Gorilla Trekking in the Low Season

Gorilla Trekking in the Low Season: Affordable Adventure with Trek Africa Gorillas

Looking to experience the magic of gorilla trekking without the crowds? The low season (March, April and May) is a fantastic time to visit Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a more serene and budget-friendly adventure. Trek Africa Gorillas is your expert guide to gorilla trekking during these months in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 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 help you plan and book the perfect trip.

Why Choose the Low Season for Gorilla Trekking?

The low season offers many benefits, especially for travelers from the northern hemisphere. With schools and universities on spring break, it’s the ideal time to explore Africa. And, because it’s a quieter period, you’ll enjoy discounted prices at hotels and with service providers, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Trek Africa Gorillas offers affordable and high-quality gorilla trekking tours, including both short and long safaris. You can explore Uganda, Rwanda or Congo or even combine all three countries for an extended adventure. Most of our safaris start and end in Entebbe but we also offer trips starting and ending in Kigali for those looking to visit both Uganda and Congo.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Africa is home to only four national parks where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Congo, you can also explore Kahuzi Beiga National Park for the unique experience of seeing Lowland Gorillas.

Before you go gorilla trekking, you’ll need to secure a permit for the park you plan to visit. Keep in mind that gorilla permits sell out quickly, especially in peak season (June to September), so it’s always a good idea to book your trip at least five months in advance.

Gorilla Permit Costs: Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

• Uganda: A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents and $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan). You can spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda offers an optional Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs $1500 per person, allowing you to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas.
• Rwanda: The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African citizens. This grants you one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Congo: In Congo, a gorilla permit for Virunga National Park costs $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October) and $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December). In Kahuzi Beiga National Park, the permit costs $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents and $20 for local residents.

How to Book Gorilla Permits

Booking your gorilla permit is an essential part of planning your trip. Permits can be purchased directly from the respective national park authorities or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas. We’re here to assist you with the booking process and ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

Please note that the cost of the gorilla permit does not include accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals or other expenses. Be sure to ask your tour operator for more details about your package and what is included in your trip.

Ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime? Book your low-season gorilla trekking safari with Trek Africa Gorillas today!

Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking in the Low Season

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure during the low season? The best time to secure your gorilla permits and plan your trek is at least three months in advance. However, for optimal availability and to avoid missing out on permits, we recommend booking your trip about a year in advance.

If you’re reading this now, simply send us your preferred trekking dates and we’ll check the availability of all services, including gorilla permits.

Once we confirm the availability of permits for your desired date in the low season, we will promptly notify you via email. If everything is set, we’ll guide you through the payment process. Payments can be made via bank transfer, wire transfer or debit/credit card (please note that credit card payments may incur a surcharge).

To secure your gorilla trekking experience with Trek Africa Gorillas, we require full payment for your gorilla permits upfront. The remaining balance for your safari must be settled at least three weeks before your departure. This arrangement ensures your gorilla permits are confirmed, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

What’s Included in Our Low-Season Gorilla Trekking Tours

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages, covering everything from gorilla permits to accommodation and transportation. Our goal is to make your trip as seamless and stress-free as possible. Here’s what’s included in our Spring holiday gorilla trekking tours:

• Gorilla Permit: The permit grants you one hour with a habituated gorilla family. This includes an informative talk from your guide, the services of a ranger guide and the presence of tourism police for your safety. The permit also covers park entry fees.
• Accommodation: We work with carefully selected lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe or luxury options, we can recommend the best lodges based on your budget.
• Transportation: Our fleet includes both luxury Land Cruisers for high-end clients and customized safari vans for a more affordable option. All vehicles are 4×4, perfect for navigating the rough terrain and come with drinking water and professional local guides.
• Airport Transfers: You can fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trek. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali to avoid the long drive from Entebbe. Whichever airport you choose, we’ll handle airport transfers and transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and What’s Not

A gorilla permit is essential for your trek. It is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and grants you access to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. The permit includes:

• One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
• The services of a ranger guide and tourism police
• Park entry fees for Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park
• Security services to ensure your safety

Please note, the permit does not cover accommodation, meals or flights. We’ll assist you in booking these additional services to create a complete package.

Lodging Options for Gorilla Trekking

Trek Africa Gorillas works with a range of lodges to suit every budget. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four regions—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo—and we offer at least two lodging options in each area. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe or luxury accommodations, we’ll recommend the best fit for your needs. Our team regularly assesses the lodges to ensure the highest quality and service standards.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in Low Season with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a trusted name for authentic and affordable gorilla trekking experiences. We offer accurate, up-to-date information and handle all the details to ensure your journey is hassle-free. Our expert team is always ready to assist with planning your trip, from gorilla permits to transportation and accommodation.

Ready to book your low-season gorilla trekking adventure? Contact us today and let us make your dream safari a reality!

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Tour?

Trek Africa Gorillas is one of the few registered and trusted Ugandan tour operators with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit database. We can check the availability of gorilla permits at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Congo) at any time of day or night. With this exclusive access, we can assist you in securing your gorilla permit quickly and efficiently.

Once payment is made, we will send a representative to the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala to process the permit and secure your booking. You will receive a scanned copy of the booking ID and receipt for your records. When the gorilla permits are printed, we will collect them from UWA and keep them safely in our office until the day of your trek. Your guide will present the permits to you on the day of your gorilla trek.