How to Join a Group Gorilla Trek in Uganda on a Budget

How to join a group trek – Gorilla trekking is a special activity where tourists search for and observe mountain gorillas in their natural home.

Private treks are very exclusive, but they can be expensive. Joining a group trek is a good option for budget travelers because the costs are shared among group members.

To join a group trek, the first step is to secure a gorilla permit. This is the main requirement for going gorilla trekking in the wild.

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person. You can book it directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed tour operator.

It is best to book your permit 3 to 6 months in advance because they sell out quickly.

Once your group has the permits, the next step is to arrange transport to the park. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended. You should also book budget accommodation to help reduce costs.

On the day of the trek, the group will go to the park headquarters for a briefing. Park rangers will assign a specific gorilla family to the group.

After the briefing, the group will go into the forest with an experienced guide who knows the area and the gorillas well.

The hike through the forest usually takes between 1 to 5 hours, depending on where the gorillas are. When the group finds the gorillas, they will have one hour to watch them, take photos, and learn about their behavior.

After this, the group will return to the park headquarters. Each person will receive a certificate to mark the completion of the trek.

If you want to organize a group trek, ask your tour operator if they have group packages. These often include the permit, accommodation, transport, and meals all in one price, which makes planning easier.

These packages often have discounts, which helps to save money.

The best time to visit Bwindi is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. During this time, the trails are dry, and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to see the gorillas.

Joining a group trek is a good way to experience mountain gorillas without paying the high cost of traveling alone.

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