Planning a Budget Gorilla Tour to Bwindi

Planning a Budget Gorilla Tour to Bwindi

Planning a Budget Gorilla Tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — Are you looking for a budget-friendly gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?  At Excursia Adventures, we’ll customize your trip to fit your budget, while ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. The minimum budget for a 3-day gorilla safari is USD 1900 for a solo traveler, and USD 1300 per person for a group tour. This includes your gorilla permit, which costs USD 800 per person per trek.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda, bordering Congo. It is one of the only two places in the world where you can trek and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a top destination for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique trekking opportunities, allowing you to choose the experience that best fits your interests.

Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is not only about gorilla trekking—it’s a treasure trove of activities that will make your visit truly special. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highlight of any visit to Bwindi is, of course, gorilla trekking. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, giving you a 98% chance of seeing these incredible creatures in the wild. You can trek in one of the park’s four sectors: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, or Ruhija and Buhoma in the east.

To trek gorillas, you’ll need to obtain a gorilla permit, which should be purchased in advance. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people, so permits are limited. To ensure your spot, we recommend securing your permit well ahead of time. When you book an all-inclusive gorilla tour with Excursia Adventures, simply provide your travel dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits. Once confirmed, we’ll reserve your permit and send you an invoice. After payment, we’ll secure the permit and provide you with the official receipt from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This activity allows you to spend up to four hours with gorillas who are still undergoing the habituation process. Only four people are allowed per group for this activity, so it’s essential to book your permit in advance.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is available only in the southern part of Bwindi, between the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, the gorillas you encounter are still wild and not fully accustomed to humans. This makes for a more authentic experience as you observe their behavior with the help of researchers and guides.

Bird Watching in Bwindi

Bwindi is a bird watcher’s paradise, with a variety of unique bird species to spot. The park is home to many Albertine Rift Endemics, making it a top destination for bird enthusiasts. Some key species to look out for include the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, African Green Broadbill, and Grauer’s Warbler, among others.

We offer birding tours in Bwindi, led by experienced guides who will help you identify different species. Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual enthusiast, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Cultural and Community Experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Cultural experiences are a highlight for many visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering a fascinating glimpse into the local way of life. The Batwa people, often referred to as the pygmies, were the original inhabitants of the forest. However, in recent years, they were relocated from the park to surrounding communities to support mountain gorilla conservation and promote sustainable tourism.

A visit to Bwindi provides a unique opportunity to explore the areas where the Batwa once lived and learn about their traditional practices. You’ll see how they used to live in the forest, harvest wild honey, hunt for food, and live in harmony with nature. The Batwa will showcase their traditional dances and share stories of their cultural transition as they now live outside the forest.

You can also visit nearby community groups, including women who make and sell handcrafted goods and local schools. If you’re able, we encourage donations such as clothes or school supplies to support local children.

Nature and Forest Walks in Bwindi

For nature lovers, a forest walk in Bwindi is a must. This tropical rainforest is one of the oldest in the world, with some species of trees dating back over 250,000 years. The thick canopy and dense vegetation make it an “impenetrable” forest, but that’s what makes these nature walks so rewarding.

On a guided walk, you’ll have the chance to learn about the ancient tree species, spot unique birdlife, and even encounter wildlife, including the rare forest elephants, monkeys, and baboons.

We offer a variety of nature walking packages that take you across Buhoma to Nkuringo, including the Ivy River and Kashasha trails. These walks also offer breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers within the park, providing the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Bwindi’s landscapes. Whether you’re interested in a short walk or a longer, more immersive experience, we can tailor a package to suit your interests.

Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors, each offering different accommodation options. Depending on where you want to trek, you’ll have a range of choices from budget to luxury.

• Buhoma Sector: Choose from Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Buhoma Havens Lodge (mid-range), Bwindi Lodge and Mahogany Springs Lodge (luxury), or the upscale Gorilla Forest Camp.
• Rushaga Sector: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Four Gorillas Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Consider staying at Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge for a more premium experience.

Each accommodation offers different levels of comfort and amenities, ensuring a great stay no matter your budget.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Budget Gorilla Tour?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize budget-friendly gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a variety of activities and customized packages. Our office in Entebbe is easily accessible, and we offer free airport pickups from Entebbe International Airport, which is located nearby.

Our team is a perfect blend of young energy and experienced leadership. Our staff, guided by passionate Ugandan directors, work tirelessly to provide you with an authentic and memorable experience. We are proud of our high ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor, where you can see firsthand accounts from previous travelers.

Let us help you plan your next adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact us today to start organizing your budget-friendly gorilla tour!