Mountain
gorilla trekking is the activity of walking and hiking through dense forests or
high hills in pursuit of mountain gorillas. The action might be difficult and
stressful, but it is also quite exciting and daring. One may observe a variety
of unique bird species, vegetation, flowers, and other wildlife.
Gorilla
trekking is not a popular pastime around the world because the few remaining
mountain gorillas can only be found in East Africa. They can only be found in
three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cheapest method to view
gorillas.
Mountain
gorillas are habituated in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and
Mgahinga National Park, both located in the country’s south western region.
They can be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and in Congo’s Virunga
National Park, albeit the latter is a relatively new attraction.
Gorilla
trekking is more expensive than other wildlife excursions for a variety of
reasons. One of them is the expense of acquiring a gorilla trekking permit, but
we must also consider the cost of transportation, meals, airline tickets,
vaccinations, and visas, among other things. What is a gorilla permit? A
gorilla permit is an official document that allows you to meet the gorillas.
Tourists are recommended to book at least six months in advance because permits
are in high demand. In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs 1500 US.A permit costs
$700 in Uganda and $450 in Congo.
You
might be wondering why gorilla permits are so pricey. This is a bid to
safeguard endangered animals by limiting the number of tourists who visit
habituated gorilla families to at least eight per day. The cash collected from
gorilla permits is the only source of funding for gorilla conservation efforts.
Furthermore, gorillas are unique animals that behave and look like humans. The
increased global interest in gorilla trekking has resulted in expensive gorilla
permit prices.
Cheapest method to view
gorillas.
Even
though gorilla trekking is often pricey, you can still arrange to participate
in the activity for a lesser fee. Let us show you how. As previously stated,
the gorilla permits are priced differently in the three nations that provide
this service. Rwanda is marketing itself as a luxurious gorilla trekking
destination. Because of this, gorilla tours are pricey.
The
finest places to do gorilla trekking on a budget are Bwindi Affordable gorilla
trekkingimpenetrable and Mgahinga national parks in Uganda. These two places
provide excellent trekking opportunities. It takes longer to get to these two
parks, but the experience of going by road and seeing how the villagers live
their lives is enjoyable.
The
gorilla permits in these two parks are not very costly, going for about 700 US
dollars. Alternatively, one might visit the Virunga National Park in Congo,
where permits cost only 450 US dollars. Congo is unique in that it offers
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park as well. Many
tourists avoid Congo due to security concerns in the areas surrounding the
gorilla parks.
Did you
know that Rwanda offers gorilla permit discounts to large groups, African Union
citizens, and foreigners staying in Rwanda?
It
is also recommended that a visitor wishing to go gorilla trekking on a budget
make arrangements for a group trip. This is beneficial because it reduces
expenditures such as transportation and fuel, among others. Additionally, a
group experience in the wild, things are much more lively and entertaining.
Cheap
Gorilla Trekking Another strategy to go gorilla trekking on a budget is to
shorten the duration of the walk. For example, if you had planned for five
days, you may cut it to three or even a one-day gorilla excursion. It is also
recommended that you plan hotels near national parks so that you do not miss
the Game Rangers and Guides’ briefing before the journey. The briefing is
usually held in the mornings before the hikes begin.
There
are various excellent yet reasonably priced lodgings near Uganda’s Bwindi
Impenetrable National Park. They include Gift of Nature Lodge and Bwindi
Community Rest Camp. Ruhiija Gorilla Friends Resort, among others. For more
affordable options, contact a reputable Tour Operator like Naleyo Tours and
Travels.
Finally,
budget-conscious travelers can go gorilla trekking during non-peak seasons,
commonly known as low seasons (December to February and June to August). During
such times, gorilla permits are discounted, making them more inexpensive. You
may learn more about reduced gorilla permits in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo
during the low season.