Gorilla Trekking in September

Gorilla Trekking in September: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in September, Trek Africa Gorillas is your trusted partner in making this dream experience a reality. Whether you’re heading to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, we’ll help you plan, book and ensure a smooth journey. Besides trekking, you can enhance your adventure with wildlife safaris, boat cruises and cultural tours across various national parks.

Why September is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

September falls within the high season for gorilla trekking, with the weather being perfect for outdoor activities. Most countries in the northern hemisphere are on summer break, making it an ideal time for families, students and travelers to explore the wonders of Africa. While many people head for beaches, Trek Africa Gorillas offers an exciting alternative — a memorable summer holiday trekking with the rare mountain gorillas of Africa.

Are you based in the UK, US, Europe or Asia and want to spend some time in Africa during the summer? Look no further! We offer affordable, high-quality gorilla trekking trips that take you to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, where you’ll have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is available in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, which host the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Here are the key national parks you can visit:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. A permit allows you to spend an hour with the gorillas.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily. Rwanda offers a slightly higher price but provides a unique and well-organized trekking experience.
• DR Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas) offer thrilling trekking opportunities.

In all these parks, a gorilla permit is required to trek the gorillas. Since permits are in high demand, especially during peak seasons like June to September, it’s highly recommended to book your trip at least five months in advance.

Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

Uganda Gorilla Permit Fees

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens: $80 per person

Permits allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda has 136 permits available daily (17 family groups across two parks). For a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas and costs $1500 per person.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Fees

• Foreign non-residents: $1500 per person per trek
• Foreign residents: $500 per person
• East African citizens: $200 per person

This permit gives you one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With only 96 permits available daily, booking in advance is crucial.

DR Congo Gorilla Permit Fees

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • High season (June to October, mid-December to mid-March): $400 per person
  • Low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

Important Details About Gorilla Permits

It’s important to note that the cost of a gorilla permit does not cover additional expenses such as accommodation, transport, meals and flights. Be sure to inquire about these costs when booking with Trek Africa Gorillas.

When and How to Book Your September Gorilla Trekking Safari

Booking your gorilla trek in September should ideally be done at least 3 months in advance. To secure your gorilla permits and avoid last-minute stress, it’s best to begin planning up to a year ahead. If you’re reading this now, feel free to send us your preferred trekking dates and we’ll check the availability of permits and other services.

Once we confirm the availability of permits for your chosen dates, we’ll notify you right away via email. If everything aligns, you’ll be directed to make your payment to our bank account. We accept payments through bank transfers, wire transfers and debit/credit cards (with a small surcharge for card payments). After payment is received, we’ll secure your gorilla permits and send you a booking ID and receipt for your records.

We recommend paying for your permits in full to guarantee your booking. The remaining balance for the safari can be paid up to 3 weeks before your trip. With this arrangement, you can rest easy knowing your gorilla permit is secured and your trek is set.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Booking?

Trek Africa Gorillas is one of the few registered and trusted tour operators in Uganda with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database. This exclusive access allows us to check and secure gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda and Congo in real time. We can confirm availability at any time of day or night, making sure you don’t miss out on your preferred dates.

Once payment is made, we personally collect your permits from UWA and keep them safe until your trek. When you arrive at Bwindi, your guide will hand over your permit on the day of your trek.

What’s Included in Our September Gorilla Trekking Packages

All Trek Africa Gorillas packages for gorilla trekking include everything you need for a smooth and unforgettable experience. From gorilla permits and accommodations to transport, we’ve got it all covered. Our all-inclusive packages ensure you can relax and enjoy the adventure, knowing everything is taken care of.

What’s Included in Your Gorilla Permit

Your gorilla permit grants you the chance to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. During this time, you can take photos and videos (within the guidelines), learn from your guide and enjoy an incredible wildlife encounter. The permit also includes park entry fees and the services of a ranger guide for security and support. The guide will carry a firearm for safety, ensuring your trek is secure.

Lodging Options for Gorilla Trekking in September

We partner with a selection of highly-rated lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering options for various budgets: budget, deluxe and luxury accommodations. The park is divided into four regions: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo, with at least two accommodation options in each area. All of our lodges are regularly assessed and carefully chosen based on quality and customer feedback.

Tell us your budget and we’ll recommend the best lodging for your needs. Contact us anytime via phone or email for personalized advice.

Transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Gorillas operates a fleet of comfortable 4×4 vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers for high-end clients and customized safari vans for those seeking more affordable options. All vehicles are designed for Africa’s rough terrain and come with amenities like drinking water. Our professional, local driver guides ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.

Flying to Rwanda or Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

You can fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) to begin your gorilla trekking adventure. Many travelers choose Kigali for its proximity to Bwindi, reducing travel time. If you prefer to fly into Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s stunning countryside, including stops at the equator and the rolling hills of Kigezi. Regardless of the airport, we’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to and from Bwindi.

Why Book Your September Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is dedicated to offering genuine, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks. Our knowledgeable team ensures you receive accurate and timely information, making your planning process easy and stress-free. For more details, read our reviews on TripAdvisor or contact us directly for assistance with your September gorilla trek in Africa. We’re here to help you create an unforgettable experience!