The Cheapest Places to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Are you eager to embark on a unique adventure and witness majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? This article will guide you to the Cheapest Places to See Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Africa, particularly in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers a rare opportunity to observe these magical apes up close.
Some of the affordable places for gorilla trekking safaris or gorilla tours include: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park. These parks make East Africa the best and cheapest place to see gorillas. If you plan a safari to Africa involving gorilla trekking, adding these destinations is a big deal.
What is a gorilla trekking safari or gorilla trekking tour?
Have you heard about the “Gorilla trekking safari or tour” concept? A gorilla trekking safari or tour means a trip involving gorilla trekking as part of the activities. Gorilla trekking involves travelers following a gorilla family and learning about its behavior. Gorillas are social animals living in families led by an adult male known as a silverback. During a gorilla trekking session, travelers can spend one hour in the presence of a gorilla family. In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, only eight people can trek a particular gorilla family daily. This is meant for the good of these endangered species. Remember, they are animals; they deserve some respect from human beings. Frequenting them affects them in one way or another. It’s our responsibility to ensure their well-being.
What do I do if I want to spend more time with the gorillas?
While planning your gorilla safari or gorilla tour, it is essential to remember that gorilla trekking takes a maximum of 8 hours. The 8 hours include the one hour spent in the presence of gorillas upon meeting them. Gorilla trekking is only done with a gorilla family that has already been habituated. Gorilla habituation is making these endangered gorillas slowly get used to human beings. Unlike gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation takes a minimum of 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas. However, gorilla habituation is done by a maximum of 4 people. This is not the same with gorilla trekking, which is done by a maximum of 8 people.
Therefore, if you are planning to spend more time in the presence of mountain gorillas during your gorilla tour, it is recommended to do a gorilla habituation experience rather than gorilla trekking. Alternatively, you may trek more than one gorilla family on different dates. A Uganda double gorilla trekking safari is the best package for anyone seeking a double gorilla trekking tour.
How do you do a gorilla trekking safari on a budget?
The notion that luxury travelers do gorilla trekking is false. Everyone can go gorilla trekking in Africa if they have the proper planning. Gorilla trekking on a budget means you do not have to break the bank to do a gorilla safari. Below are some tips for a gorilla trekking safari on a budget. These tips can be applied in Africa’s cheapest places to see gorillas.
You can choose the right destination.
If you are planning a budget gorilla trekking safari, you must choose the cheapest destination. For instance, selecting a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda over Rwanda is financially empowering. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 per person, unlike the one for Uganda, which costs USD 800 per person. This makes Uganda the most affordable place to see mountain gorillas in Africa.
Select off-peak seasons
Much as gorilla trekking tours in Africa can be done any time of the year, there are high and low seasons. The dry seasons of June to September and December to February are considered high seasons for tourism in Africa. During this period, there is much traffic for tourists seeking gorilla adventures in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Budget travelers might find it tricky to embark on gorilla trekking safaris. This makes it better for someone seeking a budget gorilla safari to travel during the low seasons. Tour companies offer discounts and accommodation facilities during the low seasons (October to November and March to May). This is a common habit in Uganda. This makes Uganda one of the best and cheapest places to see mountain gorillas.
Pack Smart and Light
Avoid unnecessary expenses by packing smartly for your gorilla safari. Ensure you have appropriate clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy hiking boots, and a rain jacket. Rent or borrow any specialized gear, such as trekking poles. Carrying your reusable water bottle and snacks can also help cut down on additional expenses.
Join Group Tours
Consider joining a group tour if you plan a budget gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. Group tours often provide cost savings by splitting expenses such as transportation and guides among the participants. Additionally, group tours allow you to join a group trek with other travelers, reducing the overall safari cost. Could you check with tour operators or travel agencies specializing in gorilla trekking to explore these options?
Is it cheaper to buy a gorilla trekking permit through a tour company in Africa?
Booking your gorilla trekking permit through a reputable African tour company saves a lot. The logic behind this is that you are dealing with an expert who organizes tours in gorilla trekking destinations. Additionally, the Uganda Wildlife Authority may not have the time to respond to your emails or messages instantly. This is because they get overwhelming emails. On the other hand, a tour company like Native Africa Tours finds its pride in giving travelers a chance to plan a more personalized trip. After booking your gorilla trekking permit, they will send instant replies, proof of payment, and receipts.
In conclusion, therefore, experiencing gorilla trekking on a budget is not just a dream, but a very real possibility with careful planning and a sense of adventure. This can be easily done by choosing the cheapest place to see mountain gorillas in Africa. You can make this remarkable wildlife encounter more affordable by selecting the right destination, traveling during off-peak seasons, exploring budget-friendly accommodations, and considering shared options. Remember to prioritize the conservation and well-being of these incredible creatures, respecting the guidelines and regulations set by the authorities. Embark on your budget gorilla trekking adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.
