How to Trek Rwanda Gorillas on a Budget

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it is often perceived as an expensive adventure due to high permit costs and luxury accommodations. However, with careful planning and smart choices, budget travelers can still enjoy this incredible wildlife encounter without overspending. By selecting affordable lodging, traveling during the low season, joining group tours, and exploring alternative options, it is possible to trek Rwanda’s mountain gorillas while keeping costs manageable.

The biggest expense for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the permit, which costs $1,500 per person. While this price is non-negotiable, budget-conscious travelers can reduce overall costs by visiting during the low season, which typically runs from November to May. During these months, some tour operators offer discounted packages that include permits, transportation, and accommodation. Additionally, visitors who combine gorilla trekking with other national parks or activities in Rwanda may find bundled deals that help reduce costs.

Another way to trek gorillas on a budget is by choosing affordable accommodation near Volcanoes National Park. While Rwanda is known for its luxury lodges, there are budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels in nearby towns such as Musanze, where prices range from $20 to $50 per night. Some budget lodges even offer camping facilities, allowing visitors to save even more. Booking accommodations in advance and opting for places that provide complimentary breakfast can further stretch a traveler’s budget.

Transportation is another significant expense, but budget travelers can minimize costs by using public transport or shared vehicles. Instead of hiring a private car and driver, which can be costly, visitors can take a public bus from Kigali to Musanze for as little as $5. Once in Musanze, budget travelers can hire a motorbike taxi (boda-boda) or share a ride with other trekkers to the park entrance. Some lodges also organize budget-friendly shared transfers to Volcanoes National Park, which can further cut transportation costs.

Joining a group trek or finding other travelers to split costs is an excellent strategy for those looking to save money. Many tour operators offer group discounts, and sharing transportation or guides with other trekkers reduces expenses significantly. Solo travelers can connect with fellow adventurers through travel forums, social media groups, or budget-friendly lodges that often help arrange shared treks.

For those on a tight budget, an alternative to gorilla trekking in Rwanda is visiting gorillas in Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where permits are cheaper. In Uganda, permits cost $700, and in the DRC, they are around $400. While additional transportation costs may be required, the overall savings on permits can make these options more affordable. However, travelers should always check the safety conditions before visiting these neighboring countries.

Despite the high permit fee, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done on a budget with the right approach. By choosing low-cost accommodations, using public transport, trekking in a group, and exploring alternative destinations, travelers can experience the magic of seeing mountain gorillas without breaking the bank. With proper planning and flexibility, this extraordinary wildlife adventure remains accessible even to those with limited funds.