Best Safari & Gorilla Trekking Packages for Budget Travelers

Best Safari & Gorilla Trekking Packages for Budget Travelers

Exploring Rwanda or Uganda on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on unforgettable wildlife experiences like gorilla trekking or game drives. Budget-friendly packages are increasingly available, combining affordable accommodation, group transport, and smart routing to reduce costs while still delivering an exceptional safari experience. Here are some of the best value-for-money options for budget-conscious travelers:

🇺🇬 Uganda Budget Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Packages

1. 3-Day Budget Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

  • Includes: Shared transport, budget lodge (often bandas or tents), meals, and gorilla permit.
  • Price Range: $900–$1,200 per person.
  • Highlights: Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; optional cultural visit to Batwa communities.
  • How it saves: Using budget lodges outside the park gate, carpooling, and fixed itineraries.

2. 5-Day Uganda Budget Safari & Gorilla Combo

  • Includes: Queen Elizabeth National Park (lions, elephants, boat safari), Bwindi gorilla trekking.
  • Price Range: $1,400–$1,700.
  • Highlights: Game drives, Kazinga Channel cruise, and gorilla trek.
  • Best for: Travelers wanting to combine wildlife and primates on a single budget route.

3. 7-Day Uganda Budget Adventure Safari

  • Covers: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi.
  • Cost: $1,800–$2,200.
  • Highlights: Rhino tracking, waterfall boat trip, game drives, gorillas.
  • Accommodation: Budget camps, hostels, and backpacker-style lodges.

🇷🇼 Rwanda Budget Gorilla & Safari Trips

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are $1,500 per person, making budget trekking harder—but still possible with creative packages.

1. 2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek (Budget-Style)

  • Includes: Permit, shared vehicle, 1 night in budget guesthouse.
  • Price: $1,750–$1,900 (mostly permit cost).
  • Tips to save: Go in a group, travel during low season (April–May, November) for discounts on accommodation.

2. 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Akagera Safari

  • Covers: Volcanoes NP (gorillas) and Akagera NP (Big Five safari).
  • Price: $2,000–$2,300.
  • Highlights: Budget game drives, tented camps, and gorilla experience.
  • How it saves: Shared group transport and overnighting in basic lodges near the park entrance.

🌍 Cross-Border Budget Packages (Uganda–Rwanda)

Some tour companies start in Rwanda (Kigali) and trek in Uganda, where gorilla permits are cheaper.

3-Day Kigali to Bwindi Budget Gorilla Tour

  • Starts in: Kigali (saves long drives from Kampala).
  • Includes: Permit ($800), 2 nights in a budget lodge, transport, meals.
  • Price: Around $1,200–$1,400.
  • Ideal for: Budget travelers flying into Kigali but wanting a more affordable Uganda trek.

🏕️ Budget Accommodation Tips:

  • Look for community-run guesthouses and budget lodges like Ruhija Community Rest Camp (Bwindi), Red Rocks Hostel (Rwanda), and Pumba Safari Cottages (Queen Elizabeth NP).
  • Booking group tours saves significantly over private tours.
  • Bring your own gear (boots, rain jackets, gloves) to avoid rental costs.

💡 Budget Travel Hacks:

  • Travel during low season for better lodge deals.
  • Use public group departures from tour operators.
  • Opt for mid-range vehicles (Land Cruisers are pricier than vans).
  • If in Rwanda, consider a hiking-only visit to Volcanoes NP as a lower-cost alternative to gorilla trekking.

Even on a budget, you can trek through misty mountain forests, lock eyes with a silverback, and drive past herds of buffalo and elephants. With a little planning and flexibility, your dream African safari is well within reach.