Gorilla Trekking During the Dry Season

Gorilla Trekking During the Dry Season

Gorilla trekking during the dry season is one of the most popular and rewarding adventures in Africa. Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Whether you’re looking to trek mountain gorillas or explore other attractions like savannah wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, or boat cruises, we’re here to help you plan your perfect adventure.

When Is the Dry Season for Gorilla Trekking?

The dry season typically occurs twice a year: from June to August and December to February. This is the best time to trek gorillas because the trails are dry, making the trekking experience easier and more enjoyable. The weather is sunnier, and although it can be hazy, the chances of encountering heavy rainfall are low.

The dry season coincides with summer in many parts of the northern hemisphere, making it a popular time for travelers on holiday. If you’re based in countries like the UK, USA, or Europe and are planning a summer trip, why not consider a gorilla trekking safari in Africa? At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ve crafted affordable and high-quality packages for your dream adventure.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours During the Dry Season

The dry season is also a peak travel period, so we recommend booking your gorilla trekking tour well in advance to secure permits and accommodations. Trek Africa Expeditions offers budget-friendly options as well as luxury tours, with packages ranging from short getaways to extended safaris. If you’re interested in combining multiple destinations, such as Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we can customize an itinerary for you.

Some of our popular gorilla trekking tours include:

• 3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• 5-Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
• 7-Day Multi-Country Gorilla Adventure (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo)

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, each offering unique experiences in their respective parks:

1. Uganda:
   • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to 17 habituated mountain gorilla groups. Bwindi is particularly famous for its dense forests and breathtaking views.
   • Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows visitors to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This is perfect for those who want a more immersive experience.
2. Rwanda:
   • Volcanoes National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, with its lush volcanic landscapes and incredible biodiversity.
   • Rwanda’s gorilla permits are pricier but support conservation efforts and community development.
3. Congo:
   • Virunga National Park offers mountain gorilla trekking, while Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to the rare lowland gorillas. Congo is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking unique and less-crowded trekking experiences.

Gorilla Permits: Costs and Booking Information

Gorilla permits are required to trek in all three countries. These permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during the dry season. Here’s an overview of the costs:

Uganda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: $80 per person
  Gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 per person and allow up to 4 hours with the gorillas.

Rwanda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person
• East African Citizens: $200 per person

Congo:

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • $400 per person (high season: June-August, December-February)
  • $200 per person (low season: mid-March-May, mid-October-December)
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for foreign residents
  • $20 for national residents

Note: Gorilla permit costs do not include accommodations, meals, transport, or other expenses. Be sure to discuss your full itinerary with us for a detailed package.

Best Time to Reserve Gorilla Trekking Safaris in the Dry Season

Planning a gorilla trekking safari during the dry season? The best time to secure your spot is at least 3 months in advance of your intended travel dates. In fact, we recommend starting your planning a year ahead to ensure you don’t miss out on crucial bookings like gorilla permits. If you’re ready to start your adventure, simply share your preferred travel dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits and other services for you.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make the reservation process seamless. Once we confirm permit availability for your chosen dates, we’ll promptly notify you via email. To secure your permits, payment can be made through our Dollar account via bank transfer, wire transfer, or credit/debit card (note: card payments may incur a small surcharge, which we’ll disclose in advance).

To confirm your gorilla trekking safari, we require full payment for your gorilla permits upfront, while the balance for the rest of your tour can be paid three weeks before your trip. This approach ensures that your permits, a core component of your safari, are secured well in advance while giving you time to plan for the rest of the trip.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permits with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few trusted and registered tour operators in Uganda with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit database. This unique access allows us to check permit availability in real-time for all regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, as well as parks in Rwanda and Congo. Whether you’re booking during the day or night, our team is always available to assist.

After payment is made, we’ll immediately reserve your permit with UWA and provide you with a receipt and booking ID for your records. Once the permits are printed, we’ll collect them and keep them safe at our office until your safari begins. On the day of your trek, your guide will have your permit and present it on your behalf.

What’s Included in Gorilla Trekking Packages for the Dry Season?

Our gorilla trekking tours during the dry season are designed to offer a stress-free, all-inclusive experience. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Gorilla Permits

A gorilla permit grants you one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The permit also covers:

• A ranger guide to lead your trek and ensure safety.
• Tourism police for added security.
• Park entry fees (valid for 24 hours).

Additionally, we offer the option to upgrade to a gorilla habituation experience, where you can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family, gaining a deeper understanding of their behavior alongside researchers.

2. Accommodation

We collaborate with highly rated lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering options for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Whether you stay in Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo, we ensure your accommodation meets high standards of comfort and service. Our recommendations are based on annual assessments and customer feedback.

3. Transport

We operate a fleet of 4×4 safari vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers and customized safari vans. All vehicles are equipped to handle Africa’s rugged terrain and come with complimentary bottled water. Professional, knowledgeable drivers will ensure a comfortable journey.

4. Airport Transfers

Whether you fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, we’ll arrange seamless airport transfers and transportation to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For travelers flying into Kigali, shorter driving distances to Bwindi are an added bonus, while those arriving in Entebbe can enjoy scenic stops along the way, such as the Equator crossing and rolling Kigezi hills.

When is the Dry Season for Gorilla Trekking?

The dry season in Uganda occurs twice a year:

• June to August
• December to February

These months are considered the best time for gorilla trekking as the trails are dry, making the trek easier, and there’s less chance of rain disrupting your adventure.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’re committed to delivering authentic, reliable, and value-for-money safari experiences. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing accurate information and personalized assistance to ensure your gorilla trekking safari is unforgettable. We pride ourselves on transparency and exceptional customer service. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to see why travelers trust us for their African adventures.

Ready to plan your gorilla trekking safari in the dry season? Contact us today to secure your permits and start your journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty!