How To Plan A Budget African Gorilla Trekking Safari?

How To Plan A Budget African Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Mountain gorilla trekking involves Trekking and traveling through deep forests or up high hills in pursuit of mountain gorillas. Even though the exercise might be demanding and draining, it is also incredibly exciting and daring. Views of numerous rare bird species, plants, flowers, and other wildlife are available. Because only East Africa is home to the few remaining mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking is not a popular hobby worldwide. More specifically, they are exclusive to the three nations of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The southwestern regions of Uganda, namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, are home to habituated mountain gorillas. Though this is still a developing location, you can see them in the Virunga National Park in the Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

For a variety of reasons, gorilla trekking is more costly than other wildlife excursions. One of them is the price of getting a permit to go gorilla trekking, but there are other expenses to consider as well, like transportation, food, airline tickets, shots, and visas. what is A gorilla permit? An official document that grants you admission to see the gorillas is called a gorilla permit. Because the permits are in such high demand, travelers are advised to make their reservations at least six months in advance. A permit to see gorillas costs 1500 US dollars in Rwanda, 800 US dollars in Uganda, and 450 US dollars in the Congo.

You may be wondering why gorilla permits cost so much. By limiting the number of tourists visiting the habituated gorilla families to no more than 8 per habituated gorilla family per day, this is an attempt to safeguard the endangered species. The only source of funding for gorilla conservation initiatives is the proceeds from gorilla permits. Gorillas are also unusual animals that resemble humans in both appearance and behavior. The cost of gorilla permits has increased due to the increased interest in gorilla trekking around the world.

HOW TO PLAN A BUDGET AFRICAN GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI?

Here is The cheapest way to see gorillas

Despite the fact that gorilla trekking is typically costly, you can still arrange to participate for less money. As was previously mentioned, the three nations that provide this service charge varying rates for gorilla permits. Rwanda is marketing itself as a place for upscale gorilla trekking. It is for this reason that gorilla tours are pricey. The greatest places in Uganda to go gorilla trekking on a budget are the Mgahinga national parks and the impenetrable Bwindi Forest. Trekking adventures abound at these two locations. These two parks need more time to reach, but the pleasure of road travel and seeing how people go about their everyday lives is worth it.

At approximately $800 USD, gorilla permits in these two parks are not extremely expensive. Another option would be to travel to the Virunga National Park in Congo, where permits are available for just US$450. The Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking option available in Kahuzi-Biega National Park makes Congo unique. Because of the security conditions in the areas around the gorilla parks, many tourists steer clear of Congo. Did you know that Rwanda provides discounted gorilla permits to large groups, African Union citizens, and foreign residents of Rwanda?

It’s also a good idea for a traveler who wants to go gorilla trekking on a tight budget to book a group trip. This is excellent since it lowers the cost of fuel and transportation, among other things. Furthermore, a group experience in the outdoors is far more thrilling and enjoyable.

Reducing the number of days of the walk is another strategy to go gorilla trekking on a budget. You could cut your five-day itinerary down to three days, or perhaps just one gorilla trip. It’s also advisable to reserve lodging near national parks to ensure that you don’t miss the Game Rangers’ and guides’ pre-tour briefing. Usually, the briefing is completed in the mornings prior to the hikes. There are a lot of excellent but reasonably priced lodging options close to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These comprise, among many others, the Gift of Nature Lodge, the Bwindi Community Rest Camp, and the Ruhiija Gorilla Friends Resort. Speak with a trustworthy tour operator for more affordable possibilities.

Finally, those on a tight budget can go gorilla trekking for less during the non-peak, or low, seasons (December to February and June to August). The gorilla permits are less expensive during certain periods due to discounts.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES TO COMBINE WITH GORILLA TREKKING

The higher the safari’s price, the more activities you include in addition to gorilla trekking. Depending on when you are on vacation, you can engage in additional activities in Rwanda and Uganda in addition to your gorilla safari.

wildlife drives are available in national parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. Other activities to combine with gorilla trekking includes excursions such as sport fishing, chimpanzee hiking, whitewater rafting, birdwatching in Uganda, visiting the Nile’s source at Jinja, and cultural experiences.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, game drives in Akagera National Park, a canopy walk over Nyungwe Forest, trekking with golden monkeys, visiting the Rwanda genocide monument, and a number of other activities are also included in the Rwanda safari package.

IS GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA OR RWANDA SAFE?

Because mountain gorillas are first habituated from their wild behavior to becoming accustomed to human presence without changing their character, gorilla trekking is a safe adventure. Until researchers and habituators feel comfortable exposing the gorilla family to public view, gorilla habituation is unpredictable.

Because gorilla trekking involves walking through deep forests, physical presence is required. That being said, it would be ideal if you were somewhat fit. The Virunga region has a volcanic landscape with several hills and plateaus whose slopes mountain gorillas may spend some time on. The appropriate gorilla trekking equipment is essential if you want to locate the mountain gorillas, which requires hiking.

 In order to make way, the ranger guide also carries a machete. Should the need arise to protect visitors, a second ranger guide has a gun. Because mountain gorillas are extremely sensitive primates, any trekker who wants to succeed must abide by the laws of gorilla trekking.