Budget Uganda Safari Holidays

Budget Uganda Safari Holidays: Your Guide to Affordable Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Are you dreaming of a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa but unsure where to go? Uganda is one of the best destinations for budget-friendly gorilla safaris, offering unforgettable experiences at a fraction of the cost of other locations. With gorilla trekking taking place in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda stands out for its affordability, safety and amazing wildlife. While Rwanda and DR Congo also offer gorilla trekking, Uganda’s permits are priced significantly lower, making it an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.

Why Choose Uganda for Budget Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700 per person, compared to USD 1,500 in Rwanda and USD 400 in DR Congo (although the latter is often less stable). This fee grants you an hour-long visit with the gorillas after a guided trek through the stunning rainforest of Bwindi or Mgahinga. These national parks are home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making this a truly unique and impactful experience.

How to Book Budget Uganda Safari Holidays: Gorilla Permit and Tour Booking

Booking a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda starts with securing your gorilla permit. This is the most crucial part of your trip and can only be purchased through Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permit costs:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for East African residents
• USD 80 for East African citizens

Once you have your travel dates, simply contact us and we’ll assist with booking the permit. We will check the availability with Uganda Wildlife Authority and, once confirmed, proceed to tentatively reserve your permit. After receiving your payment, we’ll finalize the booking and send you a scanned copy of your permit. Remember, there are only 8 permits per gorilla group per day in Bwindi, so it’s recommended to book at least 3-5 months in advance to ensure availability.

How Much Does a Budget Uganda Safari Cost?

The cost of your Uganda gorilla safari will depend on several factors, including the type of accommodation and your preferred itinerary. Here’s a general breakdown for a 3-Day Budget Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari:

• Solo traveler: USD 1,600
• 2 people sharing: USD 1,190 per person
• 3 people sharing: USD 1,170 per person
• 4 people sharing: USD 1,150 per person

These prices include your gorilla permit, budget accommodation, transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking guide and drinking water. Additional costs for things like tips, visa fees, flights and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: When to Visit for the Best Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible year-round but the best time to visit is during the drier months: January, February and June to early September. During this period, the trails are less muddy, making the trek easier and the chances of spotting gorillas higher. However, some travelers prefer the rainy season as it brings lush vegetation and gorillas tend to stay closer to camp in search of food.

Where to Stay During Your Uganda Gorilla Safari: Accommodation Near Gorilla Trekking Areas

There are several accommodation options near the trekking sectors in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

• Rushaga Sector: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge or Gorilla Valley Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Recommended lodges include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi): Options include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge and Ride 4 a Woman.
• Ruhija Sector (Eastern Bwindi): Popular lodges include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Broadbill Tented Camp.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

You can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park either by road or air. It’s a 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip for quicker access to the park. If you’re coming from Rwanda, you can fly into Kigali and take a 4-5 hour drive via the Cyanika or Katuna border crossing. For ease of travel, we recommend purchasing the East African Visa, which grants access to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for just USD 100.

Why Book Your Budget Uganda Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize affordable, memorable gorilla trekking tours in Uganda. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, hassle-free services and we ensure that your trip is smooth from start to finish. With our help, you can choose from a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury and we’ll handle everything from your gorilla permit to accommodation and transport.

We pride ourselves on offering exceptional service and delivering unforgettable experiences. Check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what past guests have to say about their time with us.

Ready to book your budget Uganda safari holiday? Contact us today and let’s start planning your dream gorilla trek!