Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour from as low as $950 & tips for booking

Don’t let the expensive Gorilla safari Cost hold you back! Here are cheap gorilla tours and Tips on how to book Budget Gorilla Trekking Tours.

The opportunity of meeting face to face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an adventure that few travelers get to experience but unlike the notion out there, undertaking a gorilla tour doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, as it is possible to undertake these tours on a budget.

It is a myth that gorilla trekking is extremely costly, although can unquestionably be. However, there are several ways you can ensure that your gorilla tour isn’t very costly.

The main reason for undertaking a gorilla tour is to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting face-to-face with one of our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom and any other thing is simply icing on the cake.

For this reason, if you are prepared to compromise your overall gorilla trekking experience to pay attention to the gorilla trekking aspect, your tour is likely to cost so less but at the expense of your comfort at some point.

Nonetheless, flexibility and willingness to compromise are required to achieve your dream of meeting the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while traveling on a budget. It can be on the country you will opt for, the time you undertake the gorilla tour, the location, and the category of accommodation (whether it’s budget or mid-range instead of luxury).

Why Choose Our Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour?

Gorilla trekking is the gold standard of wildlife adventures—standing mere meters from a gorilla family in their misty forest home is a thrill that words barely capture.

But premium tours often cost $2,000-$4,000, leaving many to shelve the dream. That’s where we come in.

Our Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour slashes the price to $1,200 per person, blending affordability with authenticity. Whether you’re a retiree in Minsk, a student in Melbourne, or a family in Kampala, we’ve stripped away the frills—not the magic—to bring you this bucket-list trip.

A Gorilla Tour is priced at USD 970 if we pick you up and drop you off in Kisoro, a location close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This cost covers your gorilla permit, transport, meals, and activities, making it a fantastic deal for this unforgettable experience.

However, if your pick-up and drop-off are from a farther location like Entebbe or Kigali, the price rises to USD 1,200 due to additional travel expenses.

Good news—the price is negotiable! Contact us to discuss your preferences, and we’ll tailor the best offer for your gorilla adventure. Book now and secure your spot!

Why us? Because we believe adventure is for everyone. With over a decade guiding trekkers through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, we’ve mastered the art of budget travel without skimping on essentials.

Our local expertise, lean operations, and passion for conservation mean you get the real deal—gorillas, guides, and memories—at a price that fits your life.

What’s Included in the Tour

Our 2-day, 1-night Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour is a streamlined masterpiece. Here’s what you get:

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: $800 in Uganda or $1,500 in Rwanda, the heart of your journey, granting one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Accommodation: one night in clean, cozy budget lodges—think Bwindi View Bandas (Uganda) or Kinigi Guesthouse (Rwanda)—with comfy beds, hot showers, and local charm.
• Transport: Round-trip transfers from Entebbe/Kampala (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda) in shared 4×4 vans, rugged enough for forest roads.
• Meals: Simple, hearty fare—breakfasts of eggs and fruit, packed lunches for the trek, dinners of Ugandan staples like matoke and beans.
• Expert Guides & Porters: Park rangers lead your trek; porters ($15 fee included) carry your gear and steady you on trails.
• Briefing & Support: Pre-trek orientation and 24/7 assistance from our team.

What’s not included? Flights to Entebbe/Kigali, visas ($50-$100), tips ($5-$10/day suggested), and extras like drinks or souvenirs. We keep it lean so you pay for what matters—the gorillas.

Where You’ll Trek: Uganda or Rwanda

You choose the destination; we make it work.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda: This 331-square-kilometer jungle hosts half the world’s 1,063 mountain gorillas (2023 census). Four sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo—offer diverse trails. Ruhija’s gentler slopes suit slower paces, while Rushaga boasts big families like Nshongi. At $800, Uganda’s permit is the budget king, stretching your dollar further.
• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Nestled in the Virunga Massif, this 160-square-kilometer park cradles 12 habituated groups. Trails are less dense, altitudes higher (2,500-4,500 meters), and the $1,500 permit reflects Rwanda’s premium polish—paved roads, top guides. It’s pricier, but closer to Kigali (3 hours vs. Uganda’s 9-hour drive).

