Best Time for Budget Uganda-Rwanda Safaris: When to Go for Lower Costs & Fewer Crowds

Dreaming of gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park but worried about high prices? The secret to an affordable Uganda-Rwanda safari lies in timing your trip right. While gorilla permits are never “cheap,” visiting during shoulder or low seasons can save you hundreds on lodging, tours, and even flights—without sacrificing the experience.

Here’s your season-by-season guide to snagging the best deals while still enjoying incredible wildlife encounters.

1. Best Budget Seasons for Uganda-Rwanda Safaris

Green Season (Shoulder Months) – April to May & November

Why Go?

• Lower prices(lodges drop rates by 30-50%).
• Fewer tourists(more intimate gorilla treks).
• Lush landscapes(vibrant greenery, perfect for photography).

Challenges:

• Some trails may be muddy (but passable).
• Brief afternoon showers (pack a rain jacket).

Best For:

• Budget travelers who don’t mind occasional rain.
• Photographers wanting dramatic, misty jungle shots.

Short Dry Season – February to Early March

Why Go?

• Decent weather(less rain than April/November).
• Lower crowds(between peak seasons).
• Good wildlife viewing(animals still gather near water sources).

Best For:

• Travelers wanting a balance of good weather and affordability.

Peak Season (Avoid for Budget Travel) – June to October & December-January

• Permits and lodges are most expensive.
• Gorilla treks sell out months in advance.
• High tourist trafficin parks like Bwindi and Maasai Mara.

Only visit in peak season if you:
✔ Must see the Great Migration (July-Oct in Kenya/Tanzania).
✔ Can afford luxury lodges (budget options get booked fast).

2. How to Save Money in Each Season

🌧️ Green Season (April-May & November) Savings Tips

✔ Last-Minute Lodge Deals – Many slash prices to fill rooms.
✔ Fewer Permit Competition – Easier to secure gorilla permits.
✔ Combo Discounts – Tour operators offer low-season packages.

☀️ Short Dry Season (Feb-March) Savings Tips

✔ Book Early – Some lodges still offer shoulder-season rates.
✔ Focus on Uganda – Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP stays pricey year-round.

3. Month-by-Month Breakdown

Month	Weather	Crowds	Cost	Best For
Jan	Dry, warm	High	$$$	New Year travelers
Feb-Mar	Short dry spell	Medium	$$	Budget + decent weather
Apr-May	Heavy rains	Low	$	Cheapest time
Jun-Sep	Dry, cool	Very High	$$$$	Peak wildlife viewing
Oct	Start of rains	Medium-High	$$$	End of peak season
Nov	Green season	Low	$	Post-rain discounts
Dec	Short rains	High	$$$	Holiday travelers

 

4. Where to Go for the Cheapest Gorilla Trekking?

• Uganda ($800 permit)– Better for budget travelers.
• Rwanda ($1,500 permit)– More expensive but easier access.

💡 Hack: Do one gorilla trek in Uganda (Bwindi) and spend extra days on budget-friendly activities:
✔ Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (200).✔∗∗QueenElizabethNP∗∗savannasafaris(200).✔∗∗QueenElizabethNP∗∗savannasafaris(40 entry).
✔ Lake Bunyonyi relaxation (free hiking/swimming).

5. Sample Budget Itinerary (7 Days, Under $1,500)

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, transfer to Bwindi (Uganda).
Day 2: Gorilla trekking (Bwindi).
Day 3: Batwa cultural trail + Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 4: Travel to Kibale Forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking + Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP game drive & boat cruise.
Day 7: Return to Kigali.

Estimated Cost:

• Permits:800(gorilla)+800(gorilla)+200 (chimp) = $1,000
• Lodging:30−30−80/night x 6 = 180−180−480
• Transport/Food:300−300−500

Total: 1,480−1,480−1,980 (cheaper than Rwanda’s permit alone!).

Final Verdict: When to Book Your Budget Safari?

• For Lowest Prices:April-May or November.
• For Balance of Cost & Weather:February-March.

Pro Tip: Watch for post-COVID recovery deals—some lodges still offer discounts to rebuild tourism.

Ready to trek? The jungle is waiting—and now you know how to experience it without emptying your wallet.

The best adventures aren’t the most expensive—they’re the ones that leave you rich in stories.