Gorilla trekking in Uganda doesn’t have to break the bank—if you know where to look. Here are the best discounts, package deals, and money-saving tips for an affordable yet unforgettable gorilla adventure.
1. Last-Minute Permit Discounts
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Off-Peak Sales
- April-May & November: Sometimes offers 10-15% off permits.
- How to check: Email [email protected] for promotions.
Tour Operator Bundles
Some companies sell “canceled permit” deals at 20-30% off if you’re flexible on dates.
Reputable operators with deals:
- Matoke Tours (occasional flash sales)
- Kibale Safaris (budget group packages)
2. All-Inclusive Budget Packages
Best 3-Day Deals (Permit + Lodging + Transport)
| Operator | Price (USD) | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trek Africa | $1,199 | Permit, 2 nights, meals, transport from Kampala |
| Bwindi Jungle Lodge | $1,350 | Permit, 3 nights (upgraded lodging), guided walks |
| Budget Gorilla Trips | $999 | Permit, 1 night camping, shared transport |
Tip: These sell out fast—book 3-6 months ahead.
3. East African Resident Discounts
- Permits for Ugandan/Kenyan/Tanzanian/Rwandan residents: $300 (vs. $800).
- Required: Copy of passport/ID proving residency.
- Where to book: Directly through UWA or local tour operators like Laba Africa Expeditions.
4. Group Discounts (4+ People)
- Shared safari vans cut transport costs by 50%.
- Some lodges offer free nights (e.g., “4th night free”).
- Example: A 6-person group can pay ~$1,100 pp (incl. permits, lodging, food).
Best for: Families or friends traveling together.
5. Combo Deals (Gorillas + Other Activities)
Save by bundling permits:
- Gorillas + Chimps: $800 (gorilla) + $200 (chimp) = $1,000 (vs. $1,200 separately).
- Gorillas + Safari: Queen Elizabeth NP add-on for $300-$400 extra.
Top combo operators:
- Primate Safaris Ltd (specializes in bundled trips)
- Uganda Adventure Safaris (budget-friendly combos)
6. Volunteer/Conservation Discounts
- Some NGOs (like The Gorilla Organization) offer subsidized treks for volunteers.
- Research placements: 1-2 weeks assisting rangers = discounted permit access.
7. Flight + Trek Packages
Airlines with Safari Partnerships
- Ethiopian Airlines: Occasionally offers “Fly & Trek” deals (flight + 2 nights from $1,500).
- Uganda Airlines: Discounts for booking domestic flights + permits together.
How to find: Check airline “vacation deals” sections.
8. Loyalty Discounts
- Repeat visitor deals: Some lodges (e.g., Buhoma Lodge) give 5-10% off for returning guests.
- Tour operator loyalty programs: Book multiple trips = future discounts.
When to Book for the Best Deals
- Cheapest months: April, May, November.
- Early bird: 6-12 months ahead for peak-season (June-Sept) discounts.
- Last-minute: 4-6 weeks before (riskier but sometimes 20% off).
Red Flags to Avoid
❌ Permits sold below $700 (likely scams—UWA doesn’t discount below $800 for foreigners).
❌ No physical office/UWA partnership (verify operator legitimacy).
❌ “Free gorilla trekking” (usually volunteer scams).