Did you know that it is possible to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda on a budget? It is actually possible, and that is if you have the sufficient information regarding how it can be done. Uganda is one of the best places in Africa where you can see gorillas in the wild. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks are 2 destinations where you can do this.
In total, these destinations contain around 23 habituated gorilla families that can be tracked every day of the year. Firstly, you will need to think of securing a gorilla trekking permit, which is a document required by the park authorities before they allow you there. With a reputable tour operator like us, you can plan a budget Uganda gorilla trek by considering the following,
Travel in groups to trek gorillas in Uganda
Uganda gorilla tours could be done on a budget if you visit as a group of travelers. This reduces your expenses on other aspects such as accommodation, transport and other activities. For example, you can choose to have your stay in a double or triple standard room along with other travelers. This ensures that you share the cost of accommodation, hence saving some money.
Trek gorillas in Uganda during the low season
Trekking mountain gorillas on a budget is best done during the low season. This period is usually in the wet season, on October and November and also from March to May. During this time, the number of visitors in the gorilla destinations is much lower. Therefore, accommodation during the low season is offered at discounted rates, thus favoring budget travelers.
Book budget accommodation
Accommodation type is one of the key factors to empathize while planning your next gorilla trek in Uganda. of the types offered in Uganda, choose budget accommodation in favor of luxury to save money. Budget accommodation though less classy than their luxury counterparts could still offer satisfactory services and amenities for a memorable stay.
Consider packing your own food
Instead of spending some of your money on the meals at the accommodation, pack your own snacks to eat while having a Uganda gorilla trek. Alternatively, dine in the local restaurants or streets. This makes your overall budget much lower than it should be if you had an all-inclusive travel package. The rest of the money can the be used to cover transport and accommodation.
Choose a gorilla destination with less traffic
It is common knowledge among seasoned travelers to Uganda that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers the best gorilla trekking experiences. This makes acquiring the gorilla trekking permits to the destination quite challenging since competition is high. This implies that accommodation at Bwindi may be hiked due to high demand.
Therefore, choose the alternative Uganda gorilla trekking destination, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Because of fewer visitors to Mgahinga, you might be lucky enough to get a discount on your accommodation. Here, you get to save some of your money, while at the same enjoying a Uganda gorilla trek.
Use a local tour operator
Making reservations for a Uganda gorilla trekking permit is strictly done through a local registered tour operator. Reputable tour operators like us have experienced tour consultants. We offer insight on how to get a memorable Uganda gorilla trek on a budget. We also partner with a variety of service providers regarding accommodation, tour activities and more to identify what suits your budget.
Additionally, you must stick to to an itinerary that is carefully designed to avoid any unnecessary expenditures. Experienced tour consultants like us have the capability to design such tailored itineraries with your input. With this, your gorilla trek might be done with another activity but your budget will not be affected heavily.
Choose fewer activities
You must either plan for either a Uganda gorilla trek or include a few other activities that can be done within your budget. Ensure that the activities can be done in 4 days or even less, and in the same destination. One day is for a gorilla trek while 2 days are for the transfer and return journeys. Make sure that you do not go to other tour destinations to avoid more expenditures.
Travel by public means
Uganda gorilla treks are done in the southwestern part of the country. Private transportation though the best way of traveling for a Uganda gorilla trek, cost much higher compared to public means. This is because you must hire a private car or even need a driver guide for the transfer. These are avoided by boarding a bus from the bus-park in Kampala city center.
Bargaining
Though the price of a Uganda gorilla trek cannot be bargained for, there are other services where you can. Meals and accommodation in some places can be offered at a bargained priced. All you have to do is give it a try. This also applies if you wish to buy your own food in the market or the streets.
Look out for discounts, offers or bonanzas
Different service providers or companies can occasionally organize different offers for visitors. These might be in form of Valentine’s offer, Christmas offer, Easterday offer, and Romantic getaways etc. These are exciting opportunities to go for a Uganda gorilla trek on a budget, aware that some services like accommodation, transport etc. are fully or partially covered.
Always contact a local tour operator like us to update you on such exciting information. We also have information about gorilla permits whose owners have chosen to cancel their trips due to various factors. You may get their permit at a much lower price. This applies for other things like accommodation and tour activities. Just keep in touch with us.