
Gorilla Trekking in Autumn
November 18, 2024
Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Rwanda
November 18, 2024Gorilla Trekking in Winter: Your Ultimate African Adventure
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences during the winter months at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. During your winter safari, you can also explore other savannah national parks, enjoy wildlife viewing, embark on scenic boat cruises and experience vibrant cultural encounters.
As winter sets in each year, many parts of the northern hemisphere experience cold weather, with some regions even seeing snow or ice. For those looking to escape the chill and soak up the warmth of Africa, Trek Africa Gorillas offers the perfect solution with exciting gorilla trekking trips in Uganda and Rwanda.
If you’re based in the UK, USA, Europe or Asia and are considering an African winter holiday, look no further! We offer affordable and high-quality winter gorilla trekking tours to see the rare mountain gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Affordable Winter Gorilla Trekking Tours
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer a range of pocket-friendly winter tours that cater to both short and extended gorilla safaris. Our winter packages allow you to experience the majestic gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Here are some of our popular short winter gorilla trekking tours:
- 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
- 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
- 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Safari
- 5-Day Gorilla and Game Safari
- 7-Day Gorilla Trekking and White Water Rafting
- 10-Day Uganda Primates and Game Safari
If you prefer to start and end your safari in Kigali, Rwanda, we also offer several options, including:
- 2-Day Gorilla Safari from Kigali
- 3-Day Gorilla Tour from Kigali
- 5-Day Gorilla and Game Safari from Kigali
- 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Safari from Kigali
For more details about these winter gorilla trekking trips, feel free to contact us via phone, email or WhatsApp for quick answers.
Winter Gorilla Habituation Experience
If you’re looking to spend more time with the mountain gorillas and avoid multiple short treks, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is the perfect choice. This exclusive experience allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, providing a deeper and more personal connection with these incredible animals. If you’re short on time but still want a meaningful gorilla encounter, this experience is ideal for you.
We offer both budget and luxury gorilla habituation tours that can start and end in either Entebbe or Kigali. Some of our popular winter gorilla habituation safaris include:
- 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari
- 5-Day Gorilla and Chimp Safari
- 5-Day Gorilla Habituation and Game Safari
If you’re flying into Kigali, you can enjoy a shorter 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park instead of the longer 9-10 hour journey from Entebbe. For those interested, we offer:
- 2-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari from Kigali
- 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Safari from Kigali
Why not combine your gorilla habituation experience with other sightseeing activities? We can help plan an itinerary that includes the best of Uganda and Rwanda.
Budget-Friendly Student Gorilla Trekking Tours and Winter Holiday Trips
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we understand that students often have more time to travel during the winter months, as most schools and universities are on holiday. We also know that students typically have a limited budget, which is why we’re here to help. If you’re part of a university, school or organization planning a student group tour to Africa, we’ve got you covered! We’ll work with your budget and tailor the experience to meet the unique needs of your group.
Whether you’re looking for an educational study tour or simply want to experience the adventure of gorilla trekking in Africa, Trek Africa Gorillas is ready to make it happen. We’ll ensure your trip is affordable, yet full of value, allowing you to explore the breathtaking wildlife of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and other amazing destinations in Uganda and Rwanda. Contact us today to learn more about our budget-friendly winter holiday gorilla trekking tours.
When is the Best Time to Book Your Winter Holiday Gorilla Trekking Safari?
The best time to book your winter holiday gorilla trek is right now. We recommend planning and booking your gorilla trekking trip about a year in advance, especially for the busy winter months, to ensure availability of gorilla permits. If you’re thinking about trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, reach out to us with your travel dates and we’ll check availability for you.
Once we confirm the number of gorilla permits for your preferred travel dates, we’ll promptly notify you via email. If everything looks good, we’ll guide you through the payment process. Trek Africa Gorillas accepts payments through bank transfers, wire transfers and debit/credit cards (note: card payments may incur a surcharge, which we’ll communicate to you).
