Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa? We are both budget gorilla tour operators and luxury gorilla tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda that you can trust for an unforgettable gorilla tour experience.
Our gorilla safari company organizes both budget and luxury gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are among the most experienced Uganda tour operators and Rwanda tour operators in East Africa, specializing in gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
Our Gorilla Safari Offers
As a dedicated gorilla trekking company, we provide several safari offers and discounts. Travelers who book safaris lasting more than 13 days receive one free gorilla permit, while those who travel for more than 20 days receive two free gorilla permits.
We offer some of the most affordable gorilla safaris in Africa, as well as premium luxury gorilla trekking experiences. Working with a specialized gorilla trekking company ensures you get expert guidance, smooth logistics, and the best value for your money.
We recommend booking your gorilla safaris in advance for guaranteed permit availability, but we also organize last-minute gorilla trekking holidays at discounted prices. Let our gorilla trekking specialists handle every detail of your trip.
Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda
Uganda no longer offers low-season discounted gorilla permits. All gorilla permits cost $800 throughout the year unless you find a last-minute special deal.
To make your gorilla safari more affordable, the first thing to consider is choosing budget accommodation. You can also reduce the number of safari days, as each extra day adds accommodation, transport, and guide costs.
Most budget gorilla safari holidays last 2 to 4 days. Longer trips cost slightly more but provide a richer experience.
Traveling during the low season is another way to save money. Although the gorilla permit price stays the same, lodges and service providers often reduce their rates and offer discounts during this time.
In the low season, bookings are fewer, so it’s easier to find permit availability, even a few days before your trip. Choosing a budget gorilla safari in Uganda is a great way to enjoy the same experience at a lower cost.
Why You Need a Gorilla Trekking Company
Just as you’d hire a specialist for any important task, planning a gorilla trekking safari requires experts who understand gorilla tourism deeply. Choosing a professional gorilla trekking company guarantees a well-organized trip, expert guides, and exclusive offers.
Our company provides several discounts and promotional packages throughout the year. One of our best offers includes one free gorilla permit for travelers spending over 13 days or traveling in a group of more than eight people.
Those on 21-day safaris receive two free gorilla permits. We make this possible through our partnerships with top lodges, which allow us to get special accommodation discounts. The savings from these deals are used to cover part of the gorilla permit cost.
These offers are valid only for safaris that include at least one gorilla trekking activity. Other wildlife or chimpanzee safaris are not covered by these discounts, though we can create custom offers depending on the booking conditions.
Budget Gorilla Tour Operators in Uganda & Rwanda
If you are planning a gorilla safari on a budget, working with budget gorilla tour operators is the best choice. These companies specialize in organizing affordable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
Our company also operates as a budget gorilla tour operator, ensuring clients enjoy comfortable safaris at the best possible rates. We negotiate with mid-range accommodation facilities to secure good deals so that you enjoy a comfortable mid-range experience at a budget price.
Some of our packages may appear slightly higher than standard budget tours online, but this is because we prioritize comfort and safety. Accommodation quality is essential for any gorilla safari — after a long trek, you need a relaxing place to rest. Even if your budget is tight, it’s better to save on transport and stay in comfortable lodges.
Top Budget Gorilla Safari Specialists in Uganda
Want to trek Uganda gorillas on a budget? Budget gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the best experiences in Africa.
Uganda not only offers affordable gorilla permits but also has budget-friendly lodges located in different sectors of its gorilla parks.
The best sectors for budget gorilla safaris are Nkuringo and Rushaga, where most lodges offer excellent prices for travelers. When you book budget gorilla tours with us, we usually arrange your stay in these sectors.
We only transfer clients to Ruhija or Buhoma Sectors if there are no gorilla permit slots available in the southern and western parts of Bwindi.
Budget Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda
As mentioned earlier, Rwanda is mostly known as a luxury gorilla trekking destination, and it can be expensive for budget travelers.
The money you would spend on one Rwanda gorilla permit can often cover an entire gorilla safari package in Uganda or DR Congo.
That’s why we usually recommend trekking with Uganda gorillas or Congo gorillas to save costs.
However, if you still wish to trek gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are ways to lower your total safari cost.
The best option is to travel during the low season and visit all Rwanda national parks. Unlike Uganda, Rwanda offers discounted gorilla permits for visitors who explore Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera National Parks during the low season.
