Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Uganda

Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Uganda – Low Cost Gorilla Tours

Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in UgandaThe Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Uganda is by booking shorter budget gorilla safaris and tours. One of the cheapest ways to trek gorillas in Uganda is by booking in cheap lodges for around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda gorilla tours take place in the only two gorilla parks in the country. These parks are positioned in south western Uganda in the hilly Kigezi region that is closer to Rwanda and Congo. In this case, we recommend that you book a flight early plus a gorilla permit to confirm a tour with us. When your travel dates come, you will then fly into Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda. Having secured a Uganda gorilla permit and fly into Rwanda, you may choose to do a 1 day gorilla trekking safari or a 2 days gorilla tour. These short trips in Uganda from Kigali to Bwindi forest or Mgahinga National park are the most affordable gorilla tours in Uganda. Gorilla safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be supplemented by golden monkey tracking plus nature tour adventures. You will drive through Katuna or Cyanika border points taking about 4 hours on the way to access Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Another low cost option of visiting gorillas in Uganda is by booking some of our budget safaris. These trips begin from Entebbe or Kampala to the two gorilla parks in Uganda. Once you take a trip from Kampala, ensure that you book the one with budget accommodations and moderate form of transport. Some travelers hire vehicles for self-drive to cut costs for the driver. But we usually do not recommend this to the foreigners in Uganda. You can also trek gorillas in the Pearl of Africa especially in low season months running from March to May and October to November. In such periods of the year, lodges and hotels tend to offer good discounts on their rooms as they are not highly booked. Any tour operator you book with will be able to offer you a good low price, making the safari more affordable. With your flight agent, also book an air ticket early enough for higher possibilities of a cheaper one.

Tips for Cutting Costs for Visiting Gorillas in Uganda:-

  • Visit Uganda for Gorilla trekking during the low season. Tracking gorillas in the low season months is among the cheapest way to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda.
  • Booking cheap lodges and hotels. What differentiates a budget gorilla tour from a mid-range or luxury safari is the type of lodging that you choose to stay in during the trip.
  • Booking shorter budget gorilla tours. Short Uganda safaris offer another cheap way of seeing these gentle giants. Take a shorter trips for like 1, 2 or 3 days.
  • Gorillas in Uganda Best Time to Visit. However much gorilla trekking is regarded as an all year round activity, the best time for a gorilla trekking safari experience in Uganda.
  • Check with your flight agent to book for a cheaper ticket. Target days when are air tickets are cheapest. According to the Cheap Air study, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday and Wednesday, when you save an average of $73 per ticket. Sunday is the most expensive. The Expedia/ARC study found that the cheapest day to travel internationally are Thursday and Friday are best. Flying to see gorillas in part of the total cost for the trip. So when you target period when tickets are at their lowest, you will save a lot with huge discounts.
  • Request for a moderate form of transport like a safari van or a simple vehicle that does not consume much fuel.
  • Do not ask for more activities besides gorilla trekking. The more tour activities you include on your itinerary, the more money you will be charged. Stick to the gorilla watching programme only.
  • Be precise in your inquiry message that you need budget gorilla trip. The tour operator knows what to package for.
  • Ask to join a group tour if any. Though not common, but group tours save money for the low budget travelers. When you join other travelers in a group, the cost of transport and possibly accommodation is shared or discounted respectively.

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali

This Uganda gorilla trip starts from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

2 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Rwanda

Trek Uganda gorillas in Bwindi forest from Kigali and then return on day 2 after the adventure.

3 Day Budget Gorilla Trekking via Kigali City

Flying into Kigali, transfer to Uganda and then trek gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga.

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Entebbe

Transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi on day 1, visit gorillas on day 2 and return on the third day.

The Importance of Reduced Gorilla Trekking Costs

Reduced gorilla trekking costs can play a significant role in enhancing the overall tourism experience, contributing to the local economy, and supporting the conservation of endangered gorillas. Below is a detailed breakdown of the importance of reduced trekking fees:

Increase Accessibility for Tourists

Lowering trekking costs opens up gorilla trekking to a broader audience, especially tourists from lower-income backgrounds. This creates a more inclusive experience, allowing those who might otherwise have been unable to afford the journey to participate in one of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences. As a result, more tourists can visit Uganda, leading to an increase in tourism numbers, which benefits the country’s economy. Higher numbers of visitors contribute to various sectors, including transportation, hospitality, and services, thereby boosting employment and overall economic growth.

Support Local Communities

Tourism in the regions surrounding gorilla trekking areas is often the primary source of income for local communities. By reducing trekking fees, more tourists are likely to participate, creating a multiplier effect that spreads across the local economy. Increased visitation means more people will buy goods and services, such as souvenirs, food, and transport, directly benefiting local businesses and providing employment opportunities for community members. Moreover, local guides, porters, and other workers involved in the trekking industry would see an increase in demand for their services, leading to improved livelihoods.

Conservation Benefits

Tourism fees are vital for funding gorilla conservation programs and maintaining national parks. However, if the fees are too high, it can limit the number of tourists, thereby reducing the income available for conservation. Reduced trekking costs may encourage more tourists to visit, ensuring a steady flow of funding for conservation efforts. This continuous financial support is essential for the long-term survival of endangered gorillas, as it helps with anti-poaching patrols, research, habitat protection, and veterinary care for the gorillas. A larger number of visitors contributes to both conservation funding and global awareness about the importance of protecting these species.

Competitive Edge

Uganda faces stiff competition from neighboring countries, such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which also offer gorilla trekking experiences. Lower trekking costs would give Uganda a competitive advantage by attracting more visitors who might otherwise opt for alternatives in other countries. By offering more affordable trekking experiences, Uganda can position itself as an accessible and attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts, helping to solidify its standing as a leading choice for gorilla trekking globally.

Sustainability

Making gorilla trekking more affordable could encourage responsible and sustainable tourism practices. As the number of tourists increases, the awareness surrounding sustainable tourism and conservation efforts grows. Tourists who experience the beauty of Uganda’s national parks and endangered species may become more motivated to contribute to environmental protection efforts, both during their visit and in their future travel decisions. Moreover, this type of tourism supports the concept of ecotourism, where the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is balanced with the economic benefits of tourism.

Balancing Affordability with Conservation Needs:

While reduced trekking fees have many advantages, it is crucial to strike a balance between making the experience affordable and ensuring sufficient funding for conservation and local development. Gorilla trekking fees must still cover the costs of park maintenance, anti-poaching measures, community projects, and scientific research. Without these funds, the long-term sustainability of the gorilla populations and the national parks could be at risk. Therefore, careful consideration is needed to ensure that a reduction in costs does not negatively impact the financial resources necessary for these critical efforts.

In conclusion, while lowering gorilla trekking costs can lead to increased accessibility, more support for local communities, enhanced conservation efforts, a competitive edge, and greater sustainability, it is essential to balance affordability with the need to preserve funding for the protection of these endangered species and their habitats.