All-inclusive Budget Gorilla Trekking Africa 2026-20230
All-inclusive Budget gorilla trekking Africa: The Cheapest way to see gorillas in Africa
Budget gorilla trekking is most feasible in Uganda, where the permit cost is lower ($800 for foreign non-residents) compared to Rwanda ($1500). To save money, opt for shorter trips (like 1-day gorilla trekking Uganda, 1 Day gorilla trekking Rwanda or 3-day gorilla trekking ), consider travelling during the low season for potential cost reductions on tours, and look for budget-friendly packages that include basic accommodation and transportation.
Budget Gorilla Trekking Africa Cost-saving strategies
Go to Uganda: The permit cost for foreign non-residents is USD $800 in Uganda, while in Rwanda it is USD $1500.
Book during the low season: Some tour operators may offer lower prices during the low season, though permit costs in Uganda do not have low season discounts.
Look for budget packages: Search for tour packages specifically labeled as “budget” or “cheap” that are designed to keep costs down.
Consider basic accommodation: Budget gorilla trekking packages often include more basic accommodation options, which can significantly lower the total price of your trip.
Travel in a group: Sharing transportation and accommodation costs with others can reduce the individual cost of the trip.
Budget Gorilla Trekking Packages
All-inclusive Budget Gorilla trekking packages vary in duration and include options for Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, often combined with other wildlife and primate experiences. Prices range from approximately \(\$1,500\) to over \(\$15,000\) per person depending on the tour length, country, and accommodation style. Key factors in package cost are the gorilla trekking permit fee, which varies by country, and the inclusions such as flights, lodging, and guided activities.
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
A one-day gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is physically demanding, requiring a very early start and long transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Typically, you will be picked up from your hotel (often in Kigali, Rwanda, which is a 4-8 hour drive to the park) at around 4:00 am. After a briefing and allocation to a group, you’ll trek for several hours through the rainforest to find an assigned gorilla family, spending one hour with them before the trek back to your vehicle.
2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
A 2-day gorilla trekking trip in Uganda typically starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, making it a popular short option for travelers with limited time. It involves a drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, followed by the gorilla trek, and then the return journey to Kigali. While it’s possible, a 3-day trip is often recommended from Kampala or Entebbe to allow for more rest and a less rushed travel schedule.
3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
A 3-day gorilla trekking trip in Uganda typically includes a long drive from Kampala to Bwindi, a full day of gorilla trekking on day two, and a return drive to Kampala on day three. The gorilla trek involves a hike through the forest to find a gorilla family, with a one-hour limit for observation once they are found. A gorilla permit is required for the trek, and the trip includes accommodation, meals, and transport, often in a 4×4 vehicle.
3 Day Gorilla Trekking From Kigali
A 3-day gorilla trekking trip from Kigali involves a short transfer (4-5 hours) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, a day of gorilla trekking, and then returning to Kigali. The itinerary typically includes a private driver, accommodation, meals, and the essential gorilla permit, with some tours also offering additional activities like a Batwa cultural tour or a scenic cruise on Lake Bunyonyi.
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
A 3-day gorilla trekking trip in Uganda typically includes a long drive from Kampala to Bwindi, a full day of gorilla trekking on day two, and a return drive to Kampala on day three. The gorilla trek involves a hike through the forest to find a gorilla family, with a one-hour limit for observation once they are found. A gorilla permit is required for the trek, and the trip includes accommodation, meals, and transport, often in a 4×4 vehicle.
2 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
A 2-day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda typically involves a quick trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, with the main activity being the gorilla trek on day two, followed by a return to Kigali. These short tours are designed for those with limited time and usually include private transportation, an overnight stay near the park, and all permits. Optional activities on this tour can include visiting the Twin Lakes or the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a popular wildlife experience in Volcanoes National Park, where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. To trek, you must obtain a permit for $1,500 per person, which allows for a one-hour visit in a group of up to eight people. The experience involves a guided hike that can last from 30 minutes to over four hours, followed by the one-hour encounter with a gorilla family. Visitors must follow strict regulations, such as maintaining a distance of at least 7 meters, wearing masks, and avoiding loud noises to protect the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves hiking through dense rainforests in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to find and observe a habituated gorilla group. You will need a permit, which costs USD $800 for foreign non-residents as of late 2025, though prices for residents and East African citizens are lower. Treks can last from 2 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 8 people per group, and you’ll be allowed one hour with the gorillas once they are located.
