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Early Bird Gorilla Trekking 2025-2026 – Plan Your African Adventure
Are you dreaming of a trip to Africa for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience? Look no further than Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo for your Early Bird Gorilla Trekking 2025-2026 adventure. Excursia Adventures is here to guide you through the best destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa, ensuring a smooth and successful trip. This guide will help you plan and book your gorilla trek, making your dream of seeing these majestic creatures in the wild come true.
Gorilla Trekking is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on earth. While it requires some effort—such as hiking through forests, navigating difficult terrain, and crossing rivers—the reward is priceless. You’ll witness endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travelers.
What to Expect During Your Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity that involves hiking through forests, thick vegetation, and challenging terrain. Depending on the location, you may encounter swamps and rivers on your journey. The trek gives you the chance to spend an hour with mountain gorillas in their natural environment. If you’d prefer to spend more time with these incredible creatures, consider opting for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, which allows for up to 4 hours of interaction with the gorillas.
Best Destinations for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is available in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. These countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas, and each offers a unique experience:
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
- Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi Beiga National Park (for lowland gorillas)
To go on a gorilla trek, a gorilla permit is required, and it’s crucial to book early, especially for peak seasons (June to September), as permits sell out quickly.
Gorilla Permits: Costs and Booking
Uganda Gorilla Permits
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
- Residents: $700 per person
- East African Citizens: $80 per person
Uganda offers 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily. You can also opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience (only in Bwindi), which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas at a cost of $1500 per person. You can book permits through Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures.
Rwanda Gorilla Permits
- Foreign Non-Residents: $1500 per person
- Foreign Residents: $500 per person
- East African Citizens: $200 per person
Rwanda has 12 gorilla families and offers 96 permits daily for treks in Volcanoes National Park. Permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or through a tour operator like Excursia Adventures.
Congo Gorilla Permits
- Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
- High Season (Mid-Dec to Mid-Mar, June to Oct): $400 per person
- Low Season (Mid-Mar to Mid-May, Mid-Oct to Mid-Dec): $200 per person
- Kahuzi Beiga National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
- Foreign Non-Residents: $400
- East African Residents: $200
- National Residents: $20
Congo offers a more affordable option for gorilla trekking, with permits available through Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
Is Uganda the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking?
When it comes to affordability and safety, Uganda stands out as an excellent choice for gorilla trekking. Compared to Rwanda, Uganda is more affordable, and it’s considered a safer destination for travelers. Plus, Uganda offers a range of trekking options, from one-hour encounters to the immersive Gorilla Habituation Experience, making it the perfect destination for all kinds of gorilla trekking enthusiasts.
Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa? One of the key requirements is meeting the age limit for gorilla trekking. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, ensuring participants can handle the physical demands of the trek. While there is no strict maximum age limit, travelers above 85 years may need to assess their fitness levels before embarking on the trek.
For elderly travelers or those with mobility challenges, gorilla trekking is still possible, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Sedan chair carriers are available, allowing porters to carry you to and from the gorilla habitat. These sedan chairs can be booked in advance or on the day of the trek, with costs ranging from $400 to $500.
Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy in Africa
A gorilla permit is mandatory for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Once booked, it’s expected that travelers use the permit on the scheduled date. However, if you need to cancel your trip, it’s important to understand the gorilla permit cancellation policy.
In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, if you cancel your permit 0 to 8 days before the trek, you will not receive a refund. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, Uganda has introduced a more flexible policy, allowing travelers affected by the pandemic to reschedule their trek twice without losing their permit.
To avoid penalties, it’s best to book with a reliable tour operator like Excursia Adventures, who can guide you through the cancellation policies and alternative options.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is available all year round, but the best time to go is during the dry months: January, February, June to early September. These months offer easier hiking conditions and better visibility, as the vegetation is less dense.
During the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), trekking can be more challenging due to muddy trails, but this period also has fewer tourists, making it a more private experience.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Packing the right gear ensures a comfortable and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. Here’s what you should bring:
- Comfortable hiking boots – Waterproof and sturdy for rough terrain
- Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers – Protection against insects and scratches
- Rain jacket – Essential for unexpected showers
- Hat and sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun
- Insect repellent – To keep mosquitoes and other bugs away
- Gardening gloves – Useful for gripping vegetation on steep trails
- Camera and extra batteries – Capture unforgettable moments
- Binoculars – Ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife
- Sweater or fleece – The mornings and evenings can be chilly
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated during the trek
- Snacks or energy bars – To keep your energy up during the hike
Packing these essentials will help you stay comfortable and fully enjoy your time with the gorillas.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Here’s why you should book with us:
- Expert Guidance – Our knowledgeable team will help you plan and book your trip hassle-free.
- Flexible Packages – We offer budget, mid-range, and luxury safari options to suit your needs.
- Guaranteed Gorilla Permits – We secure permits in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out.
- Top-Notch Customer Service – Our team is available to answer all your safari questions.
- Highly Rated on TripAdvisor – We have a track record of happy and satisfied clients.
Join us for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Africa! Contact us today to start planning your trip for 2025-2026 and experience the magic of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
