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Gorilla Trekking in May: Your Perfect Adventure with Trek Africa Gorillas
If you’re planning a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in May, Trek Africa Gorillas is here to make it an unforgettable experience. We specialize in organizing gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Let us know your preferred destination and we’ll take care of the planning and booking for you.
On top of gorilla trekking, we can also include visits to savannah national parks for wildlife safaris, boat cruises and cultural experiences to make your adventure even more memorable.
Why May Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
May is considered a low season for tourism in East Africa, making it an ideal time for budget travelers. During this period, most hotels and service providers offer discounts, making gorilla trekking tours more affordable. Despite being part of the rainy season, May offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, giving you a more intimate and exclusive experience with the mountain gorillas.
If you’re traveling from the United States, Europe, Asia or the United Kingdom, this period often coincides with spring breaks and holidays. Trek Africa Gorillas has curated affordable, high-quality gorilla trekking packages tailored for springtime travelers looking to experience the magic of Africa.
Affordable Gorilla Trekking Packages Available in May
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer both short and long gorilla trekking safaris for May, allowing you to explore Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. You can even combine visits to all three countries for a unique, multi-destination experience.
While most of our trips start and end in Entebbe, you can also opt to begin your safari in Kigali and explore Uganda and Congo. Our discounted gorilla trekking packages are listed on our website and we’re happy to customize a tour that fits your budget and preferences.
Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations in East Africa
Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, which are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Here’s a quick guide to the top parks:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda)
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
- Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
- Virunga National Park (Congo)
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Congo) – Home to lowland gorillas
To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need a gorilla permit. Since permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to September), we recommend booking your trip at least 5 months in advance.
Gorilla Permit Prices and Booking Details
Uganda Gorilla Permit Fees
- $800 per person for foreign non-residents
- $700 per person for foreign residents
- $0 per person for East African citizens
Uganda offers an incredible opportunity to trek with 20 habituated gorilla families, 19 of which are in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. Each day, 136 permits are available for trekking in Uganda.
For those looking to spend more time with the gorillas, Uganda offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which allows up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. The permit for this experience costs $1,500 per person.
You can book permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through trusted tour operators like Trek Africa Gorillas.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Fees
- $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
- $500 per person for foreign residents
- $200 per person for East African citizens
Rwanda is known for its luxury gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park, which has 12 habituated gorilla families. Each day, 96 permits are available for trekking. You can book permits through the Rwanda Development Board or via trusted tour operators like us.
Congo Gorilla Permit Fees
- $400 per person during high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October)
- $200 per person during low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December)
Congo offers trekking in Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorillas. Permits can be booked directly through the parks or with the help of a trusted operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.
Important Note: What Gorilla Permits Do Not Cover
The cost of gorilla permits does not include accommodation, meals, transport or other expenses. When booking, ensure you get a detailed itinerary that outlines all inclusions and exclusions for your trip.
When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari for May
The ideal time to book your gorilla trekking adventure for May is at least three months in advance. To secure your spot and avoid missing out on essentials like gorilla permits, it’s best to start planning even earlier—up to a year ahead. If you’re considering trekking gorillas in May, feel free to contact us with your preferred dates and we’ll check the availability of permits and other services to help you plan your trip.
Once we confirm the availability of permits for your desired dates, we’ll notify you promptly via email. From there, we’ll guide you through the payment process, which involves transferring funds to our secure dollar account. We accept bank or wire transfers, as well as debit and credit card payments (note: card payments may incur a small surcharge).
To confirm your booking, we require full payment for the gorilla permits upfront, as these are the backbone of your gorilla trekking safari. The balance of your payment can be made up to three weeks before your safari begins, giving you ample time to organize the remaining logistics for your trip.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?
Trek Africa Gorillas is a registered and trusted tour operator in Uganda with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit database. This allows us to check the availability of permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and even for Rwanda and Congo. Unlike many other operators, we can view, hold and advise on gorilla permit availability at any time of day.
Once payment is received, we’ll send a representative to the UWA office in Kampala to make the payment and secure your permit. We’ll share a scanned copy of the receipt for your records. When the permits are printed, we’ll collect them and keep them safe until your safari begins. Your gorilla permit card contains all the necessary details and will be presented to park officials by your guide on the day of your trek.
What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Gorilla Trekking Packages for May?
At Trek Africa Gorillas, our gorilla trekking packages for May are all-inclusive, covering permits, accommodation and transport to and from Entebbe or Kigali. We handle all the details to ensure your safari is stress-free and expertly planned. Below is a breakdown of what’s included:
Gorilla Permit
A gorilla permit is mandatory for trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family, accompanied by experienced guides and rangers. The permit also includes park entry fees, ranger services and security during the trek.
Accommodation Options
We partner with top lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering budget, midrange and luxury options in regions like Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Our team regularly evaluates these lodges to ensure high-quality service. Based on your budget, we’ll recommend the best lodging option to meet your needs.
Transport
We provide comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for transportation to and from Bwindi. Our fleet includes luxury Land Cruisers for high-end clients and customized safari vans for budget-conscious travelers. All vehicles come with professional driver guides and complimentary drinking water.
Flying Into Kigali or Entebbe for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
You can choose to fly into Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trekking safari. Many travelers opt for Kigali due to the shorter drive to Bwindi. However, those flying into Entebbe will enjoy a scenic journey with stops at the equator and views of Uganda’s rolling hills and Ankole long-horned cattle. We provide seamless airport transfers and transportation to your trekking destination, no matter where you land.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?
Trek Africa Gorillas is a leading tour operator offering authentic, personalized and affordable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and exceptional service to ensure your gorilla trekking safari is a success. Our dedicated team is always ready to assist with planning and arrangements and our excellent reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor speak to the quality of our services.
Ready to plan your gorilla trekking adventure in May? Contact us today for expert guidance and to secure your permits for an unforgettable experience in Africa!
