For many visitors, the cost of undertaking a gorilla safari may seem pretty extortionate. May dream of trekking and spending time watching the Giant Apes exhibit interesting human-like behavior while playing, foraging, resting, nursing infants, or grooming each other, but end up staying put because of the high costs involved.
Few wildlife experiences can match up to the joy is watching a baby gorilla jump on tree branches or seeing a silverback trying to be affectionate and care for an infant. Regardless of the cost of a gorilla safari (which is undeniably high), you can surprisingly still afford the experience without having to break the bank, if you commit yourself to a detailed well-planned budget. Some things won’t change (for instance the price of gorilla permits which is standard at $1500 per person in Rwanda) but our article articulates simple tips on how to go gorilla trekking on a budget.
Going on a Group Gorilla Safari
We understand you might be interested in going on a gorilla trekking safari solo but this won’t make your dream of trekking on a budget possible.
By joining a group during a Gorilla safari, you will share costs on many things- accommodation, vehicle hire, fuel, and even meals. Adopted by many travelers on a budget, going on a group gorilla safari not only saves costs but also makes it possible for visitors to share their experiences with travel mates from cultural backgrounds. However, joining a group comes with several challenges like having to take turns to enjoy window-seat views, and having to keep up with the group.
Going for the gorilla safari outside peak months
Another tested and proven way to go gorilla trekking on a budget is by choosing off-season (March to May, October to early December). When you travel to Rwanda out of season, there are high chances of cutting costs. Surprisingly, many travelers believe gorilla treks in the rainy/wet months are hindered, which is not right. Yes, precipitation levels indeed increase during these months but it never showers all day instead, rains are experienced in the night. Also, let us burst your bubble by saying showers in Volcanoes National Park can be experienced at any time of the year (regardless of season), due to the altitude of the area.
Nonetheless, the advantage of traveling during the low season is that accommodation rates are usually cheaper for many Lodges around Volcanoes National Park. Additionally, there are lesser crowds during these months, which enhances your gorilla safari experience.
Book affordable accommodation facilities
We always tell visitors that you don’t need to stay in luxurious accommodations to have your maximum gorilla trekking experience. For this reason, opt for the affordable Safari Lodges because it will drastically cut down on your overall expenses. There are many great budget and midrange accommodations around Volcanoes National Park with clean private facilities and amenities that you can stay in. For this reason, you can find several fantastic hidden gems by talking to an expert who knows several lesser-known places that surprisingly carry huge price tags.
Book in advance/Plan ahead
Making a reservation for your gorilla safari is undeniably both time and cost-saving. While flight schedules are normally available several days in advance with direct flights into Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, booking your gorilla safari at least 6 months to one year early will help you take advantage of discounted fares in addition to reducing costs for accommodation and logistics. Booking in advance is also a wonderful opportunity for capitalizing on promos as well as seasonal discounts that are offered by some Tour Operators while booking. You will also be able to book the right/appropriate safari vehicle that fits your budget when you book in advance.
Booking your Gorilla Safari with a local Tour Operator
Many travelers don’t know this but booking your gorilla safari with a tour operator is way cheaper than online booking platforms such as Safari Bookings and Viator which charge commission for a typical Rwanda gorilla safari. Much as hot deals are offered by these online platforms, you have higher chances of enjoying better deals when booking directly through a ground Tour Operator. However, not every Tour Operator is genuine thus always choose credible/reliable Companies by checking reviews from past clients.