How to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda During the Summer Holiday

How to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda During the Summer Holiday

Looking to experience the incredible mountain gorillas in Uganda during your summer holiday? Trek Africa Expeditions is your go-to expert for organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Our summer holiday gorilla trekking tours are not just about seeing gorillas – you can also add visits to savannah national parks, wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and immersive cultural experiences.

Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Gorilla Trekking

From June to September, countries in the northern hemisphere enjoy summer holidays, with school breaks and warm weather. While many people head to the beach, why not make this summer unforgettable by embarking on an adventure to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? Whether you’re in the UK, USA, Europe, or Asia, we offer affordable and high-quality gorilla trekking packages designed for your summer getaway.

Budget-Friendly Gorilla Trekking Safaris

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a range of affordable gorilla trekking tours to make your summer holiday unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a longer, more in-depth adventure, we have something for everyone. Our gorilla trekking packages include:

• 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari
• 7-Day Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit
• 8-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
• 9-Day Mountain Rwenzori Trekking
• 11-Day Rwanda-DR Congo Primates and Cultural Tour
• 25-Day Uganda Primates and Game Safari

For those flying into Kigali, Rwanda, we also offer shorter tours starting and ending in Kigali, including:

• 2-Day Gorilla Safari from Kigali
• 3-Day Gorilla Tour from Kigali
• 5-Day Gorilla and Game Safari from Kigali
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Safari from Kigali

If you’re interested in any of these gorilla trekking trips, feel free to contact us by phone, email, or WhatsApp for more details!

Popular Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris

For those looking to spend more time with the gorillas, we offer the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique safari allows you to spend more hours with the gorillas – perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer fewer treks. Our Summer Holiday Gorilla Habituation Tours start and end in Entebbe or Kigali, with options for both budget and luxury accommodations.

Popular options include:

• 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla Habituation and Game Safari
• Luxury Gorilla Habituation Safaris

Flying into Kigali reduces the driving time, making the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park faster (about 4-5 hours) compared to starting from Entebbe (about 9-10 hours). Check out our 2-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari from Kigali or 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari from Kigali for a more convenient option.

Student and Budget-Friendly Gorilla Trekking Trips

We know that students have the perfect opportunity to travel during the summer break. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we cater to student groups and budget-conscious travelers by offering affordable options for group tours and study trips to Africa. Whether you’re from a university, school, or organization, we’ll work with your budget and ensure your group has an experience they’ll never forget.

Contact us to discuss your specific needs for student gorilla trekking tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and other wildlife parks.

Best Time to Book Your Summer Gorilla Trekking Safari

The summer months (June to September) coincide with Uganda’s dry season, which is the best time for gorilla trekking. However, this is also peak season, meaning gorilla permits and lodging can sell out quickly. To secure your spot, we recommend booking your gorilla safari well in advance.

We can help you check the availability of gorilla permits and make sure you don’t miss out on your dream safari. Simply send us your preferred travel dates and we’ll confirm the availability of permits and other services.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permits

We’re one of the few tour operators with access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit portal, which allows us to view, hold, and confirm permit availability in real-time. Once you confirm your travel dates, we’ll reserve your gorilla permits and send you payment details.

To confirm your gorilla trekking tour, we’ll require full payment for your gorilla permit upfront to secure it. The remaining balance is due three weeks before your safari begins. This process ensures your gorilla permit is confirmed and you’re all set for your adventure.

Once we’ve received payment, we’ll handle the rest – including collecting your gorilla permit cards from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and ensuring everything is ready for your trek.

What’s Included in Our Summer Holiday Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Trek Africa Expeditions ensures that your Summer Holiday Gorilla Trekking experience in Uganda is seamless and stress-free. Our all-inclusive packages take care of everything—from gorilla permits and accommodation to transport, so you can fully enjoy your adventure. Let’s break down what’s included in our Gorilla Trekking safaris.

Gorilla Permit: What’s Included and Excluded

A gorilla permit is essential for any gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. It’s issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and allows you to trek into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park to observe the endangered mountain gorillas for one hour. This permit covers:

• One hour with a habituated gorilla family
• Park entry fees for Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park (valid for 24 hours)
• Ranger guide services for a safe and informative trek
• Tourism police presence for security

Note that the permit only allows one hour with the gorillas, during which you can take photos or videos (please review the guidelines). It’s important to book your permit in advance as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons like the summer months.

Gorilla Habituation Permit: Spend More Time with the Gorillas

For those who want to go beyond the standard gorilla trek, we recommend the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This special permit allows you to spend up to four hours with gorillas still undergoing habituation in the wild. This immersive experience gives you a deeper connection with these incredible creatures. Currently, two gorilla families in the southern part of Bwindi are dedicated to this experience, and reports suggest that another family in the northern part may soon be available.

As with the standard permit, part of your fee goes to conservation efforts for the gorillas and to support local community development through projects like schools and hospitals.

What’s not included: While the gorilla permit covers the trek and park entry fees, it does not include accommodation or transportation to and from the park. Don’t worry though—Trek Africa Expeditions takes care of all that for you.

Lodging Options for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari

We partner with a selection of quality lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to provide accommodation options suited to all budgets. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury options, we’ll help you choose the right one based on your preferences and budget. Bwindi has four regions—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo—each with multiple lodging choices. We regularly assess these lodges to ensure they meet your expectations for comfort and service.

Transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Expeditions offers comfortable transport options to get you to and from Bwindi. We have a fleet of luxury Land Cruisers for high-end travelers and customized safari vans for those looking to save without sacrificing comfort. All vehicles are 4x4s designed for Africa’s rugged terrain, and come with drinking water. Our experienced local driver guides will ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Flying into Kigali or Entebbe

When booking your Summer gorilla trek, you have the option of flying into Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda). Many travelers opt for Kigali to avoid the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi. If you fly into Kigali, you can reach Bwindi in about 4-5 hours by road, whereas the drive from Entebbe can take 9-10 hours. Both options offer scenic routes and exciting stops, like the Equator Crossing. We’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to the park, ensuring your travel is stress-free.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the most trusted operators for gorilla trekking in Uganda. We are dedicated to delivering authentic, value-for-money experiences while providing expert guidance and up-to-date information. Our team is always available to help with all your planning and arrangements, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

For more details or to book your Summer Holiday Gorilla Trekking Safari, visit our website or contact us directly via phone, email, or WhatsApp. We look forward to making your gorilla trekking experience truly unforgettable!