Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you looking to book last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda? Many travelers have questions about how to secure gorilla permits, the cost of trekking and the best time to visit. In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and show you how to easily book your gorilla trekking adventure at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

How to Book Last-Minute Gorilla Permits for Uganda

Booking a last-minute gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is simple with Trek Africa Gorillas. Here’s how the process works:

1. Contact Us: Reach out via email at info@trekafricagorillas.com with your preferred trekking dates.
2. Permit Availability Check: We’ll check the availability of gorilla permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority for your desired dates.
3. Payment and Confirmation: Once permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice. After receiving your payment, we’ll secure the gorilla permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person for gorilla trekking.
• Uganda Residents: $700 per person.
• East African Citizens: $80 per person (for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan citizens).

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

If you’d like to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi Forest. This unique experience costs $1,500 and lets you spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers.

Where Else Can You Trek Gorillas in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is possible in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park.
• Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas).

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda and DR Congo

• Rwanda:
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person.
  • Foreign Residents: $500 per person.
  • East African Citizens: $200 per person.
• DR Congo:
  • Virunga National Park: $400 per person during high season (December to March, June to October) and $200 during low season (March to May, October to December).
  • Kahuzi-Biega National Park: $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents and $20 for national residents.

Age Limits and Accessibility for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure for many ages but there are some restrictions to consider. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years and the maximum age is generally 85 years, depending on your fitness level.

For older travelers or those with mobility challenges, gorilla trekking is still possible in Bwindi Forest. Thanks to the availability of sedan chair carriers, you can be carried by porters if trekking on foot is difficult. These chairs can be hired in advance or on the day of the trek, costing between $400–$500.

Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking Cancellation Policy

When booking your gorilla permit, it’s important to note the cancellation policy:

• Cancellation Penalties: If you cancel within 0–8 days of your trek, you will not receive a refund for your permit.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed year-round but the best time to visit is during the drier months from January to February and June to early September. These months offer:

• Easier access to the parks.
• Better visibility of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Preparing for your gorilla trek means packing for varying weather and terrain. Here’s a recommended packing list to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

• Comfortable hiking boots (sturdy and waterproof)
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight with extra batteries
• Water bottle for hydration
• Camera (don’t forget extra lenses and memory cards)
• Long-sleeve shirt and long trousers to protect against nettles, ants and undergrowth
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands while trekking
• Rain jacket (rain can be unexpected)
• Sweater/fleece (temperatures may drop in the forest)
• Swimwear (if visiting lodges with pools)
• Binoculars (for bird or wildlife watching)

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

When booking your last-minute gorilla trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas, you benefit from:

• Personalized service focused on your safety and enjoyment.
• Eco-friendly packages supporting sustainable travel.
• A passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable safari experiences while aiding local communities and conservation.

Book your gorilla trekking tour with Trek Africa Gorillas and experience the wild beauty of Uganda with peace of mind. Contact us today for last-minute bookings!