Gorilla Trekking in August

Gorilla Trekking in August: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Safari

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing memorable Gorilla trekking experiences in August. Whether you’re heading to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or the Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ll help you plan your perfect trek. If you’re interested in expanding your adventure, you can also add visits to nearby savannah national parks for wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Why August is Perfect for Gorilla Trekking

Every year, from June to late September, countries in the northern hemisphere enjoy summer holidays, with schools and universities taking breaks to enjoy the extended daylight and warm weather. While many holidaymakers flock to the beaches, Trek Africa Expeditions offers the chance to do something truly extraordinary — a summer Gorilla trekking adventure in Africa.

If you’re in the UK, USA, Europe, or Asia and considering a trip to Africa this summer, look no further! Trek Africa Expeditions has curated affordable and quality Gorilla trekking tours that give you a chance to visit the rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

Why Book Your August Gorilla Trekking Tour Early?

August is part of the high season for Gorilla trekking, which means it’s essential to book your trip well in advance. This is especially important for securing your gorilla permit, as they sell out quickly. Trek Africa Expeditions offers a range of affordable options for short and extended gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. You can even combine visits to multiple countries in a single tour.

Our safaris usually start and end in Entebbe, but we also offer trips that begin and end in Kigali. If you’re considering visiting both Uganda and Rwanda, check out our Uganda safaris that start and end in Kigali for a seamless experience.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, each home to the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Here’s a quick look at the gorilla trekking destinations:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas)

A gorilla permit is required for all treks, and these permits are essential for accessing the gorillas. As demand can be high, especially during peak seasons like August, it’s best to book your trip at least 5 months in advance. You can book your permit either directly through the national parks or with a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permit Costs in August

Uganda Gorilla Permits:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens: $80 per person

In Uganda, there are 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available each day across Bwindi and Mgahinga. You can also opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers. The permit for this experience costs $1500 per person.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits:

• Foreign non-residents: $1500 per person per trek
• Foreign residents: $500 per person
• East African citizens: $200 per person

Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, with 96 permits available daily.

Congo Gorilla Permits:

• Virunga National Park (Mountain gorillas): $400 per person (high season: June to October)
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland gorillas): $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, $20 for national residents.

For Congo, the permits are more affordable during the low season, but availability can still be limited, so advance booking is recommended.

Important Notes about Gorilla Permits

• The cost of the gorilla permit does not include accommodation, flights, meals, or ground transport.
• Permits are issued for a specific date and are non-transferable.
• Each permit gives you one hour with a mountain gorilla family, during which you can take photos and videos (following the park’s guidelines).
• A ranger guide and tourism police will accompany you to ensure your safety during the trek.

Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking in August

The best time to secure your gorilla trekking adventure in August is ideally 3 months before your planned trip. However, for a stress-free experience and to ensure availability of key services like gorilla permits, it’s recommended to start planning as early as possible—ideally a year in advance. If you’re reading this now and already have dates in mind, feel free to share them with us! We will check the availability of all services, including gorilla permits, and ensure your trek is well-planned.

When it comes to booking gorilla permits for August, once we confirm the availability of permits for your specified dates, we’ll quickly get back to you via email. If everything aligns, you’ll be directed to make the payment via our secure bank account. We accept wire transfers, debit, and credit card payments (note: credit card payments may attract a small surcharge, which will be communicated in advance).

How to Confirm Your Gorilla Trekking Reservation

To finalize your booking with Trek Africa Expeditions, we require full payment for your gorilla permits. This guarantees that your permit is secured. The remaining balance for your trip should be paid at least three weeks before your safari departure. This flexible payment arrangement ensures that your gorilla permit is already taken care of, allowing you to focus on other preparations while knowing your safari is in good hands.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions stands out as one of the few registered and trusted tour operators with direct access to Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database. This means we can check the availability of permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, as well as in Rwanda and Congo, anytime—day or night. Many tour operators don’t have this privilege, which allows us to offer you up-to-the-minute information on availability.

Once your payment is confirmed, we’ll handle the entire process of securing your gorilla permits. A representative from Trek Africa Expeditions will go to the Uganda Wildlife Authority head office in Kampala, make the payment, and obtain a booking ID and receipt. We will then scan and send you the details for your records. As soon as your permits are printed, we’ll safely keep them at our office until the start of your trek, ensuring everything is in place for your unforgettable adventure.

What’s Included in Your August Gorilla Trekking Tour

Our Gorilla Trekking packages are all-inclusive, designed to provide you with a hassle-free and enriching experience. Here’s what’s included in our August tours:

• Gorilla Permits: Your permit, issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park. The permit includes park entry fees, a ranger guide, and tourism police for your safety. It’s important to note that the permit is valid only for the date you’ve booked, so make sure to arrive on time!
• Accommodation: We work with a range of lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to offer accommodations that suit every budget. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly, deluxe, or luxury lodge, we’ll recommend the best option based on your needs. We regularly assess and visit our partner lodges to ensure they provide high-quality service.
• Transportation: We offer comfortable, well-maintained 4×4 vehicles for transportation to and from Bwindi. Whether you’re flying into Kigali or Entebbe, we provide seamless airport transfers and ensure that your journey is safe, comfortable, and scenic.

Optional Extensions: Fly Into Kigali or Entebbe

You have the option to fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trek. Many travelers opt for Kigali due to the shorter drive to Bwindi National Park, while others prefer the scenic drive from Entebbe. Whatever your choice, Trek Africa Expeditions will arrange airport transfers and comfortable transport to your lodge in Bwindi.

Why Book Your August Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the leading tour operators specializing in authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences. With our years of experience, access to up-to-date permit availability, and commitment to providing the best possible service, we ensure your August gorilla trek will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you in planning your trip, whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.

Get in touch with us today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure!