Backpacking is an exhilarating adventure that brings back-country discovery to life but is done at low budget and involves travelling independently, spending overnights in Campsites and budget hostels, sometimes travelling by public transport or self-drive. Backpacking tours usually last several days although travelers can undertake small trips from the main safari.
Mountain gorilla trekking is no doubt the most costly tourist experience in Africa, with the price of gorilla permits alone being somewhat exorbitant even before adding accommodation and transport fees hence making it difficult for budget visitors to get up-close with the Great Apes in their natural habitat. Nonetheless, the wonderful news is that Backpacking on gorilla trekking, it is possible and even less costly option for visitors to achieve their once-in-a-lifetime dream of encountering these great apes.
A typical gorilla trekking backpack must include a small bag with snacks, sunglasses, hat, few trekking clothing, hiking boots, sunscreen, water bottle, rain jacket, insect repellant, camera and other small items that might be needed during the gorilla trek. You can choose to Camp in the gorilla trekking destination to save more money than spending overnights at the Hotel or Safari Lodge although at times travelers need to travel with well-equipped Camping gear.
Saving from the gorilla safari is crucial but some aspects especially gorilla permits cannot be changed since the set prices are standard and fixed for budget, midrange or luxury travelers. However, ensure to always make accountability during the gorilla safari to indicate areas you will spend less and more. This will help to avoid other avoidable expenses that were previously not planned for a gorilla safari. Backpacking on Gorilla Trekking doesn’t mean planning the entire gorilla safari on your own because you can always book with us for the best deals. We book the most comfortable 4WD Vehicles at affordable rates and fuel-efficient (with lower fuel consumption) thus pocket-friendly.
Essentials for Backpacking on Gorilla Trekking.
The backpacks have to always be light during the treks, given the tiresome and physical demands of trekking gorillas through hilly, forested and sometimes misty, muddy and slippery terrains with terrains. Be prepared to sometimes receive rain showers during treks and therefore the backpack has to be waterproof (or better still have a rainproof cover) and comfortable to avoid back pain.
Trekking mountain gorillas is not a simple and relaxed walk through a Leisure Park and therefore when planning for the adventure, participants need to be physically fit and emotionally prepared in addition to packing essentials such as gardening gloves, insect repellants, hiking boots, sunglasses, toiletries, enough drinking water, pair of binoculars, warm trekking clothing, rain jacket and energy-giving snacks.
Price of Gorilla Permits.
Price of Gorilla Permits varies across the countries where mountain gorillas are trekked with Rwanda charging $1500, Uganda – $700 and the Democratic Republic of Congo charging $400 per person per trek. Congo would have been the best option but because of the continuous political instability in the country, visitors are left with Rwanda and Uganda. This therefore makes the latter the best option for backpacking on gorilla trekking, given the more affordable price of permits.
In all the three countries, part of the revenue collected from gorilla permits is channeled into supporting community projects such as improving water and sanitation, putting up schools and constructing roads.
Perfect Time for backpacking on Gorilla Trekking.
The most perfect time for a backpacker to trek mountain gorillas is the wet season. Yes, this might be surprising but it is true because the wet season is also the low season when the countries receive fewer visitors. These months are March, April, May, October and November, marked by Safari Lodges reducing/discounting accommodation rates, tour operators giving out promotional offers, and flights are cheaper. However, the adventure can also be enjoyed during the drier months.
