Uganda Tour Companies Offering Budget Gorilla Tours

Uganda Tour Companies Offering Budget Gorilla Tours

Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Uganda tour companies organizing budget-friendly gorilla tours. One of the top tour operators is Trek Africa Gorillas, known for offering affordable yet unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences.

When choosing a local tour operator for your Uganda safari, it’s crucial to select one that is accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. In addition, check their website for client reviews, the “About Us” page and overall trustworthiness to ensure you’re booking with a reliable operator.

Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is a Must-Do Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws travelers from all over the world. While it requires a significant investment of both time and money, the experience of encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

During a gorilla trek, you’ll hike through thick forest terrain, cross rivers and swamps and face some physically demanding conditions. However, the reward is truly worth it. Trekking to see these gentle giants up close, in their natural habitat, is an unforgettable wildlife experience. In Uganda, you can spend one hour with the gorillas after locating them.

If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, making it a more immersive and unique adventure.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place?

Gorilla trekking is done in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas. In Uganda, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park offers amazing trekking opportunities, while Virunga National Park in the DRC is also a popular destination. For a different experience, the DRC also offers Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

To trek in any of these parks, a gorilla permit is required. Given the high demand for permits, especially during peak seasons from June to September, it’s advisable to book your gorilla safari at least 5 months in advance. You can book directly with the park or through budget-friendly Uganda tour companies like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Gorilla Permits and Costs in Uganda

Here’s a breakdown of the cost for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: 300,000 UGX (about $80) per person

The permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily for trekking.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, Gorilla Habituation Experience is available only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This permit costs $1,500 per person and lets you spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas, guided by researchers and trackers.

You can obtain your gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or book them via a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas. Booking through a tour operator often includes additional services, such as transportation, accommodation and experienced guides.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it’s essential to understand the cost of a gorilla permit. In Volcanoes National Park, the prices are as follows:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person per trek
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan): $200 per person per trek

These permits allow you to spend one hour with the majestic mountain gorillas. Rwanda is home to 12 gorilla families and 96 permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

You can obtain your gorilla permits either by booking directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

For those interested in trekking gorillas in DR Congo, permits are available in Virunga National Park for Mountain Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Lowland Gorillas. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• Virunga National Park:
  • High season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October): $400 per person per trek
  • Low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person per trek
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $400 per person per trek
  • East African Residents: $200 per person per trek
  • National Residents: $20 per person per trek

Booking your gorilla permits in Congo can be done directly through Virunga National Park or with a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Note: The cost of the gorilla permit does not include accommodation, transport, meals or other expenses. Make sure to check with your tour operator for full details on the package you are booking.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round but the best time to visit is during the drier months, from January to February and June to early September. These months offer better trekking conditions with clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

When you book your gorilla trekking safari with Trek Africa Gorillas, you’re in expert hands. We specialize in organizing gorilla tours across Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo and offer a variety of packages ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options.

Our team of experienced consultants will guide you through the booking process, answer all your questions and help you secure your gorilla permits. We pride ourselves on offering excellent service and ensuring a memorable gorilla safari experience.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews and hear from our happy clients. We guarantee you a great gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

Feel free to contact us today to start planning your dream gorilla safari!