No traveler would wish to spend a lot of money on the safari without getting value for the money but most travelers do not know how best to get value for their money. Gorilla Expeditions is hereby giving you tips on how to save or how to cut safari costs, see below:
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If you travel in the low season (April, May, October, and November) you will get the best discounts on accommodation. It is very important to note that besides the price of the gorilla trekking permit being high, accommodation often takes up a very big share of your gorilla safari cost.
Therefore, if you travel in the low season, you will have higher chances of securing discounts than when you travel in the peak season
Tip wisely
It is not necessarily that you have to tip for each service- tipping is based on your satisfaction delivered from the service but is not compulsory since you pay for the service. Tip only where necessary and this will help you reduce the safari cost.
Before setting off for the trip, you are advised to consult your travel agent about the tipping guidelines to be able to budget accordingly.
Avoid expensive accommodation
Super luxury Hotels and Lodges are very expensive and can drain you if you decide to stay in such accommodations. Budget, Mid-range can help you save big or you can hire your own tent and other travel equipment from the local tour operators.
Avoid luxurious or expensive tourist activities
While on the safari; activities that are beyond your budget are not good to be engaged in. Look at your budget and insert only activities which will suit it- draft your itinerary in advance – seek advice from the local tour operator.
Avoid engaging in unplanned activities- safari activities that are not planned for in advance will drain you since you came with a different budget. You can still have an amazing gorilla safari without necessarily gorilla trekking.
Self drive
You can save big if you hire a safari car from the tour company and then do self-drive. You can hire safari tents as well for cheap accommodation. In Uganda, we recommend 4x4Uganda to solve your car hire and camping needs
Travel with professional tour operators
Plan your safari itineraries wisely and consider arrival and departure times. Any mistake as a result of poor planning can make you miss your flight. Always give yourself a free day at the start of your trip and at the end of the trip.
It is quite common for flights to change which will affect your itinerary. Giving yourself a free day at the start of your trip and at the end of your trip will save you from losing your money after missing scheduled activities such as gorilla trekking
Book affordable flights
If possible, book economy to cut transport costs – expensive flights will drain you so, it’s wise to book low-cost flights in order to save.
Avoid traveling with a big group
Especially when you are the one to pay for that group. This will cost you much in terms of flights, food, accommodation and paying for activities among others.
Avoid late payments
Make sure you make payments in time; if you are to pay the balance on arrival please curry CASH to avoid more costs in trying to pay by card. More so, some locations have no access to banks and ATM machines are found in bigger towns and cities.
Know the foreign exchange rate
If you are going to make any payment while on the safari, make sure you consider the prevailing exchange rate in the country you are traveling to.