Rwanda might not be the best gorilla trekking destination for those traveling on budget given the increased gorilla permit prices! Since this was the favorite destination for tourists intending to spend less on their safari, many travelers intending to visit the gorillas have started looking for other affordable destinations!
Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo are now the best places for budget gorilla safaris. It no longer has appealing gorilla permit prices for budget gorilla treks all year though one can explore other tourist attractions under the best moderate weather. The Kigali city vibe and beauty can be still experienced if travelers fly to Kigali and track gorillas in Uganda or Congo. That doesn’t mean that you will miss to explore the cleanest city in Africa and other country affordable attractions like Nyungwe forest famous for chimpanzees, Akagera National Park for wildlife, Kigali city and Lake Kivu the honey moon paradise in the land of thousand hills.
Many travelers love tracking gorillas during the months of June, July, August, September, October, December , January and March that many agree as the best time to see gorillas yet even those who track gorillas in promotional months of April, May and November experience the best. During the dry period, hiking and trekking in the jungle forest is manageable and the treks seem easy for many travelers. However, promotional months are best for budget gorilla safaris and most gorilla trekking parks offer discounts on permits. Congo gorilla permits go for only $200 and Uganda for only $450 per a trek unlike in Rwanda where gorilla permit prices are fixed year round at $1500.
Apart from Gorilla permits one needs, transport and accommodation to get around and experience the most well conserved natural forests. Gets a pleasant primate viewing experience by tracking gorillas in Uganda and Congo on budget and Rwanda on luxury.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Uganda is very well organized country for gorilla trekking tours and easy to get around. It has exclusive atmosphere with plenty of water adventure if you know where to find them. However, tour agents can make arrangements in just a minute that will enable you have a great time all through. Local people are friendly and welcoming and most of them speak English the national language that is easily used in all tourism aspects. You can quickly get want you want if you speak English.
Summers are indeed best time to go gorilla trekking in either Bwindi forest National Park or Mgahinga national park the only two destinations for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. Everything will work in your favor either on private gorilla safari, self-drive or backpacking if you reserve your gorilla trekking essentials in time. Due to gorilla permit high demand all year better to confirm your travel essential books at least a month before travel. But if luck you will get a gorilla trekking permit even at the last minute. The fact is that all gorilla permits are sold basing on first come first serve. Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is very affordable with gorilla permits at $600 high season and $450 low season unlike in other destinations and the reward is a great quality life gift.
Congo Gorilla Trekking
Congo has everything you may need to see gorillas either mountain or low land gorillas and the best part is that its 100% the cheapest in east Africa and among mountain gorilla trekking destinations in the world. There are different tourist activities available for tourists each day in Congo depending on what one wants. The main park for mountain gorilla trekking Virunga has, chimpanzee habituation, Nyiragongo volcano hike, bird watching and gorilla trekking as the main park tourist activities. Though travelers are free to explore other neighboring attractions like Bonobos the most amazing primates that behave like real humans, landscape and the Congolese culture.
The less visited Kahuzi Biega National park is another low land gorilla trekking national park in Bukavu perhaps a best budget gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The park is less explored, well conserved with a lot to offer to its guests beyond gorillas.
If your interest is to see both low land and mountain gorillas better to discover the hidden gems of Congo that is best accessed via Gisenyi Rwanda. Just fly to Rwanda Kigali international Airport and then connect to Democratic Republic of Congo your gorilla trekking destination of choice.Enjoy your gorilla trekking vacation and save big for the next travel destination.