- EXPERT'S HELP
- +256789210067
- +256200955001
- info@kenlinktours.com
How Much does a Budget Gorilla Safari Cost in Uganda?
Budget Gorilla Safari Costs in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa, offering an opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with trekking experiences available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The experience involves hiking through dense forests to find a habituated gorilla family and spending one unforgettable hour observing them.
While gorilla trekking is often seen as an expensive adventure, budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy this incredible experience at a lower cost by choosing affordable tour packages, budget lodges, and traveling in groups.
Cost of a Budget Gorilla Safari in Uganda
The cost of a budget gorilla safari in Uganda varies based on factors such as permit fees, accommodation, transport, and the number of days. Below is a breakdown of the expected costs:
Gorilla Trekking Permit
- The biggest cost in a gorilla safari is the trekking permit. In Uganda, a permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
Budget Accommodation
- Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, or community-run lodges near Bwindi or Mgahinga for $30 to $80 per night.
- Camping is an even cheaper option, costing $10 to $20 per night in some areas.
Transport Costs
- Most budget tours include transport in shared safari vehicles. A round-trip from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi costs $50 to $100 per person when using public transport or shared group transport.
- Hiring a private vehicle with a driver can cost $400 to $600, here it comes at between $80 and $150 per day for the entire trip.
Meals and Additional Costs
- Budget lodges often include meals, but if eating at local restaurants, expect to spend around $5 to $15 per meal.
- Park entry fees are included in the permit, but some travelers opt for extra activities like Batwa cultural visits ($30 to $40) or forest walks ($15 to $30).
Budget Gorilla Safari Packages
Tour operators like Kenlink Tours offer affordable gorilla trekking packages with budget-friendly accommodations and shared transport to cut costs. Here are some price estimates for budget safaris:
- 2-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari – $1200 to $1,500 per person, including permits, transport, budget lodging, and meals.
- 3-Day Budget Gorilla Safari – $1,500 to $1,800 per person, covering permits, transport, accommodation, and meals.
- 5-Day Budget Safari (Gorilla Trekking + Wildlife Experience) – $2,400 to $3,000 per person, combining gorilla trekking with a visit to Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Park.
Popular Safaris in Uganda
How to Save on a Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is a bucket-list adventure, but it can be costly. However, with smart planning and cost-saving strategies, travelers can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience without breaking the bank. Below are practical ways to reduce expenses while still enjoying an unforgettable gorilla safari in Uganda.
Travel During the Low Season
One of the best ways to save on a gorilla safari is by traveling during the low season, which falls between March to May and October to November. During these months, Uganda experiences more rainfall, leading to fewer tourists. As a result, accommodation prices drop, and some tour operators offer discounted packages. Although the trails may be muddier, the experience of gorilla trekking remains just as rewarding, with fewer crowds and more chances of securing permits easily.
Join Group Tours
Solo travelers often find gorilla safaris expensive due to high transport and accommodation costs. To cut down on expenses, joining a group tour is a great option. Many tour companies, including Kenlink Tours, organize budget-friendly group safaris where travelers share transport, guides, and even accommodation. This significantly reduces costs while also providing an opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers.
Book Budget Lodges
Accommodation plays a big role in the overall cost of a gorilla safari. Instead of staying in luxury lodges, budget travelers should opt for affordable guesthouses, hostels, or community-run lodges near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Budget accommodations range between $30 to $80 per night, and some even include meals, reducing additional expenses. Camping is another low-cost alternative, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per night.
Use Local Tour Operators
Booking with local tour operators like Kenlink Tours can help travelers save money while ensuring a well-organized safari. Local operators often provide cost-effective itineraries, better rates on accommodation, and insider knowledge on budget travel options. Additionally, booking through local companies supports the community and ensures that your money benefits Ugandan businesses.
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
- Book permits in advance – Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $700 per person, and they sell out quickly. Booking early ensures you secure a permit without last-minute price hikes.
- Use public or shared transport – Instead of hiring a private vehicle, using shared transport or public buses to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga can significantly cut costs.
- Consider shorter safari packages – Instead of a long itinerary, opt for 2- or 3-day budget gorilla safaris, which are more affordable.
With careful planning and the right travel choices, a budget gorilla safari in Uganda is possible. By traveling in the low season, joining group tours, booking budget lodges, and working with local operators, travelers can enjoy an incredible gorilla trekking experience at a lower cost.
Other Tours And Safaris