Both deliver gorilla magic; Uganda saves cash, Rwanda saves time. Tell us your vibe—we’ll match you.

The Budget Breakdown: How We Keep Costs Low

Wondering how we pull this off? Here’s the secret sauce:

• Budget Lodging: Forget $300/night villas. Our picks—$20-$40/night—offer comfort without fluff. Bwindi View Bandas has basic rooms near the trailhead; Kinigi Guesthouse offers Rwanda’s rustic charm.
• Local Eats: No gourmet buffets—think $5-$10/day for filling, homegrown meals. You’ll taste Uganda’s posho or Rwanda’s ugali, fueling you cheap and cheerful.
• Group Treks: Eight trekkers per gorilla family is standard; we fill slots, not private bookings, keeping guide costs down.
• No Middlemen: We’re direct operators, not resellers. Our Kampala-based team negotiates permits and logistics, cutting commissions.

A 2-day Uganda tour totals $1,200: $800 permit, $150 transport, $80 lodging, $30 meals, $15 porter, $117 operations.

Rwanda bumps to $1,500 with the $1,500 permit offset by cheaper travel ($100). Compare that to $2,500+ elsewhere—our lean model wins.

Your Trekking Day: A Step-by-Step Adventure

Day 1: Arrival
You land in Entebbe or Kigali (book flights separately—$300-$600 from Europe). We whisk you to your lodge—9 hours to Bwindi or 3 to Volcanoes—via shared van. Check in, savor a local dinner, and rest up. The anticipation builds.

Day 2: The Trek 
Rise at 5:30 AM—coffee, eggs, and a packed lunch await. At 6:30 AM, you’re at the park gate—Bwindi’s Buhoma or Volcanoes’ Kinigi—for a ranger briefing: 7-meter distance, no touching, one hour with gorillas.

Porters grab your bag; your group of 8 sets off. Trails vary—30 minutes to 6 hours—based on gorilla locations and your pace. Muddy flats, steep vines, or bamboo groves challenge you, but porters and poles keep you steady.

Then, the moment: gorillas emerge—a silverback grunts, infants tumble. Your hour flies—cameras snap, hearts race. Back at base, you’re muddy, triumphant, and buzzing. Dinner and lodge tales cap the night.

Day 3: Departure
After breakfast, we drive you back—Entebbe for flights or Kampala/Kigali to linger. You leave with a certificate, photos, and a story forever.

Who’s This For?

Our Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour suits anyone craving adventure on a dime:

• Seniors: Affordable without luxury markups—porters and shorter trails ease the load.
• Students: Tight budgets meet big dreams; $1,200 fits a gap year.
• Families: Kids over 15 trek free with your permit; shared costs stretch further.
• Solo Travelers: Join a group, save cash, make friends.

If you can walk 2-3 miles, handle uneven ground, and dream of gorillas, you’re in. No fitness Olympian required—just grit and a good pair of boots.

Why It’s Worth Every Penny

At $1,200-$1,500, this isn’t “cheap”—it’s value. You’re not just seeing gorillas; you’re funding their survival—permits bankroll anti-poaching and habitat protection. A 2023 client, Olga from Minsk, paid 4,500 BYN for Uganda: “I saw the Habinyanja family—worth triple the cost.” Another, Tom from Nairobi, chose Rwanda: “$1,500 felt like a steal for that silverback stare.” You’re buying awe, legacy, and a tale that outshines any trinket.

Compare: a week in Paris costs $2,000—nice, but fleeting. Our tour delivers a primal, eternal thrill. Plus, Uganda’s $800 permit beats Rwanda’s $1,500 rivals like Maasai Mara safaris ($1,000-$2,000), making it the budget champ.

