Many wildlife enthusiasts out there are on the hunt for unforgettable mountain gorilla safari to Rwanda and Uganda. However to tick a gorilla safari off your bucket list has proven to be expensive for many. Aside from the high gorilla permit fees at $750 for Rwanda and $600 for Uganda per person, figuring out and managing the cost of transportation or car hire to get you to gorilla parks like Bwindi including accommodation and meals, all make a gorilla safari look affordable.
A gorilla safari however, can be an affordable experience; we will highlight 5 ways which are proven do it cheaply
Look for group to travel
The major advantage of joining a group of travelers while on a gorilla safari is saving the money. Because everyone is sharing the cost of transportation, fuel, driver or guiding services. The general costs become less than it would when traveling alone. In addition, transfer arrangements get easier since no one is left to organize on his or her own. You can get group travel deals in Uganda, there are many operators offering them but you have to book with a licensed one to avoid poor services.
Find a special offer
Travel packages and offers can be got through your operator, airlines, car rental companies and travel agent’s umbrella bodies such as Association of Uganda Tour Operators and Rwanda Tours and Travel Association. Contact them or visit their websites to discover what they have to offer.
Travel during off season
The off season is the time when rains are heavy in Uganda and Rwanda during the months of March, April to May and October to November. If you’re planning a gorilla safari to Uganda you’ll enjoy purchasing a discount gorilla permit at $450 per person. Although permits for Rwanda don’t change, you’ll have great bargaining power to get rooms at reduced rates. Due to less number of tourists, some of the luxury lodges cut down their prices and the cost of transportation will be much lower.
Do not worry much about the damp weather conditions, because it does rain all day. Even though dirty roads will get muddy and slippery as well as trekking trails in the jungles, the reality is gorillas feed closer to park boundaries and move less accounting for shorter treks. The vegetation is very green and lush for best scenery photography.
Book a gorilla safari early
The Rwandan development board and Uganda wildlife authority recommend booking a gorilla permit at least 3-5 months ahead of the day one intends to trek gorillas. The benefit is that you secure a permit before they are out of stock, select first and best choice of services at better prices such as lodgings as well as avoid any changes in price that might affect your budget at a later stage.
Look for licensed tour operators; these take time to arrange every particular of your gorilla safari such as visas, air tickets, yellow fever cards. With assurance you can book online, decide a gorilla destination, make payments and get instant confirmations.
Organize a self drive
Self driving while on gorilla safari is a great option to save. Putting the cost of a drive or guide will not only save portion of your money but you can also travel at your own pace.
While in Kampala or Kigali city hire or rent vehicles from reputable companies or operators. Because they provide assistance in case of breakage or tire puncture and also maintain their vehicles spare equipment. The vehicle hired will be charged on a daily basis. Prices differ depending on the type of vehicle, such as land lovers, Toyota Prado, super customs.