Gorilla trekking has become one of the most expensive tourist activities in Africa.
Mountain gorillas can be trekked in the Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Mountain gorillas belong to the eastern gorilla species and are the most visited of all gorilla species.
There are about 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild.
Gorilla trekking has played a crucial role in the conservation of these great apes, which were on the brink of extinction in the 19th century due to poaching, habitat loss, civil unrest, and diseases.
Discounted Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Uganda was the first country to offer discounted gorilla permits for tourists.
The initiative was introduced during the country’s 50th independence celebration, aimed at attracting more tourists during the low season.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced discounted gorilla permits in 2011 for the low seasons of April, May, and November.
These discounted permits were introduced because of heavy rains during these months and winter in Europe, making it challenging for tourists to travel and trek mountain gorillas.
The prices of gorilla permits were reduced from $700 to $450 during the low seasons, and lodges within the park also offered discounted accommodation rates, making it more accessible for budget travelers to experience gorilla trekking.
Although the offer for discounted permits in Uganda ended in November 2017, most lodges still maintain discounted rates for tourists during the low season.
Discounted Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Rwanda offered discounted gorilla permits by reducing the cost from $1500 to $1050 per person during the low months of May and November.
However, to benefit from the discounted rates, visitors had to spend additional days or nights in the other of Rwanda’s national parks.
Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda were introduced in 2017 after the regular price for gorilla trekking was increased from $750 to $1500.
Rwanda offers a luxurious gorilla trekking experience in Africa, with the highest prices for gorilla trekking.
Discounted Gorilla Permits in Congo
Congo offers the most affordable gorilla trekking permits, both during the peak and low seasons.
Gorilla permits cost $400 in the peak season and are reduced to $200 during the low season, making it easier for budget travelers to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in Africa.
Discounted gorilla permits are still available from March 15th to May 15th and from October 15th to December 15th.
In conclusion, before traveling to encounter mountain gorillas in Africa, one must be aware of the prices of gorilla permits in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo to plan accordingly.
Also, consider your budget when choosing where to trek and don’t forget to check the prices of lodges.
One advantage of trekking mountain gorillas in the low season is that the parks are less crowded during this time, and the mountain gorilla groups are easier to locate since food is more abundant, so they don’t venture far in search of it.
