Budget Gorilla Trekking

Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning to visit Uganda for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, you’re in the right place. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, and trekking in this beautiful forest is an adventure you won’t forget. You may be wondering how to book a budget-friendly gorilla trek. Here’s everything you need to know about budget options, permits, and the best way to experience this incredible activity in Uganda.

Why Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is one of only a few places in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making Uganda a top destination for gorilla trekking. Other places to see gorillas include Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, but Uganda offers more affordable options, making it a great choice for budget travelers.

What Makes Bwindi Special?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only one of Africa’s oldest forests but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts a rich biodiversity, including over 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, and more. Most famously, it’s home to more than 450 mountain gorillas—half of the global population—divided into over 15 habituated family groups. Each group has eight permits available daily for trekking, ensuring a limited number of visitors per day.

Where Can You Trek in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

• Buhoma (Northern Bwindi) and Ruhija (North-Eastern Bwindi) are closest to Queen Elizabeth National Park, allowing you to combine gorilla trekking with wildlife viewing in a single trip.
• Nkuringo and Rushaga (Southern Bwindi) are near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also trek for golden monkeys.

Each sector has its own gorilla families, and Rushaga has the most families available for trekking.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?

A gorilla permit is required to trek in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The cost varies by category:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD $800 per person
• East African Residents: USD $700 per person
• East African Citizens: USD $80 per person

The permit gives you the chance to spend one hour with the gorillas after locating them on your trek. If you’re traveling from Rwanda, you can also book a 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking tour, which starts at around USD $1,290 per person, all-inclusive.

How to Book Your Budget Gorilla Trek

To secure your gorilla trekking experience, you need to buy a gorilla permit in advance. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sells permits, and they can be purchased either at their headquarters in Kampala or in Kisoro for those arriving via Rwanda.

Excursia Adventures can handle the entire booking process for you. Simply provide us with your preferred dates, and we will reserve the permits online. After making payment, we’ll confirm your booking and send you a copy of your permit for your records.

When is the Best Time to Trek?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months of January, February, and June to September. During these months, the weather is more favorable for trekking, and the trails are less muddy, making it easier to spot the gorillas.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking

Wondering what to wear on your gorilla trek? Here’s a quick list of essential items:

• Long-sleeve shirt: The weather can be cool, especially in the early morning.
• Long pants: Protect your legs from the dense vegetation.
• Waterproof hiking boots: The trails can be muddy, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional but helpful for sun protection.
• Camera and extra batteries: You’ll want to capture memories, so ensure you bring a camera with long-lasting batteries.
• Binoculars: Helpful for spotting the many bird species in Bwindi.
• Gardening gloves: Useful for gripping tree branches while trekking.
• Raincoat: Bwindi’s rainforest can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain.
• Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from insects.
• Sunscreen: It can get hot, so be sure to protect your skin from sunburn.

Avoid wearing bright colors, as they can startle the gorillas, and steer clear of black or blue, which attract tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Your Trek

There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations near each of Bwindi’s trekking sectors. Here are some of the best options:

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort.
• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman Community Rest Camp.
• Ruhija Sector: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages.

These lodges are located close to the trekking starting points, so you can easily access the trails.

Why Book Your Budget Gorilla Trek with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator specializing in affordable, customized gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda. Our professional team is here to make your planning process smooth. We provide quick responses to your inquiries, create tailored travel itineraries, and book all your services in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. We also offer knowledgeable guides who can cater to your language preferences.

Ready to book your budget gorilla trek in Bwindi? Contact us today for more information, and let Excursia Adventures help you create the gorilla trekking experience of a lifetime!