Gorilla Trekking in January

Gorilla Trekking in January: A Perfect Adventure Awaits

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in January? Look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions. We specialize 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 a first-time trekker or a seasoned traveler, we will help you plan and book your dream safari.

Why Trek in January?

January marks the start of the peak season for gorilla trekking, making it a great time to visit these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. While many people are focused on summer trips or beach vacations, January offers a unique opportunity to experience Africa’s lush forests and rare wildlife.

In addition to gorilla trekking, you can also combine your trip with visits to other national parks for wildlife safaris, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Book Early for Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in January

As one of the most sought-after times for gorilla trekking, it’s essential to book your trip in advance. Availability for gorilla permits can fill up quickly, especially during January’s high season. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer pocket-friendly gorilla trekking tours across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, with options for both short and extended safaris. We also offer the flexibility to start and end your safari in different locations, such as Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda).

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Africa is home to only four national parks where you can trek to see mountain gorillas:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for Lowland gorillas)

Each of these parks offers a unique experience, with breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to observe gorillas in the wild. A gorilla permit is required for trekking, and permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons like January. To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend booking your gorilla trekking tour at least 5 months in advance.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Uganda Gorilla Permits

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

Gorilla trekking in Uganda allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience for those wanting to spend more time with the gorillas. This experience costs $1500 and gives you four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family under the supervision of researchers and trackers.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

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

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers one-hour trekking experiences with the mountain gorillas. With only 12 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda offers a more exclusive trekking experience.

Congo Gorilla Permits

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • High Season (Mid-Dec to Mid-Mar, Jun to Oct): $400 per person
  • Low Season (Mid-Mar to Mid-May, Mid-Oct to Mid-Dec): $200 per person
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $400 per person
  • East African Residents: $200 per person
  • National Residents: $20 per person

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we work closely with local authorities and have direct access to gorilla permit availability. We can help you book permits for Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. Booking in advance ensures you secure your spot, especially for the busy months of January.

Please note that the permit cost only covers the trekking experience. It does not include accommodation, airfares, transportation, meals, or other expenses. We are happy to provide full packages, including these elements, to ensure a hassle-free experience.

When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in January

Booking your gorilla trekking adventure in January is best done at least 3 months before your planned trip. For a smoother experience, it’s ideal to start planning and booking your trek up to a year in advance. This allows you to secure the best spots, especially gorilla permits, which can be in high demand.

If you’re reading this now, feel free to share your preferred trekking dates with us. We’ll check the availability of gorilla permits and other services right away and update you via email. Should your dates align with available permits, we’ll guide you through the booking process to ensure everything is reserved for your trip.

To confirm your trek with Trek Africa Expeditions, we ask that you pay for the gorilla permits in full upfront. This guarantees your spot. The remaining balance for your safari can be paid three weeks before departure, so you have ample time to organize the rest of your trip.

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few registered tour operators with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permit system. This allows us to check, hold, and secure gorilla permits on your behalf, ensuring you have the most up-to-date availability info, even during busy periods.

Once payment is made, we’ll personally visit the UWA office in Kampala to confirm your permit and provide you with a booking ID and receipt. These documents will be scanned and sent to you for your records. As soon as the permits are issued, we’ll safely store them in our office until your trek begins. You’ll receive your permit card on the day of your trek, which your guide will use to check you in at the park.

What’s Included in Our January Gorilla Trekking Tours

All Trek Africa Expeditions packages for gorilla trekking in January are all-inclusive, covering everything from permits to accommodation, as well as transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our goal is to ensure your African safari is stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience while we handle all the details.

Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and Excluded

A gorilla permit is your ticket to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. The permit is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and grants you the opportunity to trek and observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat.

The permit includes:

• One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
• Park entry fees to Bwindi or Mgahinga.
• Services of a UWA guide and a ranger with security equipment to ensure safety in the forest.
• The chance to take photographs and videos, so don’t forget your camera!

However, the cost of your permit does not include accommodation, meals, flight tickets, or ground transport. We can help arrange these additional services as part of your travel package.

Accommodation Options for Gorilla Trekking in January

Trek Africa Expeditions partners with top-rated lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, deluxe, or luxury options, we can recommend the best places for you to stay. Bwindi is divided into four sections: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each with multiple lodging choices that we monitor and visit regularly to ensure they meet high service standards.

Transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We offer comfortable, 4×4 transport in both luxury Land Cruisers for premium clients and customized safari vans for those with a more modest budget. Our vehicles are all designed for Africa’s rugged terrain and come equipped with water for your comfort. All vehicles are driven by our professional, local guides who ensure a smooth journey to and from the park.

Flying Into Kigali or Entebbe

You can choose to fly into Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trekking experience. Many travelers opt for Kigali as it’s closer to Bwindi, reducing travel time. Regardless of your choice, we’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to the park.

Why Book Your January Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted, reliable partner for booking gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We pride ourselves on providing authentic, value-for-money experiences. Our team is dedicated to offering accurate and timely information, ensuring your trip is well-organized from start to finish.

If you’re ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime in January, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way! For more details, visit our TripAdvisor page or contact us directly to start planning your dream gorilla trekking safari.