Best Safari & Gorilla Trekking Packages for Budget Travelers

Combining a safari with gorilla trekking is an incredible African adventure, and it is possible to do this on a budget, though “budget” for these experiences still involves significant costs due to the high price of gorilla permits. The key is to prioritize certain aspects and make smart choices.

Here are the best places and strategies for finding budget-friendly safari and gorilla trekking packages:

1. Focus on Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Uganda is consistently the most budget-friendly option for mountain gorilla trekking, primarily due to the permit cost.

  • Gorilla Permit Cost:

    • Uganda: USD 800 per person (as of June 2025) for a standard permit.
    • Rwanda: USD 1,500 per person (as of June 2025).
    • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Historically around USD 400, but political stability and accessibility can be a concern.

    The significant difference in permit prices makes Uganda the clear winner for budget travelers.

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is the primary location in Uganda for gorilla trekking and offers the largest number of habituated families, increasing your chances of permit availability.

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: A smaller alternative in Uganda, also good for gorillas and golden monkey trekking.

2. Combine Gorilla Trekking with Ugandan Safaris

Uganda itself offers excellent and more affordable safari parks compared to its East African neighbors like Tanzania or Kenya.

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for its diverse wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and abundant hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel. It’s relatively close to Bwindi, making it a popular and logical add-on for a combined safari.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest park, offering powerful waterfalls, big game viewing, and boat safaris on the Nile River.
  • Lake Mburo National Park: A smaller park, good for a quick stop with zebra, impala, and boat cruises. Its proximity to Kampala makes it a convenient start or end to a safari.
  • Kibale Forest National Park: While primarily known for chimpanzee trekking (another permit cost, but usually less than gorillas), it adds a fantastic primate experience to a safari.

3. Strategies for Budget Travel

To keep costs down for safari and gorilla trekking:

  • Choose Budget Accommodation: Opt for basic campsites, guesthouses, or simple lodges. Many parks and gorilla trekking areas have community-run or budget-friendly options that are clean and comfortable, if not luxurious.
  • Travel During the Low (Wet) Season:
    • Months: Generally March-May and October-November.
    • Benefits: You might find lower prices for accommodation and sometimes even discounted tour packages. Gorilla permits generally remain fixed, but overall trip costs can be reduced.
    • Considerations: While there might be more rain, it’s often in short bursts, and the landscapes are lush and green, offering excellent photography opportunities.
  • Join a Group Tour: Sharing transport and guide costs with other travelers on a small group tour significantly reduces individual expenses compared to a private safari. Look for fixed-departure group tours.
  • Self-Drive (with caution): While possible for experienced African travelers, this is generally not recommended for first-time visitors, especially for gorilla trekking where a local guide is mandatory and routes can be challenging. Most budget tours will include a dedicated vehicle and driver.
  • Pack Light and Smart: Avoid unnecessary baggage fees.
  • Limit Trip Duration: A shorter trip (e.g., 3-5 days focusing mainly on gorillas and one nearby park) will naturally be more affordable.
  • Food Choices: Many budget safaris include basic meals. If you have dietary preferences, confirm what’s provided or if you need to bring snacks.
  • Book Permits Well in Advance: Gorilla permits sell out months ahead, regardless of your budget. Book at least 3-6 months out, especially if you plan to travel during peak season or have specific dates.
  • Fly into Kigali, Trek in Uganda: For Bwindi, many budget travelers choose to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive a few hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This often saves on flight costs compared to flying directly into Entebbe (Uganda) and enduring a much longer drive to Bwindi.

Example Budget Package Components:

A typical budget-friendly safari and gorilla trekking package might look like:

  • Duration: 3-7 days.
  • Gorilla Trekking: One permit included for Bwindi or Mgahinga.
  • Safari Component: A few game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park, possibly a boat safari.
  • Accommodation: Basic tented camps or budget lodges (often with en-suite bathrooms, but minimal frills).
  • Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof (shared on group tours).
  • Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at the lodge/camp.
  • Exclusions: International flights, visas, tips, personal expenses, additional activities (like chimpanzee trekking, community visits, golden monkey trekking), and drinks beyond water.

While a “cheap” gorilla trekking safari isn’t truly cheap due to the permit cost, by choosing Uganda and implementing these budget-saving strategies, you can make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure more accessible. Expect a budget package combining a 3-day gorilla trek with a short safari to start from around USD 1,700 – USD 2,500 per person, varying based on inclusions and group size.