GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA IN LOW SEASON

The beauty about Uganda gorilla safaris is that everyone has opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas. Even during the low season, it is possible to embark on gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. This is a perfect time for budget or backpackers on safari in Uganda and they are interested in immersing themselves into the African jungles to enjoy up close and personal moment with the rare mountain gorillas.

The low season/off-months of year that mark the low season are; March, April, May and October, November. During these off-months, fewer numbers of tourists are recorded across gorilla trekking parks in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Through a reliable tour operator in Uganda, it is possible to organize a memorable gorilla tour and get a chance to see a family of the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Why travel for gorilla trekking in Uganda in low season?

Affordable accommodation

The advantage of visiting Uganda gorillas during low season/months of the year is that visitors have a higher chance of finding a budget-friendly accommodation. Often, fewer number of visitors travel to track gorillas during this season and most gorilla safari lodges are forced to cut down on their rates as a way to attract more clients.

Considering the low visitor record during this season, more rooms can be available and so more options for guests to choose their best even if it is in standard facility. On the other hand, you can easily enjoy amazing discount offers from the transport services. It is during this season when most tour operator’s vehicles remain in the parking and by finding a safari vehicle at discounted rate allows you to save a lot more on your trip. This also gives you a chance to pay for other additional experiences/activities.

Enjoy a trek less of crowds

Visiting Uganda to see gorillas means a great opportunity to enjoy your trek less or with no crowds. In case you are not a fun of crowds then the low season is with no doubt the best time to get to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. On finding a family of mountain gorillas, you have a chance to interact with these apes less interruptions unlike during the peak season.

Find gorillas nearby

The wet or low/off-season usually comes with heavy rains and this is an ideal condition that supports plant growth. This means availability of abundant forage for mountain gorillas that allows them keep within the nearby areas unlike during the peak/dry season when there is scarcity of food that makes them move to far areas in search of what to feed on.

Availability of permits

More gorilla permits are usually available during the low season and no frustration securing one for your gorilla tour in Uganda. Reach out to your tour operator early enough and have your gorilla permit booked in advance even if it is on last minute.

No rush on gorilla trek

Given the weather conditions and perhaps the forest floor, trekking gorillas during the low season requires low pace. This means even the slowest person is in position to enjoy a gorilla trek till completion. The park guide takes everyone at the minimal speed that favors their hiking speed unlike the dry season when conditions are more favorable. In the process of trekking through the rainforest of Bwindi or Mgahinga at a low pace, visitors have a chance to explore other species.

Service provision

Trekking Uganda gorillas during the low season is advantageous because visitors can easily find guide services, driver guides and lodging services. Much attention is paid to a visitor more than when it is the peak season when several guests are available and they all require attention from the service provider.

Explore more

With opportunity for you to save on a trip, guests can also visit other tourist sites in Uganda. There are plenty of tourist destinations in Uganda offering exceptional experiences and hold unique attractions for instance Queen Elizabeth National Park, a favorite place to find the tree climbing lions, Kibale National Park the primate capital of the world –excellent for chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience, Murchison Falls National Park, home to one of the world’s powerful waterfalls –Murchison Falls.

Gorilla trekking permits

Valid Uganda gorilla permits cost differently during the low season, and you can purchase one at only USD 600 per person. This cost applies to foreign non-residents intending to see gorillas in Uganda’s lush Bwindi or Mgahinga while foreign residents pay only USD 500 to secure a gorilla permit. These are obtainable by persons above 15 years. Consider securing your valid gorilla permit in advance at least 3-4 months before the actual date of traveling to Uganda to track gorillas.

What to pack for a Uganda gorilla trekking trip

A complete packing list for gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda includes among others essentials such as waterproof hiking boots, a camera, extra batteries & memory card, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof daypack, insect repellents, gardening gloves, long panties, a safari hat, a sweater, pack of snacks, a rain jacket, long socks, and bottled water.

Where to stay (Budget-friendly accommodation)

Top budget gorilla safari lodges in Uganda include Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Buhoma Community Bandas, Broadbill Forest Camp, Nshongi Camp, and at Mgahinga, book Golden Monkey Guesthouse, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Countryside Guesthouse and Mutanda Eco-Community Centre, etc.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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