The best time for budget gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which are June to September and mid-December to February. These months offer drier, less slippery trails and more stable weather, making the trek easier and more comfortable.
Dry season (best for trekking)
June to September: This is the longer dry season, offering the best trekking conditions and less risk of rain.
Mid-December to February: This is the shorter dry season, also a great time for trekking with drier conditions.
Shoulder and rainy seasons
March to May: This is the main rainy season and can make trails steep and muddy.
November: This is a shoulder month with a mix of rainy and dry days, and while it may rain, gorillas are not affected by the weather.
The rainy season may offer unique experiences, like dramatic skies and lush, green landscapes, but trekking can be more challenging due to slippery paths and potential discomfort from rain.
All-inclusive Budget Gorilla Trekking Africa
The cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda is majorly determined by the other factors rather than the permit for instance, accommodation, transportation and number of days for a Uganda Gorilla safari.
Uganda provides one of the affordable gorilla trekking permits in Africa with a permit at US$ 700.
Uganda offers cheaper permits than neighboring Rwanda that sells permits at US$ 1500, however, the Democratic Republic of Congo permits are the cheapest being sold at US$ 450.
Though Congo gorilla trekking safari permits are the cheapest, in the past the country has been highly affected by guerilla wars and therefore tourists prefer Uganda and Rwanda.
If you have heard that there are no shortcuts to a cheap Uganda gorilla safari, here we help you save and travel at affordable costs.
These tips can help you plan a budget trip for Gorilla trekking Uganda. Find here the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda and book a budget trip;
GORILLA Trekking Uganda 🦍
Go Gorilla trekking Uganda in the low season
Trekking gorillas in the low season is the cheapest way to see mountain gorillas in Uganda.
The low season is the cheapest way to see mountain Gorillas because in this time most hotels offer discounted rates in order to attract more clients.
The low season is during the months of October to November and April to May and this is during the rainy season. Cheapest Gorilla trekking is best at this time and the rains never stop the activity.
Booking Cheap Hotels
What distinguishes a budget gorilla safari from a mid-range or luxury tour is the type of accommodation that you choose to stay in. One of the cheapest ways to Go Gorilla trekking in Uganda is by booking cheap lodges.
If you are interested in traveling budget you can choose to book a cheap lodge. Each of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have budget accommodations. To avoid a costly gorilla trekking experience, you can book your accommodation in a budget lodge or hotel.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park the other park that hosts mountain gorillas also has budget lodges that you can book to reduce on the cost of your gorilla trekking safari. You could save a cost enough for you to do other Uganda safari activities during your trip when you book cheap hotels.
Booking Shorter Budget Safaris
Short Uganda gorilla safaris offer another cheap way of seeing these gentle giants. When a trip is short, the cost is also less and the longer the trip the much more the cost. Uganda isn’t as fortunate as Rwanda where the park is close to the city and can be accessed on the gorilla trekking day.
The shortest trips to Bwindi or Mgahinga include the 3 Day Gorilla trek Uganda. The first and last day are reserved for the drive from and to Entebbe International Airport or Kampala.
If your aim is to go Gorilla trekking Uganda, the cheapest way is taking the 3 days safari, it also includes a stop at the equator line and if requested for a Batwa experience.
Gorillas in Uganda Best Time to Visit
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS in Uganda! Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mount Sabyinyo
However much gorilla trekking is regarded as an all year round activity, the best time for a gorilla trekking safari experience in Uganda is during the 2 dry seasons of the country. This is during the months of late December – February and June – September.
Gorilla trekking is possible each single day of the year however, the dry season offers better trekking opportunities and the trails are drier and photography much clear. However, the dry season is always the peak season and therefore more tourists in the park making early permit booking recommendable.
Best time: December – February and June – September.
Peak season: June-September
Rainy season: September – November and March-May
The advantage with trekking gorillas in the rainy season is that there is less congestion in the park and the lodges. Most Lodges in Uganda will in most cases reduce the cost of accommodation. Since Uganda is along the equator there no extreme weather conditions and therefore weather conditions don’t interrupt the activity a lot.
You cannot bargain on the Uganda gorilla permit price, however, you have the opportunity to decide which lodges to stay, how long to take on safari and when to go gorilla trekking. These are the only factors that will offer the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda.
