
Spending Christmas in Uganda
January 29, 2025
New Year’s Primate Safari in Uganda
January 29, 2025Gorilla Trekking on Christmas Day: An Unforgettable Holiday Adventure
Celebrate this Christmas in a truly unique way—on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. Trek Africa Gorillas organizes Christmas Day gorilla trekking safaris, taking you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to see the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking on Christmas Day
Gorilla trekking is available in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries host four national parks that are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas:
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
- Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas)
Each park offers a unique experience, with Uganda and Rwanda being particularly popular for their well-established trekking routes and experienced guides. Congo, while more off-the-beaten-path, offers a more adventurous experience, especially in Virunga where you can see both mountain and lowland gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
The cost of gorilla permits varies by country and here’s what you can expect:
Uganda Gorilla Permits
- Foreign non-residents: $800 per person
- Residents: $700 per person
- East African citizens: $85 per person
Uganda offers 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily for treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas. The cost for this experience is $1,500 per person.
Rwanda Gorilla Permits
- Foreign non-residents: $1,500 per person
- Residents: $500 per person
- East African citizens: $200 per person
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers 12 habituated gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily.
Congo Gorilla Permits
- Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas):
- High season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October): $400 per person
- Low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas):
- Foreign non-residents: $400 per person
- East African residents: $200 per person
- National residents: $20 per person
Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours on Christmas Day
December is a peak season for gorilla trekking, so booking early is crucial to secure your permits and avoid disappointment. Trek Africa Gorillas offers discounted Christmas Day trekking tours, featuring short and long safaris that take you across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
We offer packages that start and end in Entebbe, Kigali or even Congo, giving you the flexibility to explore more of these incredible countries. Check out our affordable tours for Christmas Day trekking and book your spot today!
Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking Tours for Christmas Day (25th December)
Planning a Gorilla trekking adventure for Christmas Day? We recommend booking at least one month in advance to secure your spot. Christmas is a peak travel time, so gorilla permits are in high demand. If you’re thinking about trekking this December, reach out with your preferred dates and we’ll check availability for you. Once confirmed, we’ll handle all arrangements to ensure your gorilla trek experience is seamless and memorable.
How to Book Your Christmas Day Gorilla Trekking Tour
Booking your gorilla trekking tour for Christmas Day is easy. Simply let us know which country you’d like to explore—Uganda, Rwanda or Congo—and we’ll help you plan and secure your trekking permits. Once your travel dates are confirmed, we’ll check for permit availability with the relevant authorities. After confirming your permits, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is processed, we’ll immediately secure your permits and send you a copy for your records.
Remember, permits for Christmas Day and other peak periods can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance!
How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit for Christmas Day
To ensure your gorilla trek is reserved for Christmas, we’ll check availability for your chosen dates. If the permits are available, we’ll notify you via email and guide you through the payment process. We accept wire transfers, debit and credit card payments (note: a surcharge applies for card payments). After payment, we’ll secure your gorilla permits and send you a receipt for your records. Payment for the balance of the tour is due three weeks before your safari.
Why Book Early with Trek Africa Gorillas?
As one of the few registered tour operators with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database, we can check and hold permit availability in real-time. This means that once we receive your payment, we’ll go directly to UWA to secure your permit and send you all the necessary documentation. With us, your Christmas Day Gorilla trek is in safe hands!
What’s Included in Your Christmas Day Gorilla Trekking Tour
When you book a Christmas Day Gorilla trek with Trek Africa Gorillas, everything is taken care of. From your gorilla permits to accommodation and transport, we provide an all-inclusive package to make your holiday stress-free. Let’s break it down:
- Gorilla Permits: These permits, issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, allow you to spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park. Your permit also covers park entry fees, a ranger guide and tourism police for your safety.
- Accommodation: We partner with top lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga, offering options across different budgets—budget, deluxe and luxury.
- Transport: Travel comfortably in our 4×4 vehicles, driven by experienced local guides. We’ll arrange your transfer to and from Entebbe or Kigali airports, as well as travel to and from the national parks.
Choosing the Right Lodge for Your Christmas Day Gorilla Trek
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four regions: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Depending on your budget, we’ll suggest the perfect lodge to make your stay comfortable. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly option or a luxury experience, we’ll ensure your choice meets your needs.
Flying to Uganda or Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
You have the option to fly into either Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda) for your gorilla trek. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali to reduce travel time and access Bwindi more easily. Whichever airport you choose, we’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to your gorilla trekking location.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Christmas Day Gorilla Trek?
Trek Africa Gorillas is a trusted name in African safaris, known for providing authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences. With our expert guidance, you’ll enjoy a stress-free holiday while supporting conservation and local communities. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience from start to finish.
For more information about our Christmas Day gorilla trekking tours, check our options or visit our Trip Advisor page for reviews and more details!




