Budget gorilla trekking provides holidaymakers in African
the best option to strike their imaginations with a habituated gorilla family while in their natural habitat. Our budget gorilla trekking experiences usher you into Africa’s rain-forests to see mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. We take you through the magical gorilla destinations in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Why gorilla trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking in Africa entirely offers a thrilling encounter with not only the endangered mountain gorillas but also tourists have a chance to track Eastern Lowland gorillas. Trekking to see any of these Africa’s unique gorilla species is ultimately a dream come true.
Mountain gorilla population in Africa and the world at large remain not more than 1063 and an hour of face-face encounter with them in the wild is remarkably a rare privilege, one reason you should be part of our budget gorilla trekking safaris.
Budget gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Budget gorilla trekking in Rwanda gives you a chance to spend ample time with mountain gorillas at just an affordable rate. Budget gorilla holidays in Rwanda are conducted only in Volcanoes National Park, one of the Africa’s prime gorilla trekking destinations.
A budget gorilla trip in Volcanoes National Park like other African gorilla safari destination begins with briefing. Kinigi is where Volcanoes National Park offices are and park officials are available to take visitors through the rules and regulations before you get to the jungles to look for a gorilla family.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is lying suitably in Ruhengeri, Northwestern part of the country. Presently, over 18 gorilla groups exist in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park although only 13 have been opened for gorilla tourism. They include among others the Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Bwenge, Titus, Pablo, Agashya, Susa A, Amahoro, Hirwa, Sabinyo and Umubano.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also protects five of the 8 Virunga Massifs including Muhabura, Sabinyo, Gahinga, Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes. There are also significant number of other species including buffaloes, bush bucks, spotted hyenas, elephants, over 200 bird species.
Gorilla permits.
As of 2021, gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda cost US Dollars 1500 per person and these should be obtained as early as possible before you make actual trip to track mountain gorillas. Booking for Rwanda gorilla permits is easier when you deal with a ground tour operator or you can contact Rwanda Development Board reservation team. Bookings should be done at least 2-6 months before you get to Rwanda to trek gorillas.
Budget gorilla trekking in Uganda
A budget gorilla trekking in Uganda involves you exploring and experiencing any of the country’s 2 destinations to see endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda’s 2 amazing gorilla destinations for holidaymakers to expect to pay a visit on budget gorilla trekking safari include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda, the pearl of Africa is a host to about half of all the 1063 endangered mountain gorillas that are still living on planet earth. What makes it an outstanding gorilla destination is also fact that it has the highest number of habituated gorilla families. This creates more opportunities for most visitors to take part in a trek to see the world’s unique apes. Uganda houses all the 21 habituated gorilla families with 20 in the 4 main gorilla trekking regions of Bwindi National Park and only 1 (one) group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Budget gorilla trekking in Bwindi offers an incredible opportunity for you to get up close to mountain gorillas at the most affordable rates. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in the border area of Uganda and the D.R. Congo. This park spans to cover the Southwestern districts of Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. It was set as a national park in 1991 with the main reason to offer refuge to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas-a sub-species of Eastern gorillas. Bwindi is considerably holidaymakers’ most favorite mountain gorilla trekking destination and it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 with consideration to its ecological biodiversity.
Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi rewards travelers with unforgettable gorilla encounter. It is a home to about 35 gorilla families but only 20 are so far open for trekking and research reasons. The park sits in 331sq.kms of land area and it has 4 areas or regions where treks to see mountain gorillas always begin from. In each of the 4 gorilla regions, there are habituated gorilla group families and they include Nkuringo region, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija gorilla trekking sectors.
While on Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, you can either track gorilla families in the southern sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga or travel in Buhoma to the north or Ruhija area in the East. In Nkuringo areas, holidaymakers can be assigned to any of the region’s 3 habituated families; Bushaho group, Nkuringo and Christmas gorilla families. To the eastern side of Bwindi-Ruhija sector, the groups to track include Oruzongo, Kyaguriro, Bitukura and Mukiza.
Buhoma region in the north consists of the following families Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe and Mubare families. To the south-Rushaga area, visitors on budget gorilla trekking in Uganda trek to see about 9 habituated family groups including Bikingi, Busingye, Mucunguzi, Kutu, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye.
Visiting Bwindi isn’t only for you to track mountain gorillas but also you have a chance to be part of the many exciting experiences. The park is also known for its mesmerizing mountain gorilla habituation experience, bird watching, nature walks, cycling, Batwa community walk/Batwa cultural experience/encounter.
