Affordable Uganda Gorilla Tours and Safaris

Affordable Uganda Gorilla Tours and Safaris

Affordable Uganda Gorilla Tours and Safaris — Dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Uganda that won’t break the bank? Our 7-Day Uganda Gorilla, Game and Chimpanzee Safari is the perfect budget-friendly option for wildlife enthusiasts. This adventure-packed itinerary takes you to three of Uganda’s most iconic destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking.

Our all-inclusive package covers gorilla and chimpanzee permits, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, transportation, accommodation and service fees—with no hidden costs. Below, we break down the details and costs to help you plan your dream safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is the highlight of this safari. You’ll venture into the lush forests of Bwindi to encounter habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. An advanced team of trackers and rangers locates the gorillas each morning, ensuring a 99% chance of seeing them. Whether you choose to trek in Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga or Ruhija, this experience is truly unforgettable.

• Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs:
  • Non-Foreign Residents: $800 per person
  • East African Residents: $700 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person

For a more immersive experience, opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows four hours with the gorillas. Permits for this activity cost:

• Non-Foreign Residents: $1,500 per person
• East African Residents: $1,000 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 750,000 per person

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale Forest is home to the highest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a guided walk through the forest to find these fascinating primates. You’ll spend one hour observing them in their natural environment.

• Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Costs:
  • Non-Foreign Residents: $250 per person
  • East African Residents: $200 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 180,000 per person

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife haven, home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, hippos and more. You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector and North Kazinga Plains, led by experienced guides who help you spot the animals.

• Park Entrance Fees: $40 per person per day
• Day Game Drives: $30 per person
• Night Game Drives: $40 per person
• Lion Tracking Experience: $50 per vehicle

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is a must-do activity. This 2-hour cruise offers stunning views of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species. You’ll also get a glimpse of local fishing villages along the shores.

• Boat Cruise Cost: $33 per person (public launch)
• Private Boat Cruise: Available upon request

What’s the Cost of Accommodation on a 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

We recommend staying in the sector where your gorilla trekking permit is allocated for easy access to the park headquarters. Bwindi offers a range of lodges, from budget to luxury, with prices starting at USD 70-100 per person per night.

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge.
• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp.
• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge or lodges near Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale Town.

Book early, especially during peak seasons, as lodges fill up quickly.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth offers a mix of luxury and budget accommodations:

• Luxury Lodges: USD 250-800 per person per night. Options include Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Ishasha sector), Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Katara Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge and Mweya Safari Lodge.
• Mid-Range Lodges: USD 150 per person per night. Examples include Ishasha Jungle Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Twin Lakes Lodge and Elephant Hab.
• Budget Lodges: USD 80 per person per night (full board).

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale has a variety of lodges near the forest or crater lakes, with options for every budget:

• Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lodge.
• Mid-Range: Primate Lodge, Turaco Tree Tops.
• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp. You can also stay in Fort Portal town, the closest urban area to Kibale.

What Does Transportation Cost for a 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

By Air: The Fastest Option

Daily flights are available to Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Flying is the quickest way to reach these destinations, taking just about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flights depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kasese, Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips. One-way flight costs start at USD 273 per adult.

By Road: A Scenic Adventure

If you prefer a road trip, you can enjoy a 7-day journey through Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale takes approximately 5 hours, while Kampala to Bwindi is about 8-9 hours. Queen Elizabeth National Park is 4-5 hours from Bwindi and 2-3 hours from Kibale. This route ensures a round trip without backtracking, offering plenty of scenic stops along the way.

For comfort and safety, we use 4×4 vehicles, which are spacious and ideal for Uganda’s park roads. Safari van hire starts at USD 70 per day, while Land Cruisers range from USD 150-250 per day (including a guide). Fuel costs for the 7-day trip are approximately USD 400, depending on the vehicle.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable primate and wildlife experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With over a decade of experience, our team combines youthful energy with seasoned expertise to deliver exceptional service.

Here’s why travelers trust us:

• Quick and Reliable Information: Our team responds within 5 minutes with accurate details to help you plan your trip.
• Highly Rated: We’re proud of our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
• Passionate Local Experts: Our Ugandan team is deeply committed to sharing the beauty of their homeland with you.

Plan Your 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari Today!

From transportation and accommodation to expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Contact Trek Africa Gorillas to start your journey into the heart of Uganda’s wild beauty.