Practical Tips for Your Trek

• Book Early: Permits are limited—64/day in Bwindi, 96 in Rwanda. Secure 3-6 months ahead via WhatsApp (+256 707 585144) or [yourwebsite.com].
• Gear Up: Waterproof boots, rain jacket, trekking poles—$50-$100 total. We’ll advise.
• Health Check: Altitude (1,160-4,500 meters) taxes lungs; consult your doc if over 60.
• Pack Light: Water, snacks, camera—porters handle the rest.
• Visa: $50 for Uganda/Rwanda—easy online.

Add-Ons for Flavor

Stretch your trip affordably:

• Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda): $50/day—canoe, swim, relax post-trek.
• Golden Monkeys (Rwanda): $100 permit—track these playful critters.
• Kampala/Kigali Tour: $30—markets, history, a city taste.

 

Our Top 5 Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages:

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda

This is a short Uganda gorilla tour uniquely designed to let you immerse yourself in the jungles to see mountain gorillas. The short gorilla trekking tour introduces you into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see a family… Read More

4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Tour

Led by an expert private safari guide, our 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Tour covers two of Uganda’s most renowned safari destinations for gorilla trekking adventure as well as game viewing experience that you won’t soon forget… Read More

5 Days Primates Safari Uganda

This itinerary takes primate enthusiasts to the west and southwest, into the dense jungles to get up close and personal with Great Apes (mountain gorillas) that are considered mankind’s closest relatives. On this safari, you… Read More

4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Primate and Nature lovers, this gorilla safari is perfect for you!!!! Walk through the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park searching for the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It leads Hail Tours’ travelers… Read More

7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

Our Uganda tour for Gorilla Tracking, Cultural, and Chimp Safari is a wonderful Ugandan-based one-week safari leading to three of the country’s amazing National Parks; Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable… Read More

Important tips for booking a Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour;

1. Choose the gorilla trekking destination wisely

One of the tips for booking a Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour is to find a more affordable gorilla trekking destination. Rwanda is a more costly destination, with its gorilla permits being $800 more expensive than Uganda’s gorilla permits which go for $700 per person.

It’s not as if the mountain gorillas are different. Rwanda also tends to offer more exorbitant luxurious Safari Lodges hence making it the less budget gorilla trekking option.

However, choosing Uganda means you should be prepared to drive over 8-9 hours from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks against Rwanda’s two and a half hours drive.

The beauty of Uganda is that it has lots and lots of jaw-dropping sceneries to enjoy along the way hence 8 hours will seem like 3 or 4 hours.

2. Opt for a self-drive gorilla tour where possible
   

If you already have your own car, why would you hire a car and driver yet you can save these costs? Besides being cheaper, there is great flexibility while on a self-drive, because you can choose to spend less/more time in a particular place (for instance during en-route stops), make a stopover to take a picture of something you’ve liked without being pressurized by the driver.

Even when you don’t have your own car and rent, you can still opt for the self-drive and save money hence making the gorilla tour cheaper.

3. Book your gorilla tour directly through a local tour operator

Booking a gorilla tour directly through a local tour operator is cheaper compared to booking with a foreign travel agent who is interested in getting commission out of the trip, yet you would have bargained if booked directly with the ground handlers.

4. Travel during the low season

While prices of gorilla permits remain constant (don’t change) whether in low or peak seasons, rates for the accommodation facilities are relatively lower during the low seasons.

Uganda and Rwanda’s dry seasons are between June and September as well as December and February, which ate peaks and should be avoided if you hope to get lower rates.

For this reason, you can trek the mountain gorillas from March to May and October to November if you hope for discounted rates. However, expect rainfall at any time of the day hence a rain jacket should always be a must-have, slippery and muddy trails thus sturdy hiking boots are a must.

The good news however is that you should expect fewer crowds and seclusion.

5. Opt for the budget but decent accommodation facilities

There are a number of budget but clean and comfortable accommodation facilities that you can book in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as a way of saving some money from lodging.