Budget gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park involves you to track the one habituated gorilla family starting from the park’s Ntebeko area. Mgahinga has Nyakagezi group as the only group that has undergone habituation and it is open for trekking.
Mgahinga National Park is sprawls within Kisoro District, 8-10 hours’ drive away from Kampala and it is considerably the country’s smallest park. This spans up to 33.7sq.kms of land area and shelters 3 of the Virunga Massifs hence making part of the Virunga Conservation Area.
While on gorilla safari in Bwindi, it is advisable to book accommodation as the region you plan to trek mountain gorillas. In Ruhija region in the eastern side of Bwindi, the available budget lodging options include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge. Rushaga lodges include Ichumbi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Buhoma’s budget lodging options include Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas. The lodging alternatives in Nkuringo area include Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Virunga Campsite, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or in Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
Budget lodging options in and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Amajambere Iwacu Camp, a community run camp set just Mgahinga park entrance about 12kms from Kisoro; Golden Monkey Guesthouse one of the best basic lodges in Kisoro Town, Mutanda Eco-Community Centre which is 6kms from Kisoro Town
Uganda budget gorilla trekking permits – Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
Compared to Rwanda Uganda is entirely a budget gorilla destination in Africa. Gorilla permits are priced depending on visitor categories; the foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African Community citizens. As of 2021, Uganda issues out her gorilla permits to holidaymakers on budget gorilla safaris or luxury gorilla trekking safari at $700 foreign residents, $600 as foreign residents and Shs. 250,000 when you visit Uganda as a citizen within East Africa Community.
There is also an option of engaging in gorilla habituation experience only in Rushaga region. As of 2021, gorilla habituation in Bwindi cost $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 if you are foreign resident and shs. 750,000 citizens under East Africa Community.
Places to stay; While on gorilla safari in Bwindi, it is advisable to book accommodation as the region you plan to trek mountain gorillas. In Ruhija region in the eastern side of Bwindi, the available budget lodging options include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge. Rushaga lodges include Ichumbi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Buhoma’s budget lodging options include Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas. The lodging alternatives in Nkuringo area include Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Virunga Campsite, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or in Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
Budget lodging options in and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Amajambere Iwacu Camp, a community run camp set just Mgahinga park entrance about 12kms from Kisoro; Golden Monkey Guesthouse one of the best basic lodges in Kisoro Town, Mutanda Eco-Community Centre which is 6kms from Kisoro Town.
Where to stay
While on gorilla safari in Bwindi, it is advisable to book accommodation as the region you plan to trek mountain gorillas. In Ruhija region in the eastern side of Bwindi, the available budget lodging options include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge. Rushaga lodges include Ichumbi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge.
Buhoma’s budget lodging options include Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas. The lodging alternatives in Nkuringo area include Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Virunga Campsite, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or in Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
Budget lodging options in and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Amajambere Iwacu Camp, a community run camp set just Mgahinga park entrance about 12kms from Kisoro; Golden Monkey Guesthouse one of the best basic lodges in Kisoro Town, Mutanda Eco-Community Centre which is 6kms from Kisoro Town
Budget gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo
Embarking on a budget gorilla trekking in the D.R. Congo is amazingly a great chance for you to strike your imaginations with mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland gorillas while in their natural habitat. While on budget gorilla safari in the Congo, holidaymakers have 2 destinations to explore; Virunga National Park which houses a section of mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking.
Virunga National Park specifically is the largest of all the 4 gorilla trekking destinations, occupying 7800sq.kms and it has existed since 1925 when it was formed as a national park. This expansive rain-forest conservation area protects about 300 mountain gorillas and consists of 8 habituated gorilla families. The groups of mountain gorillas to expect to track on Congo budget gorilla trekking tour in Virunga include Munyaga gorilla family, Bageni, Mapuwa, Kabirizi, Humba, Nyakamwe, Rugendo and Lulengo.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park also inhabits other diverse species of wildlife in its varied habitats ranging from wetlands, savannas, woodlands, rainforest. They include an estimated number of 706 bird species (including the double toothed barbets, Rwenzori Batis, grey throated barbet, barred long tailed cuckoo), Thomas Kobs, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippos, duikers, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
For any plans to visit Virunga National Park for a budget gorilla trekking safari, the available lodging options include Tchegera Island Camp. This accommodation establishment is in set near Lake Kivu and it is credited for its exceptional views of nearby volcanoes, and lake kivu.
