If you are after exploring a lot and spending less, this article is a must read! We have brought you the best destinations where you can go gorilla trekking on budget! Are you looking to track the gorillas in 2018? Just look no further than these amazing national parks that will give you the best value for your money. The parks am talking about are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These top safari spots offer great opportunities to those looking to watching the gorillas in the wild. There is too much to enjoy in these parks and you will experience fascinating cultural interactions as a bonus to your gorilla safari. Go with just a tourist visa and a gorilla permit and carry home holiday happiness and memories of the most unique giant primates on earth.
On most visits to East and Central Africa, gorilla trekking tours are the main highlight most especially to travelers visiting Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. These three countries are famous homes to the endangred gorillas and indeed the only countries in the world where mountain gorillas are found. The bonus with DR Congo is that you can also the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and the Western Lowland Gorillas in this less known giant country.
Here are the best destinations with planning information to get you started;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The park itself is paradise for not only primate lovers but to also birders and cultural fans. A trip to Bwindi Impenetrable forest to see gorillas give tourists a chance to experience different forest habitats that Bwindi holds. Though mountain gorillas are the park’s prime tourist attraction, the forest nature walks and cultural tours are also very incredible. Atleast two habituated gorilla groups live in each park’s sector and the park has four sectors each with different gorilla families, accommodation and facilities to make your experience memorable. However, please note that tourists can’t confirm accommodations where to stay on a gorilla safari till gorilla trekking permits have been reserved.
Price of Gorilla Permits: US$700 per person till 2024
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Expect wonderful stays and nights in comfortable safari lodges in any park location. There are several lodges offering overnight accommodation to budget travelers in all sectors of Bwindi Forest Park. The lodge service providers are talented and great in making sure that you have a pleasant stay. For as low as USD 50 you can get a good place to stay. Most lodges have stunning views of the rain forest and supports the communities in various aspects. A night in Bwindi forest with warm bottled waters in beds make life easy and comfortable just like home. Believe me waking up fresh and joyful is a must,no matter where you stay provided you in a few kilometer distance with the primates. Bwindi forest budget lodges include Buhoma community Bandas, Wagtail Eco Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Campsite, Broadbill campsite, Gift of nature and much more. There is also camping options for as low as USD10 if you love pitching your own tent.
Virunga National Park
It may seem tricky to track gorillas in Congo Virunga National park but it’s the top budget gorilla trekking spot in Africa. Stop looking at history because the country is safe for tourism. If you have 3-4 days, explore both the rain forest and Nyiragongo volcanoes on a 2 days hiking tour with a great night out close to the skies.Though the park is famous for mountain gorilla safaris, there is chimpanzee trekking and volcano hike. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy lovely views, see several primates etc. However Congo gorilla tours have limited accommodation facilities and for one to sleep on budget better to use Rwanda accommodations in Gisenyi or Bukima Tented Camp.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Since it owns a rare species of western gorillas, Kahuzi Biega is a main spot for every traveler seeking to see low land gorillas. Being cheap and affordable is another added advantage that has increased the number visitor arrivals to Congo. The park can be accessed from Rwanda and if you looking at exploring Congo and Rwanda, a trip to Kahuzi Biega would be fantastic. When visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park, better to use lodges in Bukavu and Rwanda.
Mgahinga National Park
Another main gorilla trekking location in Uganda in the Virunga Massif. Mgahinga National Park is a home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcanoes and Batwa culture. It’s the best gorilla trekking park for those seeking to see gorillas, golden monkeys and also hike the volcanoes. Make sure your health and fit for the experience because hike is somehow tough.
