Overview

One of the biggest misconceptions in African safari planning is the belief that gorilla trekking is only for luxury travellers. In reality, with the right information, smart timing, and experienced guidance, seeing mountain gorillas in the wild can be far more affordable than most people expect. At In Motion Gorilla Safaris, we believe that one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters should be accessible to more than just those with unlimited budgets – and we are here to help make that possible.

Mountain gorillas exist in only two places on Earth: the Virunga Massif, shared between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With an estimated population of just 1,063 individuals remaining in the wild, every gorilla trekking experience is rare, meaningful, and deeply humbling – regardless of how much you spend. Below is everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable and budget-friendly gorilla trekking safari.

The Three Destinations – And What They Cost

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is widely regarded as the most polished and well-organized gorilla trekking destination in Africa, and its permit price reflects this premium positioning. A standard gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. However, there is a significant opportunity for budget travellers during the low-season months of March to May and October to November, when a 30% discount reduces the permit price to USD 1,050 per person — a saving of USD 450 that can make a substantial difference to your travel budget.

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to more than 13 fully habituated gorilla families, each visited by a maximum of eight guests per day. Trekking groups may encounter families such as Susa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Umubano, Agashya, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugenda, and others — ensuring that no two trekking experiences are ever the same.

For travelers seeking affordable accommodation, budget-friendly options near the park include Villa Gorilla Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, and Muhabura Hotel, all offering comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost of Rwanda’s luxury lodges.

Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga

Uganda is the most budget-friendly of the three gorilla trekking destinations, with permits priced at USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents and no seasonal price variations. Uganda is home to approximately 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, spread across two protected areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi alone hosts 24 fully habituated gorilla families, distributed across four trekking sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo  offering a wide range of trekking environments and difficulty levels. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family, trekked from the Ntebeko sector.

Affordable accommodation options around Bwindi include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and the community-run Ride for a Woman Lodge, a remarkable initiative that channels tourism income directly into empowering women in the local community.

Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega

For travellers seeking the lowest-cost gorilla encounter in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers permits priced at just USD 400 per person. Congo is unique in that it allows access to both mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, making it the only destination where two gorilla subspecies can be encountered.

Travel to the DRC does require careful planning and up-to-date advice. At The In Motion Gorilla Safaris, we work closely with trusted on-the-ground partners to ensure every Congo itinerary meets the highest safety standards, and we always provide the latest guidance before recommending this destination.

Smart Strategies for Budget Gorilla Trekking

Travel During the Low Season

The single most effective way to reduce the cost of a gorilla trekking safari is to travel during the low or off-season. In Rwanda, this means benefiting from a 30% permit discount. Across all three destinations, accommodation rates also drop, significantly reducing overall safari costs. The low-season months broadly March to May and October to November — also bring lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and a beautifully raw atmosphere within the forests.

Choose a Shorter Itinerary

A focused three-day gorilla trekking itinerary arrival, trekking day, and departure — is the most cost-efficient option for budget travellers. These short itineraries are available in Uganda, Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC, delivering the full gorilla encounter without the added expense of extended accommodation and transport.

Group Travelling

Group gorilla trekking tours allow travellers to share transport, fuel, and sometimes accommodation costs, reducing the overall price per person. At The In Motion Gorilla Safaris, we regularly organize small-group departures to Uganda and Rwanda that offer excellent value while maintaining an intimate and high-quality experience.

Book Your Permit Well in Advance

Gorilla trekking permits – particularly in Uganda and Rwanda — are in high demand and often sell out months in advance, especially during peak season. Booking early not only secures your permit but also provides greater flexibility in choosing your preferred trekking date, gorilla family, and accommodation. We recommend booking three to six months in advance whenever possible.

What to Pack for Budget Gorilla Trekking

Regardless of budget, what you carry into the forest can greatly affect your comfort and enjoyment. Essential items include bottled drinking water, high-energy snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, a waterproof rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gardening or hiking gloves for nettles, and a safari hat. A good-quality camera — or even a capable smartphone – will help you capture the experience beautifully. Pack light, pack smart, and bring only what you need.

The Experience Itself – Budget or Luxury, It Is the Same

This is the most important thing to understand about budget gorilla trekking: the gorillas do not know or care – what you paid for your permit. Whether you trekked from a luxury lodge or a modest guesthouse, the moment you sit quietly in the forest, just meters away from a silverback gorilla meeting your gaze, the experience is exactly the same. Transcendent. Humbling. Unforgettable. It is one of the greatest wildlife encounters on Earth, and it is available to you whatever your budget.

Why Book Your Budget Gorilla Trek with In Motion Gorilla Safaris?

At In Motion Gorilla Safaris, we have deep on-the-ground experience across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We know exactly how to design a gorilla trekking safari that delivers maximum value without compromising on the details that matter. From securing permits and arranging transport to selecting the right budget lodge and building a complete itinerary around your trek, we handle every aspect — allowing you to focus entirely on the once-in-a-lifetime moment when you come face to face with one of the world’s last mountain gorillas.

Get in touch with our team today, and let us help you plan the budget gorilla trekking adventure of a lifetime.