Gorilla Trekking on Christmas

Gorilla Trekking on Christmas: A Magical Holiday Experience

Planning to make this Christmas unforgettable? Gorilla trekking during the holiday season is an extraordinary way to connect with nature and create lasting memories. At Excursia Adventures, we organize exceptional gorilla trekking tours in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Whether you’re looking for a short adventure or a more extensive safari, we’ve got you covered.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking at Christmas?

Christmas in Africa offers a unique opportunity to combine adventure with the holiday spirit. During this time, the northern hemisphere experiences holidays and many travelers look for an alternative to the typical beach getaway. Gorilla trekking provides an extraordinary chance to witness the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

You can also enhance your trip by including visits to other national parks for wildlife safaris, boat cruises, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re coming from the UK, USA, Europe, or Asia, Excursia Adventures offers personalized and affordable gorilla trekking tours tailored to your preferences.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking on Christmas

Gorilla trekking is available in three countries that are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas:

1. Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
2. Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park.
3. Congo – Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas).

Each destination offers a unique experience, but all require a gorilla permit to participate. Permits can sell out quickly, especially during the peak holiday season, so it’s best to book several months in advance.

Gorilla Permit Costs and Booking Information

Uganda

• Cost: $800 (Foreign Non-Residents), $700 (Foreign Residents), $80 (East African Citizens).
• Details: Uganda offers 23 habituated gorilla families, with permits available for both the standard one-hour trek and the extended Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas.
• Booking: Permits can be secured through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures.

Rwanda

• Cost: $1,500 (Foreign Non-Residents), $500 (Foreign Residents), $200 (East African Citizens).
• Details: Rwanda boasts 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, with permits granting a one-hour encounter.
• Booking: Permits are available through the Rwanda Development Board or through Excursia Adventures.

Congo

• Cost:
  • Virunga National Park: $400 (High Season), $200 (Low Season).
  • Kahuzi-Biega National Park: $400 (Foreign Non-Residents), $200 (Residents), $20 (Nationals).
• Details: Congo offers unique experiences, including treks to see mountain gorillas in Virunga and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega.
• Booking: Permits can be obtained directly from Virunga National Park or through Excursia Adventures.

Gorilla Permits and Payment Process

Once we confirm the availability of gorilla permits for your chosen dates, we’ll notify you promptly via email. Upon agreement, you’ll be directed to make payments into our secure Dollar account. We accept bank transfers, wire transfers, and debit or credit card payments (please note that credit card payments may include a small surcharge).

To confirm your booking, you’ll need to pay for your gorilla permits in full, as these are the cornerstone of your trip. The balance for your safari can be settled three weeks before your departure. This arrangement ensures your permits are secured well in advance, giving you peace of mind as you finalize other aspects of your travel.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Gorilla Permits?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted and registered tour operator in Uganda, with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permit database. This allows us to check real-time availability for permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and other regions in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Few operators have this capability, making us uniquely positioned to help you secure your permits efficiently.

Once your payment is processed, we’ll send a representative to the UWA office to finalize the transaction and retrieve your permit card. This card, containing all your trekking details, will be safely stored at our office until your safari begins. On the trekking day, your guide will present the permit on your behalf.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Christmas Packages?

At Excursia Adventures, we offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages to ensure a stress-free travel experience. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Gorilla Permits

Your permit covers:

• One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
• Park entry fees.
• Services of experienced rangers and armed guides for security.
• Informative briefings about the gorillas and their habitat.

For those looking for an extended experience, we also offer the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, allowing you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family.

2. Accommodation Options

We partner with carefully selected lodges in all four regions of Bwindi—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo—as well as in Mgahinga. Whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations, we’ll recommend the best options based on your preferences and budget.

3. Transport

We provide comfortable, 4×4 vehicles for transport to and from Bwindi or Mgahinga. Our fleet includes luxury Land Cruisers for premium travelers and customized safari vans for budget-conscious adventurers. All vehicles come with professional driver guides and complimentary drinking water.

4. Airport Transfers

You can choose to fly into Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) for your trip. Many travelers prefer starting their safari from Kigali to minimize driving time, while others enjoy the scenic journey from Entebbe, including stops at the equator and views of the stunning Kigezi hills.

Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking for Christmas

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure during Christmas, the ideal time to book is at least three months before your travel date in December. To avoid missing out on critical elements like gorilla permits, we recommend starting your arrangements even a year in advance. If you’re ready to plan your Christmas gorilla safari now, simply share your preferred travel dates with us, and we’ll help you secure permits and organize all the necessary services.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking on Christmas with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on delivering authentic and value-for-money safari experiences. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expertise: We specialize in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
• Transparency: Our team provides accurate and timely information to help you plan your trip confidently.
• Top-Notch Service: From securing permits to offering handpicked accommodations and reliable transport, we handle all aspects of your safari.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor reflect our dedication to exceptional service.

Ready to plan your Christmas gorilla trekking adventure? Contact us today, and let’s make your dream holiday a reality!