Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari on a Budget – How to Plan Affordable Adventures.
A lot of people think that going gorilla trekking in Uganda is going to cost a pretty penny, but it’s really a once in a lifetime opportunity. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda don’t have to break the bank if you put in the time and effort to prepare ahead of time.
Gorilla trekking permits are non-negotiable, but there are many methods to save money on things like lodging, transportation, and travel in general. In this article, we will show you how to organize a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda on a budget without sacrificing quality.
Pick the Appropriate Time for Your Hike
The cost of a gorilla trekking expedition can be greatly affected by the time of year you pick. The two primary seasons in Uganda are.
Peak season (June–August and December–February): The weather is drier, thus hiking is less of a hassle. On the other hand, as demand increases, costs for accommodations and tours tend to go up.
There are fewer visitors and better deals on lodging during the low season (March–May and September–November), which is also the rainy season in Uganda. The pleasure of traveling through verdant woods may be just as satisfying, even when the paths are muddy and more difficult. Traveling during the off season is a great way to save money on lodging and transportation.
Get Your Permit to Trek Gorillas in Advance
The most expensive part of the vacation is the gorilla trekking permit, which costs $800 per person for international visitors in Uganda. It is necessary to get your permits ahead of time to ensure availability, particularly during busy seasons.
The price of the permit is set, however there are nearby countries that provide low season discounts. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), permits may be as cheap as $400 during certain months. In the case of Uganda, however, you may save money on the remainder of your vacation by making your reservations in advance with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or an affordable tour operator.
Choose Affordable Lodging
From five-star hotels to more modest inns, visitors visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks may choose from a broad variety of lodgings. Lodges, guesthouses, and campgrounds on a tighter budget nonetheless provide all the comforts of home without breaking the bank.
Campgrounds on a Budget, These campsites are perfect for those on a tight budget who are still wanting to vacation. Shared restrooms, modest meals, and close access to trailheads are common features of primitive campgrounds.
One more inexpensive alternative is to stay in lodges that are owned and maintained by local communities. You may stay at one of these lodges for less money and help fund local conservation and development initiatives all at the same time.
If you’re trying to save money, one option is to stay at a hotel or motel outside of the national park. These are usually less expensive than hotels within the park, but you may have to add additional time to your travel plans to get to the trailheads for your treks.
If you plan ahead and look at several booking sites, you may discover great savings on lodging.
Embark on a Tour with a Group or Share a Ride
When budgeting for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, transportation costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re doing it solo. You may save money by going on a group trip or splitting the cost of transportation with other people going to the same hiking location.
Booking a group vacation with a trustworthy low-cost travel agency is one way to save money. Because the expenses are distributed among a larger number of passengers, the total cost of these trips is usually lower than that of individual excursions. Find low-cost travel companies that focus on gorilla trekking tours.
If you’d rather have some leeway in your schedule while still sticking to a budget, sharing a private car with other travelers is a great option. A lot of Ugandan tourists use social media and travel forums to find other tourists to divide the bill with for a car and driver.
You may cut down on transportation costs to and from the gorilla trekking locations by joining a group trip or using public transportation.
Make advantage of local buses or public transportation.
A more daring visitor might save money by taking use of Uganda’s public transportation system. Taking public transportation in Uganda is a great way to save money and see the country like a native, even while it won’t provide the same degree of comfort as a private car.
From Kampala and other big cities to the communities around national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla, you may use local buses, sometimes called matatus. Even though it’s not as fast or comfortable as private transports, this is still the cheapest choice for traveling big distances in Uganda.
If you get to a town close to the parks, you may take a shared cab, a native motorbike taxi called a boda-boda, or walk the last mile to the trailhead.
Save Money by Packing Wisely
If you want to be ready for your hike without spending a fortune on rentals or purchases at the trailhead, packing the correct gear is essential. Be sure to bring the following items.
For the steep and muddy paths, you must have sturdy hiking boots. Bring sturdy, well-worn hiking footwear with good grip and ankle support.
Rain Gear: Even in the middle of the dry season, it may rain in Uganda’s jungles. You can stay dry and comfortable with a lightweight rain jacket and a waterproof backpack cover.
Sunscreen and insect repellent are necessities for surviving the tropical sun and its swarms of mosquitoes. It is usually more cost-effective to get these necessities ahead of time rather than at tourist resorts.
Even while some tour companies include food and drink, it’s smart to carry your own snacks to keep you energized on the hike. To save money, shop at nearby markets before entering the park. Prices tend to be higher in tourist regions.
You may save money on last-minute rentals or purchases if you bring all the necessary equipment.
Save Money by Doing Multiple Attractions at Once, Like Gorilla Trekking
If you want to get the most of your Ugandan trip without spending a fortune, you may choose to combine gorilla trekking with other inexpensive activities like.
Cultural Tours: Several of the villages in the Bwindi area have walking tours where visitors may see and learn about local agriculture, handicrafts, and lifestyles. These excursions are a great way to assist local families while still enjoying an inexpensive and genuine experience.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks provide reasonably priced hiking paths that highlight the country’s rich biodiversity. There are many inexpensive ways to enjoy Uganda’s stunning natural scenery, such as bird viewing, woodland walks, and nature treks.
Affordable wildlife safaris at Queen Elizabeth National Park allow visitors to view a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, and more. The park is only a few hours’ drive from Bwindi. You can get the best of both worlds—a gorilla walk and a cheap safari—in this breathtaking park if you arrange your vacation well.
You can make the most of your vacation without breaking the bank by adding these activities to your schedule.
You can go gorilla trekking in Uganda without breaking the bank. You may have a memorable gorilla trekking safari without breaking the bank if you prepare ahead, stay in inexpensive accommodations, use shared transportation, and bring just the essentials.
Every tourist may make this magnificent journey their own by trekking during the off-season, staying at inexpensive lodges, or joining group excursions. You can have an amazing time hiking with the gorillas in Uganda without breaking the bank if you follow these recommendations!