Mikeno Lodge-a luxury lodging alternative set in the Virunga National Park overviewing the breathtaking rift valley and Nyiragongo Volcano. This is strategically situated in an area with variety of tourist activities ranging from gorilla trekking, birding, Nyiragongo volcano hiking. Other lodges include Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented and Kibumba Tented Lodge.
Gazetted in 1970, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is Congo’s spectacular Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking destination. It is one of the largest gorilla safari parks spanning up to 6000sq.kms of land area and takes its name from Mount Kahuzi (3308m) and Mount Biega (2790m). While Eastern Lowland gorillas also exist in other parks or protected areas, Kahuzi-Biega is currently open to holidaymakers on gorilla trekking safari.
The park has 5 habituated lowland gorilla families including Moungwe, Nganwa, Chimanuka, Bonnani and Mugaruka gorilla families. Trekking any of these lowland gorilla groups is possible provided you have a valid gorilla permit which is obtainable at US Dollars 450 per person.
There are some incredible differences between mountain gorilla trekking and Eastern lowland gorilla trekking. Firstly, mountain gorilla trekking mainly includes tracking to view mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is majorly tracking to see Eastern Lowland gorillas.
Mountain gorillas exist in only Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks making them the only 4 destinations in the world where you can spot these unique species. The lowland gorillas on the other hand dwell in many areas of Eastern Congo and Western Africa.
What to carry on your African budget gorilla trekking?
When packing for budget gorilla trek in Africa, be keen on what to carry. Firstly, you need good and strong but waterproof hiking boots, camera with no flashlight, daypack, snacks, bottled drinking water, torch, insect repellents, long sleeved shirts, poncho/rain jacket, visas, gorilla permits, yellow fever certificate, first aid kit, gardening gloves and many others.
Etiquettes to observe on budget gorilla trekking;
8 to 10m distance must be kept at all times during budget gorilla trekking adventure. Completely one hour will be accorded to you to spend closely with gorillas upon finding them after your 2-6 hours’ trek.
Don’t make unnecessary noise – try as much as you can to speak in a low tone voice; gorilla families are assigned to trekkers above 15 years and without a gorilla permit, you may not have a chance to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo; once you come across gorillas, body contact with them is highly prohibited; during a trek to see gorillas, cover your mouth when coughing and nose while sneezing; use of flashlight camera in Congo, Uganda or Rwanda isn’t allowed on a trek to see gorillas.
Other budget activities other than gorilla trekking.
Climbing Nyiragongo volcano; this is one of the thrilling adventures tourists can engage in other than tracking mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park Congo. The Nyiragongo Volcano permits are issued at US Dollars 300 per person. Other amazing spots to visit for mountaineering include Rwenzori Mountain ranges in Uganda, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Muhabura, Gahinga Volcanoes or hike through Mount. Kahuzi and Biega near Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Birding-Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are all blessed with countless number of avifaunal species making them not only magical destinations to engage in gorilla trekking but also incredible destinations for bird watching. This is for you to sight incredible birds like ostriches, African green breasted pitta, broadbills, shoebills to mention but a few. The 3 countries shelter savanna, woodland, forest bird species as well as wetland dwellers.
Golden monkey tracking/tracking-the golden monkeys in Africa exist in the Virunga Conservation Areas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda. Others live and they are trekked in Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri Rwanda and a section of them are in Congo Virunga National Park.
Cultural safari experience; Uganda, Rwanda and Congo reward visitors with unique and authentic cultural experiences. Cultural trips in any of these 3 states involves exploring the unique traditions, cultures, lifestyles and for you to be entertained by dances, music performances.
Some of the interesting cultural experiences to expect to enjoy in addition to trekking gorillas include Batwa cultural experience whether after gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park or in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village just nearby Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or visit the nearby Congo communities adjacent to Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega National Park Congo. Other interesting activities include nature walks, cycling, volunteering in the communities and others.
When to travel for budget gorilla trekking?
Budget gorilla trekking in Africa can be organized at any time of the month or year whether you plan to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. When arranging for a budget gorilla trekking safari, the dry and wet seasons are the 2 most important seasons to mark on your travel calenda.
The dry months to most holidaymakers on gorilla safari are the most ideal due to low or no rainfall which allows trekkers to enjoy a trek to see gorillas with little or no challenge. The longest months of these gorilla parks begin from late May to September while the short drier start from December till February.
The wet/rainy months are preferably the best for budget travelers because there is a chance to enjoy discounted offers on accommodation services. There are 2 phases of wet/rainy seasons-the longest that runs from March till May and October to November for short rainy season.
