla species, a Uganda permit costs almost half the Rwanda price. In the low season, two people can trek in Uganda for less than the cost of one permit in Rwanda. Compare the two in detail in our guide to gorilla safaris in Uganda vs Rwanda, or see our Rwanda safaris.
For full permit prices, booking rules and refund policies, read our complete guide to gorilla trekking permits in Uganda.
How to Book an Affordable Gorilla Trekking Tour
Booking a budget gorilla tour with Tulambule Uganda Safaris is simple:
- Tell us your dates and budget. WhatsApp us on +256 782 915 447 or request a free quote.
- We check permit availability across Bwindi and Mgahinga, including low season dates if your travel is flexible.
- We suggest the best-value itinerary, with budget lodges close to your trekking sector and the shortest practical route, from Entebbe or from Kigali.
- We secure your permits once they are paid in full, and send you a confirmation with your permit references.
Foreign visitors must book gorilla permits through a licensed Ugandan tour operator. Tulambule Uganda Safaris is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and accredited with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and we sell permits at UWA's official rate.
