Gorilla Trekking in December

Gorilla Trekking in December with Trek Africa Gorillas

Planning to go gorilla trekking this December? At Trek Africa Gorillas, we specialize in crafting unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Whether you’re looking to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the renowned Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ve got you covered. Alongside gorilla trekking, you can enrich your trip with wildlife safaris, boat cruises or cultural encounters to make your African adventure even more memorable.

Why December is a Perfect Time for Gorilla Trekking

December is a popular month for gorilla trekking due to the festive holiday season and favorable weather. It’s a time when many travelers explore Africa for an extraordinary wildlife experience. With school breaks, extended vacations and warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to escape the usual beach trips and embark on an extraordinary wildlife adventure. Whether you’re in the UK, USA, Europe or Asia, this is an ideal time to visit Africa and experience the magic of trekking with mountain gorillas. However, the high demand means gorilla permits can sell out quickly, so early booking is essential.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is available in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, each offering unique experiences.

1. Uganda: Home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda is famous for its large population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi alone hosts 16 habituated gorilla families, making it a top destination for gorilla trekking.
2. Rwanda: The iconic Volcanoes National Park is known for its scenic beauty and efficient trekking organization. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for shorter trips, as it’s just a 2-hour drive from Kigali.
3. DR Congo: Trekking in Virunga National Park offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. For those interested in other gorilla species, you can also visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park to see lowland gorillas.

A gorilla permit is mandatory for trekking in any of these parks and booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak months like December.

Gorilla Permit Costs

Here’s a breakdown of gorilla permit prices by country:

Uganda

• Foreign Non-residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 (approx. $80)
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: $1,500 per person (spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas)

Rwanda

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

DR Congo

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • High Season: $400 per person
  • Low Season: $200 per person
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • Foreign Non-residents: $400 per person
  • East African Residents: $200 per person
  • National Residents: $20

Note: Gorilla permit prices cover the trek and time spent with the gorillas but do not include accommodation, meals, transportation or other expenses.

When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in December

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari this December, the best time to secure your spot is at least 3 months before your trip. Gorilla trekking is highly sought after and permits are limited, so early booking is crucial to avoid disappointment. Ideally, start planning your trip a year in advance to ensure availability for permits, lodges and transportation.

If you’re reading this now and want to trek gorillas in December, don’t wait—send us your preferred dates and we’ll check the availability of gorilla permits and other services for you. Our team will handle the rest to ensure a seamless experience.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in December

As December falls within the high season, it’s crucial to book your gorilla trekking experience in advance. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly during this period. To help you plan your trip, we’ve curated a range of affordable and customizable tours:

• Short Gorilla Safaris: Ideal for travelers with limited time, these include 3-day or 5-day gorilla trekking packages.
• Combined Tours: Explore multiple destinations with combined tours, such as trekking in Uganda and Rwanda or visiting gorillas in Uganda and Congo.
• Custom Tours: Tailor your itinerary to include both gorilla trekking and other activities like game drives or cultural visits.

We also offer itineraries starting and ending in Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda), giving you flexibility to choose the most convenient route.

What’s Included in Your December Gorilla Trekking Package

Our all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning your trip. Here’s what’s covered:

1. Gorilla Permits: The permits include access to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park, one hour with a habituated gorilla family, a trained UWA guide and park entry fees.
2. Accommodation: We work with carefully selected lodges in all regions of Bwindi (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo). Options range from budget-friendly to luxury, depending on your preferences.
3. Transport: Enjoy comfortable 4×4 vehicles, either luxury Land Cruisers or customized safari vans, equipped for Africa’s terrain. All vehicles come with drinking water and professional local guides.
4. Additional Services: Airport transfers from either Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda, are included. Whether you prefer the scenic drive from Entebbe or the shorter route from Kigali, we’ll ensure you travel comfortably.

Your Gorilla Permit: What You Need to Know

A gorilla permit is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure in the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. Here’s what it includes:

• One hour with a habituated gorilla family
• Photography and video opportunities (still cameras only)
• Guidance from a trained UWA ranger who ensures your safety
• Park entry fees valid for 24 hours

The permit is valid only for the booked date, so it’s essential to be available on your trekking day. For more details on what to expect, check our guide on dos and don’ts during gorilla trekking.

Accommodation for Gorilla Trekking in December

We partner with the best lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to ensure your comfort. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, deluxe or luxury accommodations, we’ll recommend options that suit your preferences. Each lodge is carefully reviewed and monitored for quality service.

Bwindi has four trekking regions—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo—and we provide accommodation options in each. Let us know your budget and we’ll help you choose the best lodge for your stay.

Traveling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You can fly into either Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda). Many travelers prefer Kigali because it offers a shorter drive to Bwindi. However, the scenic drive from Entebbe includes stops at the Equator Crossing, views of Uganda’s famous long-horned cattle and the stunning rolling hills of Kigezi.

No matter where you land, we’ll handle airport transfers and transportation to Bwindi, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

How We Secure Gorilla Permits for You

Once we receive your preferred dates, we’ll check the availability of permits directly in the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) database. If permits are available, we’ll contact you immediately via email. Upon agreement, we’ll guide you to make payment to secure your permits.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we operate a secure USD bank account for payments. We accept bank or wire transfers as well as debit and credit card payments (note: card payments may attract a small surcharge, which we’ll communicate in advance). To confirm your gorilla trek, you’ll need to pay for the permits in full. The remaining balance for your safari can be settled 3 weeks before the start of your trip.

Once the permits are paid, we’ll collect them from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office and keep them safe until your safari begins. Your gorilla permit card will be presented by your guide on the day of trekking.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas?

We are among the few trusted and registered Uganda tour operators with direct access to UWA’s gorilla permit portal. This allows us to check permit availability in real time for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Congo). Many operators don’t have this privilege but with us, you’ll receive fast and reliable updates.

From securing permits to organizing your entire trip, we are committed to delivering exceptional service. Once payment is made, we’ll handle all logistics, ensuring you have a stress-free and memorable adventure.

Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in December with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we’re passionate about creating memorable and sustainable experiences for our clients. Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, our team is here to ensure every detail is taken care of. From securing permits to providing expert advice, we’re committed to making your gorilla trekking adventure seamless and enjoyable.

Contact us today to plan your December gorilla trek and create memories that will last a lifetime!