Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Africa

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3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali - How to Book and Pay for a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda - Cheapest Way to See Gorillas in Africa

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a range of budget-friendly gorilla trekking tours across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whether you’re looking for a short, affordable trip or an extended safari, our carefully curated packages give you the chance to experience the magic of gorilla trekking in some of Africa’s most beautiful national parks.

Our cheapest gorilla trekking packages include visits to top gorilla trekking destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC. We provide flexible options to suit all types of travelers, from quick getaways to more immersive multi-day tours.

Some of Our Popular Budget Gorilla Trekking Packages:

If you’re interested in our budget-friendly gorilla trekking options, feel free to continue reading below or contact us for more information. You can reach us via phone, email, or WhatsApp for quick responses.

When Is the Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking Tours?

The best time to book your gorilla trekking tour is during the low season, which runs from April to May and October to November. During these months, you’ll find discounts on gorilla permits and other services. To ensure you secure your preferred dates and permits, we recommend booking at least a year in advance.

If you’re planning to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park during these months, contact us in March to May. We’ll check the availability of your preferred dates and confirm the availability of permits.

For gorilla permits, once we’ve checked availability, we’ll notify you via email. If everything aligns, we’ll provide you with payment details, including instructions for transferring the necessary funds. We accept payments via bank transfers, wire transfers, and credit/debit cards (though please note that credit card payments may incur a small surcharge).

To secure your gorilla trekking permits, we’ll ask for full payment upfront, and the remaining balance must be settled three weeks before your safari. This ensures your permits are secured, so you can focus on planning the rest of your trip stress-free.

What’s Included in Our Budget Gorilla Trekking Packages?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, our gorilla trekking packages are all-inclusive. This means that your gorilla permit, accommodation, and transportation from Entebbe or Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park are all included. Our aim is to make your safari as seamless and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your experience.

Here’s what’s included in our budget-friendly gorilla trekking tours:

1. Gorilla Permit

A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and grants you access to the gorilla trekking experience in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. The permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. It also includes the services of a ranger guide and park entry fees for 24 hours.

You’ll also be accompanied by a tourism police officer for added security. The guide will provide insights into gorilla behavior and the surrounding forest ecosystem. It’s important to note that gorilla permits are only valid for the specified date, and any changes must be made well in advance to ensure availability.

2. Accommodation

We provide a range of accommodation options, from comfortable lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses, all located near the parks. Your stay will be in a safe, welcoming environment, where you can relax after an exciting day of trekking.

3. Transport

Transportation from Entebbe or Kigali to your accommodation and the trekking location is included. We’ll make sure you get to and from the national park comfortably and on time.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permit

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates and chosen your gorilla trekking package, we will assist you in securing your gorilla permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few tour operators with direct access to the UWA gorilla permit portal, which allows us to check availability at any time and hold permits for our clients.

Once payment is received, we’ll personally visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kampala to secure your permit, after which we’ll send you a scanned copy of your gorilla permit card and receipt for your records. Your permit will be ready for collection before the start of your trek, ensuring everything is prepared for your safari.

What’s Not Included in Our Budget Gorilla Trekking Tours?

While our packages include everything necessary for your trekking experience, there are a few extra costs you may need to consider:

Tips for your guide and porter
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities
Travel insurance (we recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip)
Visa fees for Uganda or Rwanda (if applicable)

Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits in Bwindi: Spend More Time with Gorillas in Uganda

If you’re looking to spend more than just an hour with mountain gorillas in Uganda, the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect option. Unlike standard gorilla trekking permits that allow for a one-hour encounter, the habituation experience gives you up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Currently, the Uganda Wildlife Authority offers this unique experience with two gorilla families found in the southern sector of Bwindi. Unofficial sources also suggest that a third group is under habituation in the northern region, providing easier access for visitors staying in Buhoma or Ruhija.

What’s Included in the Gorilla Habituation Permit?

The gorilla habituation permit covers:

Up to 4 hours with a gorilla family
Expert guidance from rangers and researchers
Conservation fees that support gorilla protection and community development
A personalized certificate of participation

What’s Not Included?

While the permit offers access and ranger guidance, it does not cover:

Accommodation in or near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Transportation to and from Bwindi
Trek Africa Expeditions can arrange all of this for you as part of a hassle-free gorilla trekking tour package.

Budget-Friendly Lodging Options Near Bwindi, Rwanda, and Congo

Looking for the best value accommodation for your gorilla trek? Trek Africa Expeditions partners with handpicked lodges across the Bwindi region and beyond, offering comfortable stays to match every budget—from budget-friendly to deluxe and luxury.

Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija, and we have carefully selected at least two recommended lodges in each sector for every price range. Our team regularly visits these lodges and monitors guest feedback to ensure quality service and value.

Let us know your travel budget, and we’ll suggest the best lodge for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Getting to Bwindi: Comfortable Safari Transport Options

Trek Africa Expeditions provides reliable and comfortable transportation to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our fleet includes:

Luxury 4×4 Land Cruisers for travelers seeking extra comfort
Custom safari vans for those on a tighter budget

All vehicles are driven by experienced local guides and come equipped with bottled drinking water to keep you refreshed on the journey. Whether you’re crossing rough terrain or cruising through Uganda’s scenic countryside, we’ll make sure your ride is smooth and enjoyable.

Flying into Uganda or Rwanda: Which Airport Should You Choose?

When planning a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda, you can choose to fly into Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda).

Flying into Kigali: Many travelers prefer this route to reduce drive time to Bwindi. The journey from Kigali to southern Bwindi takes around 4–5 hours, making it a quicker option.
Flying into Entebbe: This route offers a more scenic experience, including stops at the Equator crossing, views of Uganda’s iconic long-horned Ankole cattle, and the rolling hills of Kigezi.

Whichever airport you choose, Trek Africa Expeditions will handle all your airport transfers and ensure smooth transport to and from Bwindi.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing affordable and authentic gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our team is dedicated to providing accurate information, personalized service, and excellent value for your money.

Here’s why travelers choose us:

Trusted expertise in organizing gorilla tours in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Parks
Flexible packages to suit different budgets and schedules
Professional staff ready to assist with every step of your journey
Great reviews and client feedback on TripAdvisor

Whether you’re planning your gorilla trek for the upcoming Spring holiday or any other time of year, we’re here to make your safari experience smooth, memorable, and meaningful.