To confirm your booking, we’ll ask for payment in full for your gorilla permits to secure your spots. The remaining balance is due three weeks before your trip. This arrangement allows you to plan your finances while ensuring your gorilla permits are already booked and confirmed.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Winter Holiday Gorilla Trekking?
As one of the few registered and trusted tour operators in Uganda, Trek Africa Gorillas has access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permit database, allowing us to check availability in real-time. Unlike many tour operators, we can view, hold and secure gorilla permits directly from the UWA portal.
Once your payment is confirmed, we’ll visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kampala to process your permit and provide you with a receipt and booking ID. We’ll also send you a scanned copy of the receipt for your records. When your gorilla permits are printed, we’ll safely store them at our office until the day you begin your gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will have your permit ready on the trekking day and you’ll only need to present it at the park entrance.
What’s Included in Our Winter Holiday Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages?
Our winter holiday gorilla trekking tours include everything you need for a stress-free safari experience. From gorilla permits to accommodation and transportation, we handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Gorilla Permit – What’s Included
The gorilla permit is your ticket to an unforgettable experience with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This permit includes:
- 1 hour of close interaction with a habituated gorilla family
- The services of an experienced ranger guide and tourism police to ensure safety
- Park entry fees for the national park, valid for 24 hours
- The opportunity to take photos and videos during your trek (just be sure to follow the gorilla trekking guidelines)
The gorilla permit is only valid for the date you book, so make sure your travel plans align. Once you’ve booked, we’ll secure your permit to guarantee your spot.
Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit: What’s Included and Excluded
If you want to spend more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is a perfect choice for you. Unlike the standard gorilla trekking permit, which allows just one hour with the gorillas, the Gorilla Habituation Experience lets you spend up to four hours with these amazing creatures while they’re still undergoing the habituation process. This offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with gorillas in a way that few others do.
Currently, there are two gorilla families in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park dedicated to the habituation experience. Additionally, reports suggest that another family is being habituated in the northern section of the park, which caters to those staying near Buhoma and Ruhija.
When you take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you’ll receive a certificate to confirm your visit and contribute to the conservation of these endangered species. Part of your permit fee goes directly towards gorilla conservation, as well as supporting local communities through development projects like schools, hospitals and job creation.
What’s Included and Excluded in the Gorilla Habituation Experience
While the gorilla permit includes your time with the gorillas, a ranger guide and park entry fees, it does not cover accommodation or transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But don’t worry! Trek Africa Gorillas will handle all your accommodation and transport needs to ensure your gorilla trekking experience is seamless and stress-free.
Accommodation Options for Your Winter Holiday Gorilla Trek
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we work with a selection of handpicked lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and we’re happy to recommend the perfect one based on your budget and preferences. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, deluxe or luxury lodges, we have options in all four sections of the park: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.
Each year, we assess and visit these lodges personally to ensure their quality and service. We also check guest reviews to make sure you’re getting the best possible experience. Just let us know your budget and we’ll advise you on the best options. Your dream stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just a phone call or email away!
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Trek Africa Gorillas offers reliable transportation options to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We operate a fleet of luxury 4×4 land cruisers for our high-end clients, as well as customized safari vans for those on a budget who still want a comfortable ride. All our vehicles are designed to handle the rugged terrain of Africa, equipped with drinking water and driven by professional local guides to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Flying into Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda
When you book your winter gorilla trekking safari with us, you can choose to fly into either Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali because it’s closer to Bwindi and avoids long drives. However, flying into Entebbe offers a scenic drive, where you can stop to see the Equator, Ankole long-horned cows and the beautiful rolling hills of Kigezi.
Whichever airport you choose, Trek Africa Gorillas will take care of airport transfers and ensure your transportation to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is hassle-free.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Winter Gorilla Trekking Adventure?
Trek Africa Gorillas is a leading tour operator specializing in authentic, value-for-money gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. We pride ourselves on providing reliable and up-to-date information to help you plan your gorilla trekking experience in Africa. Our team is always available to assist with all aspects of your trip and we encourage you to check out our TripAdvisor page for reviews and additional information on winter gorilla trekking.
Let us help you create a memorable and life-changing experience in the wilds of Africa.