Instead of paying $1,500 per permit, you pay $1,050. To qualify, you must show proof of payment for park entry or accommodation in all three parks.
Many travelers prefer trekking in Volcanoes National Park because of its convenience. It’s close to Kigali, so you can reach it in only two hours by road.
The trek difficulty depends on where the gorillas are on that day. Sometimes, the hike is easy, but if the gorillas move to higher altitudes, it can be more challenging, especially for those not used to hiking.
Budget Gorilla Tours in Eastern DR Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently the best destination for budget gorilla trekking in Africa. A gorilla permit in DR Congo costs only $400, whether you trek in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Accommodation around these parks is also affordable, and Kigali’s proximity to Virunga makes trips shorter and easier to plan.
Travelers visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park need at least three days for their safari. If you’re looking for a very affordable and enjoyable gorilla experience, Congo is a great choice — though Virunga National Park often offers a better experience overall.
Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, Congo has two types of gorillas — mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas.
Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude mountains and require hiking to reach them. They are found on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, a chain of mountains that form part of the Virunga Conservation Area.
The main volcanoes include Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura. Mountain gorillas live on the lower slopes of these volcanoes.
On the other hand, lowland gorillas live in the low-elevation forests and are easier to reach. They can survive near human settlements, and trekking them involves less hiking — though the drive to Kahuzi-Biega National Park is longer.
If you want an easier gorilla trekking experience, lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the best choice.
Luxury Gorilla Safaris in Uganda
Our company offers both luxury and budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda — the best destination for unforgettable gorilla experiences in Africa.
Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places for gorilla trekking.
Compared to its neighbors, Congo lacks the facilities needed for a true luxury gorilla safari, while Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits, which makes it less suitable for budget travelers.
In Uganda, gorilla permits cost $800, making them affordable for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers alike. This means anyone can enjoy a genuine mountain gorilla trekking experience without overspending.
Unlike Rwanda, luxury gorilla safaris in Uganda offer the same quality of experience — often even better — at a more reasonable cost.
The difference is not only in the permit prices but also in the accommodation rates. Luxury lodges in Uganda are much more affordable than those in Rwanda, where one night can cost several thousand dollars.
Transportation and guiding services in Uganda are also reasonably priced, making your entire safari experience even more affordable and enjoyable.
If you are looking for an exclusive luxury gorilla safari, Uganda is the perfect choice. However, if you prefer to spend freely without concern for cost, Rwanda may be a suitable alternative.
Our luxury gorilla safaris feature some of the best five-star lodges located near the parks. These properties combine comfort with scenic natural settings.
Some of the top lodges we work with include: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Mikeno Lodge.
We select lodges based on their quality, location, and availability to ensure our guests enjoy an exceptional experience throughout their safari.
Best Places for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda’s mountain gorillas can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Of the two, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is widely regarded as the best place to see gorillas in Africa. It offers more habituated gorilla families and a wide range of luxury accommodation options.
Luxury Gorilla Tour Operators in Uganda & Rwanda
For travelers seeking maximum comfort, we also operate as luxury gorilla tour operators offering premium gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.
Luxury gorilla safaris focus on comfort, style, and time efficiency. We use a mix of scheduled and private charter flights or helicopter transfers alongside 4×4 safari vehicles to reduce long driving hours. These flights also provide beautiful aerial views of the national parks.
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are about 8 to 10 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala, so flights are ideal for saving time.
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is just 2 hours from Kigali, so most travelers drive. Flights are usually used when combining gorilla trekking with visits to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking or Akagera National Park for wildlife viewing.
Best Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda
The best luxury gorilla lodges in Uganda are found mainly in the northern and southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Some of the top lodges include:
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp: The most luxurious and exclusive lodge in Uganda, located in Bwindi’s northern sector.
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge: A premium option in the southern sector, known for excellent service and panoramic views.
- Buhoma Lodge: A comfortable and elegant lodge located close to the park headquarters.
- Trekkers Safari Lodge: A beautiful lodge offering comfort and convenience.
- Mahogany Springs Lodge: A popular luxury choice near Buhoma, combining style and relaxation.
- Engagi Lodge: Offers excellent comfort and easy access to the park’s gorilla trekking trails.
These lodges provide first-class service, fine dining, and scenic views of the forest, making them ideal for luxury gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
