Gorilla Trekking in March

Gorilla Trekking in March

March is a fantastic time for gorilla trekking in Africa. At Excursia Adventures, we organize 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 considering Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we’re here to help you plan and book a seamless adventure.

In addition to gorilla trekking, you can enrich your safari experience with visits to other attractions, including savannah national parks for wildlife viewing, relaxing boat cruises, and cultural encounters.

Why Choose March for Gorilla Trekking?

March falls within the low season, making it one of the most budget-friendly months for gorilla trekking. With fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy a more tranquil experience and benefit from discounts offered by lodges and other service providers. This means you can enjoy a high-quality yet affordable safari.

If you’re planning your African spring holiday from the USA, UK, Europe, or Asia, March is an excellent time to escape the colder climates and explore Africa’s natural wonders. At Excursia Adventures, we offer cost-effective and expertly designed gorilla trekking packages for all types of travelers.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Packages in March

March offers significant discounts on accommodations and other services, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re interested in short or long gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re flying into Kigali, Rwanda, you can combine your safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Congo, saving time on long drives. Check out our specially designed Uganda safaris starting and ending in Kigali for more details.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is available in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These countries host the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world, found in four national parks:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

Additionally, Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to lowland gorillas, offering a unique alternative to mountain gorilla trekking.

To secure your trekking experience, you’ll need a gorilla permit. Since permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (June–September), we recommend booking your trip at least 5 months in advance.

Gorilla Permits and Costs

Uganda

In Uganda, gorilla permits cost:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for foreign residents
• $80 for East African citizens

Uganda offers 17 habituated gorilla families (16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga), making 136 permits available daily.

For a more immersive experience, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas in Bwindi. A habituation permit costs $1,500 per person.

You can book permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through trusted tour operators like Excursia Adventures.

Rwanda

In Rwanda, gorilla permits are priced as follows:

• $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, with 96 permits available daily. Permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or trusted operators like Excursia Adventures.

DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is available in Virunga National Park (mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (lowland gorillas). Permit costs vary depending on the season:

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 per person in the high season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October)
  • $200 per person in the low season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December)
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for Congolese citizens

You can book permits through Virunga National Park or trusted operators like Excursia Adventures.

What’s Included in Gorilla Permits?

A gorilla permit grants you the opportunity to:

• Spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Be accompanied by experienced rangers and guides.
• Enjoy park entry for 24 hours.

For the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda, you’ll spend up to 4 hours with gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers.

Please note that permit costs do not cover accommodations, transport, meals, or other expenses. Be sure to review the details of your package when booking with your tour operator.

The Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in March

To secure your gorilla trekking adventure in March, it’s best to start planning at least three months in advance. However, booking even earlier—ideally a year ahead—ensures you don’t miss out on essentials like gorilla permits, which are limited and sell out quickly. If you’re reading this and planning a trip in March, contact us now with your preferred trekking dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits and other services.

Once we confirm the availability of gorilla permits for your chosen dates, we’ll email you immediately. From there, you can proceed to make payments via our secure dollar account. Payments can be made through bank transfers, wire transfers, or credit/debit cards (with a small surcharge for card payments).

To confirm your March gorilla trekking safari with Excursia Adventures, we require full payment for the gorilla permits. This ensures your spot is reserved. The remaining balance for the trip can be settled three weeks before the start of your safari, giving you ample time to organize your budget and enjoy a stress-free trip, knowing that the key component—your gorilla permit—is already secured.

Why Book with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is among the trusted and registered tour operators in Uganda with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permit database. This allows us to check real-time availability of gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Once your payment is made, we’ll send someone to UWA’s head office in Kampala to process and secure your permits. You’ll receive a receipt and booking ID as proof of your reservation. When the physical permits are ready, we’ll collect and safely store them until your trip begins. On the day of your trek, our guide will present the permit at the park on your behalf.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Packages?

At Excursia Adventures, our gorilla trekking packages for March are all-inclusive. We handle everything so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Here’s what’s included:

1. Gorilla Permits

A gorilla permit grants you access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to spend an unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. The permit also includes:

• Park entry fees (valid for 24 hours).
• The services of a trained UWA ranger and tourism police for safety.
• Informative guidance from professional trackers during the trek.
• Permission to take still photos and simple videos.

Permits are date-specific and non-transferable. Ensure you’re available on your scheduled trekking day to avoid any inconvenience.

2. Accommodation

We partner with carefully selected lodges in all four sectors of Bwindi—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, deluxe comfort, or luxury accommodations, we’ll recommend the best lodge for your budget. We evaluate our partner lodges annually, checking reviews and personally inspecting them to ensure quality.

3. Transport

Our fleet of 4×4 safari vehicles is designed for comfort and reliability on Africa’s rugged terrain. We offer luxury Land Cruisers for high-end travelers and customized safari vans for budget-conscious clients. Each vehicle is equipped with drinking water, and our professional driver-guides ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

4. Airport Transfers

Whether you’re flying into Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda, we’ve got you covered. Many travelers prefer arriving in Kigali due to the shorter drive to Bwindi, while those flying into Entebbe enjoy scenic routes with stops at the equator and the chance to see Uganda’s iconic Ankole long-horned cattle and the rolling Kigezi hills.

Why March is Ideal for Gorilla Trekking

March falls within the low season for tourism, offering several advantages:

• Discounted Rates: Many lodges and service providers offer lower prices, making it a budget-friendly time to travel.
• Smaller Crowds: With fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and peaceful trekking experience.
• Lush Scenery: The rainy season begins around March, transforming the forests into vibrant green landscapes, perfect for photography and wildlife viewing.

What Sets Excursia Adventures Apart?

Excursia Adventures is committed to providing authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Here’s why you should book with us:

• Expertise: Our team provides accurate, up-to-date information to help you plan the perfect gorilla trekking safari.
• Reliability: We handle all logistics, from securing permits to arranging transport and accommodation, ensuring a stress-free experience.
• Customer Satisfaction: Don’t just take our word for it—check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to see what other travelers say about our services.

Ready to plan your gorilla trekking safari in March? Contact us today, and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!