For instance, Ride 4 a Woman in Buhoma and Bakiga Lodge in Ruhija are some of the many Lodges known for offering affordable yet decent accommodations for budget gorilla trekkers.

6. Book the Gorilla tour in advance

Making gorilla tour bookings is time and cost-saving. For instance, when you book a flight 6 months in advance, it is easier to enjoy lower rates and last-minute accommodation in the National Parks.

With this, it is possible to take advantage of seasonal offers provided by tour operators and Safari Lodges.

7. Book with Hail Tours Uganda

It is obvious, that an experienced safari company, Hail Tours will implement these cost-saving strategies on your Budget Gorilla Trekking safari better than anyone else. So, Book with us and travel while spending.

Budget Gorilla Trekking Tour Price:

A budget gorilla trekking tour in Uganda typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per person, depending on the season and the tour package. The main cost is the gorilla trekking permit, which is around $800 per person.

Additional expenses include transportation, accommodation, and guide fees. Budget tours often include shared transport, basic lodge accommodations, and group trekking experiences.

While these tours offer affordability, it’s important to book in advance, as permits are limited and can sell out quickly. Choosing a budget tour still provides the opportunity to experience the unforgettable adventure of gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about budget gorilla safaris in Uganda:

1. What is a budget gorilla safari in Uganda? A budget gorilla safari refers to a more affordable option for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda, typically including budget accommodations, transportation, and entry permits.
2. How much does a gorilla safari in Uganda cost? The cost can vary, but budget gorilla safaris usually range from $1,500 to $2,500 per person for a 3-day trip, including permits, transport, and basic accommodation.
3. What does a budget gorilla safari include? It typically includes transportation (often in a shared vehicle), a gorilla trekking permit, budget lodging, park fees, and a guide. Meals may be provided depending on the package.
4. How do I book a budget gorilla safari? Budget gorilla safaris can be booked through tour operators who specialize in low-cost trips. Ensure they are licensed and reputable to avoid unexpected fees or changes in the itinerary.
5. Is it safe to go on a budget gorilla safari in Uganda? Yes, Uganda is a safe destination for gorilla trekking, with established safety protocols for both travelers and gorillas. Budget safaris still include experienced guides to ensure safety.
6. When is the best time for a budget gorilla safari in Uganda? The best time for trekking is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. However, you can still find budget options in the rainy season, though trekking can be more challenging.
7. What are the minimum age requirements for gorilla trekking? The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years old, regardless of whether you’re on a budget safari or luxury trek.
8. Can I see gorillas during a budget safari? Yes, all gorilla safaris, regardless of the price, include an opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, with a maximum of eight visitors allowed per group for each trekking session.
9. What are the advantages of choosing a budget safari? A budget safari allows you to experience gorilla trekking without the high price tag of luxury safaris, making it a great option for travelers on a budget.
10. Are the gorilla trekking permits cheaper on a budget safari? No, the cost of gorilla permits is fixed by the government at $700 per person for foreigners, so the difference in cost between a budget and luxury safari mainly comes from accommodations and transport.
11. Can I combine a gorilla safari with other activities on a budget? Yes, many budget safari packages allow you to combine gorilla trekking with other affordable activities, such as chimpanzee tracking, game drives, or visiting community projects.
12. How many days is a typical budget gorilla safari? A budget gorilla safari typically lasts 2-4 days, depending on your itinerary and whether you include other activities like wildlife viewing or cultural experiences.
13. What kind of accommodation is available on a budget gorilla safari? Accommodation on a budget gorilla safari usually includes basic lodges, hostels, or camping options that are comfortable but less luxurious than high-end resorts.
14. Can I bring my family on a budget gorilla safari? Yes, families can enjoy budget gorilla safaris, but children under 15 cannot participate in the actual gorilla trekking. Some tour operators may offer family-friendly experiences with other activities.
15. What should I pack for a budget gorilla safari? Pack comfortable trekking shoes, waterproof clothing, a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Since it may rain, it’s also advisable to bring a poncho or light rain jacket.