Planning a Budget-Friendly Fly-in Safari to See Gorillas in Uganda

Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Fly-in Safari to See Gorillas in Uganda

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most expensive tourist activities globally, with only three African countries home to these magnificent creatures. These countries include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to see the gorillas, you need a gorilla permit that costs between $400 and $1500, as well as accommodation and transportation expenses to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

One of the significant challenges of gorilla trekking in Uganda is keeping the costs down and reducing travel time from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Budget fly-in safaris to these parks are an excellent option for addressing these challenges. There are various tricks to organizing a budget-friendly fly-in safari to see gorillas in Uganda.

Consider Scheduled Flights for Your Affordable Fly-in Safari to Bwindi or Mgahinga

One way to keep costs down on your flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga is to consider internal scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro. Aerolink Uganda operates daily scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, with three departures to Kihihi Airstrip and one to Kisoro. By choosing scheduled flights, you can share costs with other passengers, reducing your expenses. Trek Africa Expeditions frequently uses shared flights operated by Aerolink for budget fly-in safaris to see gorillas. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions for further information about booking flights to Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Affordable Transfer Options for Budget Flying Safaris to Gorillas

For budget flying safaris to see gorillas, using a saloon car or safari van for transfers to the lodge is a more affordable option compared to Luxury 4×4 Land Cruisers used in luxury flying safaris. These vehicles provide the same transportation services from the airstrip to the lodge, gorillas, and back to the airstrip for your flight home. Using vans can save you up to 50% on transfer costs. Trek Africa Expeditions has a fleet of safari vans that are available for transfers when needed.

Affordable Lodging Options in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks

The primary reason for flying to Bwindi or Mgahinga is to save time, as driving is a cheaper option. For a cost-effective experience, consider staying at budget lodges in and around Bwindi and Mgahinga. Trek Africa Expeditions collaborates with some of the best budget lodges in Bwindi that offer private bathrooms, WiFi, and three-course meals. Our priority is to ensure security and hygiene for our clients, and we continually monitor our selected lodges. While there aren’t many budget lodge options in Mgahinga National Park, we recommend Kyahafi and Kisoro Travellers Rest Camp.

Visiting Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks During Low Season Months

Although scheduled flights from Entebbe international Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi do not offer discounts, lodges and tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions may provide some discounts during the low season months of March, April, May, October, and November to attract clients to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking. During these months, it is easier to get discounts on most services, including accommodations, permits, and transfers.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to consider visiting Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks during the low season months to take advantage of these discounts. Please contact Trek Africa Expeditions for more information on the available low season discounts.

Consider Your International-Internal Flight Connections for Your Gorilla Safari

For most gorilla safaris in Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, a minimum of three days is required: the first day for traveling to the park, the second day for gorilla trekking, and the third day for returning to Entebbe. Internal flights usually depart early in the morning and in the afternoon, making it easy to connect to your flights to and from the parks without needing to stay in Entebbe or Kampala.

However, it’s important to consider potential delays or lost luggage with international flights. If you want to avoid pre and post tour accommodation arrangements in Entebbe, it’s recommended to contact Trek Africa Expeditions for advice. However, if you don’t want to take any chances, booking a budget guest house in Entebbe town for a night is a good option.

Gorilla trekking is an expensive and once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be interrupted at all costs. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your international-internal flight connections carefully to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted safari experience.

Consider Using a Trusted Tour Operator for Your Trip

Planning a safari in Uganda can be overwhelming and booking everything yourself may not be the best option. While it may seem cost-effective, it can lead to disastrous experiences, such as booking the wrong permits or being scammed. This is why it’s essential to employ the services of a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

With our expertise, we take care of everything, from gorilla permits to accommodation and transfers, to ensure your trip is stress-free. We provide you with timely and adequate information to help you plan and make the most out of your safari experience. Don’t risk a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, let Trek Africa Expeditions handle the details.