Budget Gorilla Tours

Are you looking for an unforgettable budget gorilla trip for an encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat, Rowin Africa Safari – a reputable and licensed tour company specialized in organizing gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda. We offer a wide range of budget gorilla trips for fit your interest and budget.

Where to Go For Budget Gorilla Trips

Gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife experience only done in the rainforests for central Africa, in only four destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR.Congo.

Note: Due to the ongoing political conflicts, Virunga National Park is closed for gorilla trekking adventures.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in the world, hosting half of the remaining gorilla population. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of both montane and lowland forest providing a verdant habitat for about 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species and many more reptiles and amphibians.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, this smallest park in Uganda is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, covering 434 square kilometers of volcanic mountains linking Rwanda, Uganda and DR.Congo.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only one habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi open for gorilla trekking, this family has 9 members and it was known as being very mobile with tendency of crossing over to Rwanda and Congo. But in the recent years, it has settled in Uganda.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a truly magical encounter with mountain gorillas, situated in north-western Rwanda and covering 160 square kilometers of prime rainforest, encompassing five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains range.

Volcanoes National Park hosts several gorilla families with some habituated for gorilla tourism and others for research, whereas others are not habituation. The park has 10 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, these include Amahoro, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Group 13/Agashya, Umubano Gorilla group, Susa A, Karisimbi/Susa B, Titus and Bwenge gorilla group.

Volcanoes National Park was the base for pioneering primatologist Diani Fossey, which makes it authentic Gorillas in the Mist country, you can even pay your respects at Fossey’s grave. It is a well-protected and monitored reserve full of monkeys including the rare golden monkeys and forest birds.

What to Consider When Planning Budget Gorilla Trips

As you are planning to go for budget gorilla trips, here are the tips to consider

1. Book a budget accommodation

As you planning to go gorilla trekking on a budget, it is important to consider booking budget accommodation options. Do not go for luxury or midrange options as they are priced higher.

Gorilla trekking destinations in Africa features a wide range of budget accommodation perfect for visitors on budget gorilla trips.

2. Join a group gorilla

If you are looking to cut down on costs of your gorilla trekking safari, consider joining a group tour. On a group safari you would be sharing costs of several items on the gorilla safari like transportation, guide fees and accommodation thus lowering the cost of your gorilla trip.

3. Opt for driving

The means of transportation to get to your gorilla trekking destination influences the total cost of your gorilla trip. Instead of flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Volcanoes National Park, opt for driving.

At Rowin Africa Safaris, we offer multiple choices for budget gorilla trips. Simply get in tour with our Travel Consults to start planning your budget gorilla trek.

4. Season

As you plan to go on a budget gorilla trip in Africa, the season of travel plays a great role in your budget. Consider the off-season months around March to May and then from October to November, which are a rainy season in Uganda and Rwanda. In these months, most of the accommodations offer discounted rates. So if you are traveling on a budget, consider a gorilla trek in these months.

5. Length of the safari

Make your gorilla trip shorter as longer gorilla safaris attract higher costs. If you are looking for a budget gorilla trek, then you opt for 3 Days Gorilla Tour in Bwindi or Mgahinga and 2 Days in Volcanoes National Parks.

6. Book Early

To secure a budget gorilla trip, book your gorilla trip earlier. Booking your gorilla trip allows you to negotiate for better rates on accommodation, transportation and other services which is essential when planning a successful gorilla trip to Africa.

How Much is a Gorilla Permit

A gorilla permit is a must have for anyone planning to trek mountain gorillas in Africa. The price of the gorilla permits various depending on the destination you are visiting for a gorilla. In Uganda, gorilla permits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost USD 800 for Foreign – Non Residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens. Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

In Rwanda, gorilla permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board costing USD 1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD $500 Foreign Resident in Rwanda, USD 200 for Rwandan citizens, USD 200 for East African citizens and USD 500 for African Citizen/Foreign Residents in Africa.

Who is Eligible to Book a Budget Gorilla Trip?

Gorilla trips are open to anyone above 15 years or near to his or her 15^th birthday. If you are 15 years and above, you can book a gorilla permit that can allow you to participate in gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

When booking a gorilla permit, your details are required and on the actual day of trekking, verification exercise is done to ascertain the validity of details provided.  

What to Pack for Budget Gorilla Trips

As you planning a gorilla trip to Africa, consider packing the right items. Your packing list must include the following items

• Long-sleeved shirts
• Gardening gloves
• A pair of binoculars
• Waterproof hiking boots
• A pair of long trousers
• A rain jacket
• Insect repellent
• A day pack
• Adequate drinking water
• Energy giving sack