Uganda gorilla trekking on a budget is absolutely possible if you know how to make a few smart choices. Right from planning your gorilla trekking trip to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, every decision counts. You should also know that even the smallest adjustments can lead to enormous savings without compromising the gorilla trekking experience. These are practical ways you can do gorilla trekking on a budget,
Using a local tour operator
Registered local tour operators are the best if you are planning Uganda gorilla trekking on a budget. For example, Monteero Safaris offers the most affordable, well-organized gorilla trekking itineraries for travelers on a budget. This is partly because we have extensive knowledge on acquiring gorilla permits, budget accommodation, and park access. We advise on how you can track gorillas at the best time of the year, even when you are on a budget.
Trek gorillas in the low season
Gorilla trekking on a budget is much easier to do during the low season. These seasons typically coincide with the wet seasons of the year. This is from March to May and from October to November. Weather conditions in the wet season are characterized by heavy rainfall. This causes muddy and slippery grounds, thus leading to quite challenging gorilla treks. This subsequently leads to fewer tourists visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Therefore, travelers on a budget are offered more flexibility in booking gorilla permits. Discounts on gorilla permits are also common during the low season. Then, accommodation and transportation are much lower during the low season. However, travelers should be physically fit enough to walk on slippery gorilla trails. Carrying light rain jackets, hiking boots, gaiters, and hiking gloves, among other essentials, is a must for the wet season.
Travel by road
If you are traveling from major cities like Kampala or Kigali, use road transportation as opposed to domestic flights. This will help in lowering transportation costs. Traveling in a group is even cheaper since the cost of fuel, driver, and accommodation is shared among yourselves. It is also much cheaper if you travel by public means, like buses, compared to private car hire. But this might cause erratic driving, overcrowding, and delays due to unpredictable schedules.
Staying in budget accommodation
There are plenty of budget lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Staying in these lodges significantly cuts your accommodation costs. You will get comfortable amenities that focus on perfect experiences at pocket-friendly rates compared to luxury ones. Budget lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Mucha River Lodge, and Bakiga Lodge, among many others.
Choose Mgahinga due to its low traffic.
The choice to trek gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is among the smartest if you are on a budget. The destination receives relatively lower numbers of visitors on gorilla trekking tours compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This raises your chances of acquiring a gorilla permit, sometimes even in the high season. Moreover, the low traffic implies that your experience is personalized while the encounter with the mountain gorillas is intimate.
Buy street food
Did you know that you can skip meal plans at your accommodation and enjoy affordable street food instead? Street food is a great way to eat on a budget as you enjoy your gorilla trekking tour. In Uganda, the streets offer affordable local dishes such as ‘rolex’, which contains chapati and fried eggs. Grilled meat and ‘matooke’ are a combination that will also offer maximum satisfaction. Several street vendors situated near the gorilla destinations offer these meals and more for travelers on a budget to enjoy.
Booking last-minute offers
Another smart way of doing gorilla trekking on a budget is by booking last-minute offers. This is important since you can unlock discounted permits and accommodation deals, especially during the low season. During periods when these deals are in demand, tour operators will most likely reduce the price, attempting to fill remaining slots. However, you should follow the websites of registered tour operators like Monteero Safaris.
Group gorilla tracking
This is one of the smartest ways of saving money while doing gorilla trekking on a budget. Generally, this involves cost-sharing to reduce the cost of guiding, accommodation, and transportation. Besides, the gorilla trek is fun since you share lots of memories. You also feel a sense of security if you’re in a group compared to when you are solo.