Gorilla Trekking in April

Gorilla Trekking in April: Your Ultimate Guide

April is a fantastic time to go gorilla trekking and Trek Africa Gorillas is your trusted partner in organizing unforgettable experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. Whether you’re based in the U.S., Europe, Asia or the UK, we can help you plan and book your dream gorilla trekking safari. You can even extend your adventure to other wildlife-rich savannah parks, enjoy boat cruises or immerse yourself in local cultural experiences.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking in April?

April coincides with spring break in many parts of the northern hemisphere, which means many schools and universities are on vacation. This makes it an ideal time for travelers from the U.S., Europe and beyond to experience the magic of Africa. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer affordable spring holidays with discounted gorilla trekking tours, so you can explore the rare mountain gorillas without breaking the bank.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in April

Since April is considered the low season for tourism, many service providers, including hotels, offer discounts. This makes it an excellent time to take advantage of budget-friendly trips. Trek Africa Gorillas has listed several affordable gorilla trekking packages on our website, offering both short and long safaris across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. You can even combine your trek across different countries to get the best of Africa’s gorilla trekking hotspots.

Many of our safaris start and end in Entebbe but you can also choose to begin and end your trip in Kigali, Rwanda and explore both Uganda and Congo. Check out our specially priced Uganda safaris starting and ending in Kigali on our website for more details.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be done in three amazing African countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Each of these destinations is home to one of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla populations. Here’s a quick overview:

• Uganda: Trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Rwanda: Trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park.
• DR Congo: You can visit Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas or Kahuzi Beiga National Park for lowland gorillas.

In order to trek in any of these parks, you must secure a gorilla trekking permit. We recommend booking your trek well in advance, especially for peak seasons (June to September), as permits tend to sell out quickly. For optimal planning, book your permits at least 5 months in advance.

Gorilla Permit Costs by Country

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for residents
• $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)

With a permit, you get one hour to interact with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda offers a unique experience with 17 habituated gorilla families (16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga), meaning there are 136 permits available daily. If you’re looking for more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs $1500 per person. This experience allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas, accompanied by researchers and trackers.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices

• $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

Rwanda offers 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily in Volcanoes National Park. Book your permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through trusted tour operators like Trek Africa Gorillas.

DR Congo Gorilla Permit Prices

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 per person for high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October)
  • $200 per person for low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December)
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park:
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

Gorilla permits in Congo can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or through Trek Africa Gorillas.

Additional Safari Costs to Keep in Mind

When booking your gorilla trekking permit, please note that the permit price does not cover accommodation, airfare, transportation, meals or other personal expenses. Be sure to check the details of your safari package with your tour operator to know exactly what’s included.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours in April

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we ensure your gorilla trekking safari in April is stress-free and all-inclusive. Our packages cover everything from your gorilla permits to transportation and accommodation, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Gorilla Permit and Inclusions

A gorilla permit, issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, is required to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This permit grants you one hour with a mountain gorilla family, allowing you to observe and photograph them. Additionally, the permit includes a ranger guide and tourism police for security. The park entry fee is also covered in the permit and is valid for 24 hours.

Remember, your gorilla permit is valid only for the specific date it is issued. It’s important to be available for trekking on that day, as permits are non-transferable. You can also take photos and videos during your encounter with the gorillas.

Accommodation Options

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or prefer luxury, Trek Africa Gorillas partners with a range of lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From budget-friendly options to deluxe and luxury lodges, we’ll recommend the best fit for your needs. Bwindi’s four regions—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo—each have excellent lodging choices that we carefully evaluate and monitor to ensure top-notch service.

Transportation Services

We provide comfortable and reliable transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Choose between our luxury Land Cruisers for a premium experience or customized safari vans for a more budget-friendly option. All our vehicles are 4×4, perfect for the rugged African terrain and come with drinking water. Our professional local guides will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Flying into Kigali or Entebbe

You can fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) to begin your gorilla trekking adventure. Many travelers opt for Kigali due to its proximity to Bwindi, avoiding the long drive from Entebbe. If you choose to fly into Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey, passing through the equator crossing and the beautiful Kigezi hills. We’ll arrange airport transfers and transportation to and from Bwindi for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

When to Book Your April Gorilla Trekking Safari

Planning your Gorilla Trekking adventure in April? The best time to secure your spot is at least 3 months before your planned travel dates. To ensure you don’t miss out on key aspects like gorilla permits, it’s recommended to book a year in advance. If you’re reading this now and planning a trip in April, don’t hesitate to contact us with your preferred dates and we’ll immediately check availability for gorilla permits and other services.

Once we confirm the availability of permits for your chosen dates in April, we’ll notify you promptly via email. If everything aligns, we’ll guide you through the payment process. We accept payments through bank transfers, wire transfers and debit or credit cards (please note that card payments may incur a small surcharge).

To confirm your booking with Trek Africa Gorillas, a full payment for the gorilla permit will be required to secure your place. The remaining balance can be settled 3 weeks before your safari begins, giving you ample time to plan your trip while knowing your permits are secured and waiting.

As a registered and trusted Uganda tour operator, we have direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s permit database. This means we can check real-time availability for gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and even Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in Congo. Unlike many other operators, we can advise you on the exact availability and hold permits for you instantly.

Once payment is made, we’ll handle the rest. We’ll personally visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s office in Kampala to finalize your permit, obtain a booking ID and send you a scanned receipt for your records. We’ll also collect your gorilla permit card from the Authority, keep it safely in our office and hand it over to your guide on the day of your trek.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Trekking in April?

Trek Africa Gorillas is renowned for offering exceptional value for money and authentic experiences for those wishing to trek gorillas in Africa. With our expert knowledge and direct access to gorilla permits, we ensure that your safari is seamless, memorable and completely worry-free. We pride ourselves on providing accurate and timely information, so you can plan your gorilla trek in April with confidence.

Our team is always available to help with any queries and we’re dedicated to making your gorilla trekking experience unforgettable. For more details, feel free to contact us or visit our TripAdvisor page to read reviews and explore additional options for your April safari.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking adventure in April? Get in touch with Trek Africa Gorillas today and let us help you create the safari of a lifetime!