Organizing a Gorilla Trek for Your Birthday

Organizing a Gorilla Trek for Your Birthday

Are you dreaming of spending your birthday trekking mountain gorillas? With the right planning, it’s entirely possible! Follow our guide to organize a memorable gorilla trek on your special day in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first step is securing a gorilla permit for your birthday—this will be essential for your trek. You can choose to book your trek for the exact date of your birthday, creating a lasting memory.

Steps to Book Your Birthday Gorilla Trek

1. Secure Your Gorilla Permit: To confirm your spot for the gorilla trek, it’s crucial to secure your gorilla permit well in advance. Once you have your travel dates set, reach out to us via email. We will check the availability of permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, or Virunga National Park for Congo.
2. Availability Confirmation: If permits are available for your planned dates, we’ll inform you and send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we will immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking.
3. Plan Ahead: It’s advisable to book your gorilla permit at least 2-3 months before your trip, as permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking on Your Birthday

The cost of a gorilla permit varies by country: in Rwanda, it’s USD 1,500; in Uganda, it’s USD 800; and in Congo, it’s USD 400 for foreign non-residents. This permit allows you to spend one hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Bwindi Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga National Park.

In addition to the permit, other expenses such as transport, accommodation, and guiding services will contribute to the total cost of your gorilla trekking safari. For instance, our 4-Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Safari starts from USD 1,272 per person. Feel free to contact us for assistance with your booking.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trek

The best months for gorilla trekking are from June to October and December to March, as these periods represent Uganda’s dry season. During these months, mild rainfall and less dense vegetation make it easier to trek and spot mountain gorillas, offering great photo opportunities.

While trekking is possible in the rainy months of April, May, and November, vegetation is thicker, which may hinder visibility. However, gorillas tend to remain closer to their feeding grounds during this time, resulting in shorter treks. The Gorilla Habituation Experience is available year-round, giving you a 99% chance of encountering the mountain gorillas.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi National Park

For your birthday celebration, we recommend staying in the southern part of Bwindi National Park, where the Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place. Accommodation options vary to suit different budgets:

• Budget Options: Lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, and Nshongi Camp offer comfortable stays for about USD 90-100 per person per night.
• Mid-Range Options: Consider Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, with prices ranging from USD 150-200 per person per night.
• Luxury Options: For a more upscale experience, choose from Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Lodge, or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, where prices range from USD 250-700 per person per night.

Other nearby lodges include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, and Bakiga Lodge, ensuring you have a comfortable base for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park for Your Birthday

Planning a birthday gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park? Choosing the right accommodation can elevate your safari experience, making it truly unforgettable. Fortunately, the park offers a variety of lodges and camps to suit all budgets, ensuring you have a comfortable and unique stay.

Accommodation Options

For a luxurious experience, consider Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge, or Virunga Lodge. These high-end lodges provide stunning views and top-notch amenities, making them perfect for a special celebration.

If you’re looking for something mid-range, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge offer great comfort and value. These options strike a balance between affordability and quality service.

For budget travelers, Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge are excellent choices. While more economical, these lodges still provide a welcoming atmosphere and essential amenities.

Tip: Accommodation can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s best to book in advance. Additionally, many lodges offer discounts for longer stays, allowing you to enjoy great service while celebrating your birthday.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

By Road: Traveling from Entebbe or Kampala to the southern sector of Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2 hours. You can easily navigate by taking the main safari circuit and following the signs to your booked lodge.

By Air: For a quicker option, consider flying from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to the nearby airstrips. Airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda offer scheduled and charter flights, making it convenient to reach your destination. Remember to coordinate with your tour operator for transfers from the airstrip to the park.

Visiting Volcanoes National Park for Your Birthday Trek

Before you embark on your gorilla trek, ensure you have a Rwanda visa, which costs USD 30 and can be obtained at Kigali International Airport or at any border point.

For a seamless journey to Volcanoes National Park, you’ll be driven in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle that provides drinking water and air conditioning. Your professional driver-guide will make sure you arrive at the park ready for your adventure.

To enter the park, you will need a gorilla trekking permit, which is essential for participating in any park activities.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Birthday Trek

At Excursia Adventures, we craft unforgettable gorilla safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team consists of enthusiastic young staff guided by seasoned professionals who are passionate about providing exceptional service.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read about the experiences of other travelers who have explored with us. If you’re ready to plan your birthday gorilla trek, contact us for information about our discounted packages and tailor-made trips.

Let us help you create an unforgettable birthday celebration in the heart of Africa!