Visiting Gorillas in July

Visiting Gorillas in July: Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions

If you’re looking to visit mountain gorillas in July, Trek Africa Expeditions is your go-to expert for planning and organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Whether you’re keen on trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ve got you covered. Let us know your preferred destination, and we’ll assist in planning and booking the perfect gorilla trekking experience.

Why July is a Great Time for Gorilla Trekking

July is part of the high season for gorilla trekking, with most schools and universities in the northern hemisphere taking a break due to the warm weather and long days. Many families opt for beach vacations, but why not make your summer special by trekking to see the rare mountain gorillas in Africa? Trek Africa Expeditions offers well-priced, high-quality gorilla trekking tours designed for summer travelers from the UK, the USA, Europe, and Asia.

While you’re visiting the gorillas, you can also add other exciting activities like wildlife safaris, boat cruises, and cultural tours in nearby national parks. Our carefully crafted tours ensure that your summer holiday is both memorable and cost-effective.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours for July

July is a peak season, so booking your trip well in advance is essential to secure your gorilla permits and avoid missing out on availability. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a variety of discounted and budget-friendly gorilla trekking tours. Whether you’re interested in short or long safaris, we can organize trips to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, or even combine visits to multiple countries.

Our safaris usually start and end in Entebbe, Uganda, but we also offer safaris that start and end in Kigali, Rwanda, giving you the flexibility to explore more of the region. You can check our listed Uganda safaris starting and ending in Kigali on our website.

Where to Visit Gorillas in Africa in July?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. The four national parks that host these magnificent creatures are:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

Additionally, Congo offers a chance to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

A gorilla permit is required for trekking in any of these parks, and with limited availability, we recommend booking your trip at least 5 months in advance, especially during peak season (June to September). You can secure your permits directly through the national park authorities or via a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permits and Costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

Uganda Gorilla Permits:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: $80 per person

Gorilla permits in Uganda allow you to trek for one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily across Bwindi and Mgahinga. If you wish to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where you’ll have 4 hours with the gorillas for $1500 per person.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1500 per person
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person
• East African Citizens: $200 per person

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

Congo Gorilla Permits:

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas): $400 during high season (June–October) and $200 during low season (March–May, October–December)
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park (Lowland Gorillas): $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.

Booking gorilla permits in Congo can be done directly through Virunga National Park or through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

What’s Not Included in Gorilla Permits?

It’s important to note that the price of a gorilla permit does not include accommodation, flights, ground transportation, meals, or other personal expenses. When you book with Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll provide a detailed package that includes all the essentials for a seamless trip.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in July

Planning your gorilla trekking trip for July? The best time to book your trek is about three months before your trip. However, to ensure availability and secure your gorilla permit, it’s always a good idea to plan well in advance—ideally, a year ahead. If you’re reading this now and have a specific date in mind, reach out to us with your preferred travel dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits and services for you.

Once we know the availability of permits for your selected dates in July, we’ll get in touch with you right away. If everything works out, we’ll guide you through the booking process. You can make payments via bank transfer or debit/credit cards (a small surcharge applies for card payments, which will be communicated upfront). Trek Africa Expeditions makes it easy to handle all your bookings.

To confirm your booking with Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll require payment for the gorilla permits in full to secure them. The remaining balance for your trip can be settled three weeks before your safari begins. This way, you can rest easy knowing your gorilla permits are locked in, and your safari is well on its way!

Trek Africa Expeditions: A Trusted Tour Operator

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few registered and trusted tour operators with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permit database. This gives us the ability to check permit availability anytime, day or night, across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We can quickly hold permits and advise you on availability, ensuring you don’t miss out, especially during the busy peak months like July.

Once your payment is made, we’ll send someone from our office to the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala to process your booking. You’ll receive a booking ID and receipt, and once your permits are printed, we’ll collect and securely store them at our office until your trek begins. On the day of your gorilla trek, your guide will present your permit card, which contains all your trek details.

What’s Included in Our July Gorilla Trekking Packages

At Trek Africa Expeditions, our all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages are designed to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what’s included:

1. Gorilla Permits: Your permit is the key to accessing the gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, or other parks. It grants you a one-hour visit with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and a ranger for safety.
2. Accommodation: We offer a range of lodging options in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From budget-friendly to luxury lodges, we’ll match you with the best option based on your preferences and budget. We work with lodges in all four regions of Bwindi: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.
3. Transport: We provide comfortable 4×4 vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers for high-end travelers and customized safari vans for those seeking a more affordable experience. All our vehicles are ideal for Africa’s rugged terrain, equipped with drinking water, and driven by experienced local guides.
4. Airport Transfers: Whether you’re flying into Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda), we’ll handle your airport transfers and ensure smooth transportation to Bwindi National Park.

How to Get Your Gorilla Permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

• Uganda: A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and $70 for East African citizens. This permits you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience for $1,500, which lets you spend 4 hours with the gorillas.
• Rwanda: In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. Trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park.
• Congo: In DR Congo, permits for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park cost $400 for the high season and $200 for the low season. Kahuzi Beiga National Park also offers lowland gorilla trekking at a similar price.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your July Gorilla Trekking Experience?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a top choice for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Our dedicated team provides accurate, up-to-date information and expert guidance to ensure your experience is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. From securing permits to organizing transportation and lodging, we take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your safari.

For more information or to book your gorilla trekking adventure in July, reach out to us today. Let us help you create a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the incredible mountain gorillas of Africa!