Visiting Gorillas in April

Visiting Gorillas in April

April is an excellent time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in organizing memorable gorilla trekking experiences tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the lush Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or the rugged Virunga National Park in DR Congo, we’ll help plan and book your trip seamlessly.

In April, you can also enhance your adventure by combining gorilla trekking with other exciting activities like wildlife safaris, boat cruises, or cultural experiences in savannah parks.

Why Visit Gorillas in April?

April falls within the low tourist season, offering unique advantages for travelers. During this period, accommodations and other safari services often come with discounted rates, making it a budget-friendly time to explore. Despite occasional rainfall, gorilla trekking in April remains a rewarding experience with lush green forests, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a range of affordable gorilla trekking tours, from short excursions to extended adventures. You can even combine your trip to trek gorillas in multiple countries for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in April

Gorilla trekking can be done in three countries that are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas:

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

Each of these parks requires a gorilla permit, so it’s important to book early to secure your spot, especially if you plan to trek during the peak season (June to September). For April visits, permits are generally more available, but booking at least five months in advance is still recommended.

Gorilla Permit Costs

Uganda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek.
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person.
• East African Citizens: $80 per person.

Uganda offers an exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, allowing you to spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas. This unique experience costs $1,500 per person.

Permits in Uganda can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or trusted operators like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Rwanda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek.
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person.
• East African Citizens: $200 per person.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for its well-organized trekking and exceptional conservation efforts. Permits are available through the Rwanda Development Board or reputable tour operators.

DR Congo

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas): $400 per person during high season and $200 during low season.
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas): $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for Congolese nationals.

Permits can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or with trusted operators like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Note: Gorilla permit costs do not include additional expenses such as accommodations, transport, meals, or park entry fees. It’s essential to review the full package details when booking your safari.

Starting Points for Gorilla Safaris in April

Most of our gorilla trekking safaris begin and end in Entebbe, Uganda. However, you can choose to start or finish your journey in Kigali, Rwanda, which allows for convenient access to both Uganda and DR Congo. This flexibility is perfect for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trek in April

To ensure you secure your spot for a gorilla trek in April, we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance. However, the earlier you reserve, the better! Planning ahead—ideally a year before your trip—helps secure your gorilla permit and ensures availability.

If you’re already thinking about trekking in April, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Let us know your desired travel dates, and we’ll check the availability of services, including gorilla permits, to help plan your unforgettable adventure.

Once we confirm availability for your dates, we’ll promptly notify you via email. If everything aligns, we’ll direct you to make the payment for your gorilla permit. Trek Africa Expeditions accepts payments via wire transfers, bank deposits, and debit/credit cards (note: card payments come with a small surcharge).

To confirm your trek, we’ll require full payment for the gorilla permits, securing your spot. The remaining balance for your trip will need to be paid three weeks before your safari. This ensures you have ample time to organize your finances, knowing that your gorilla permit is already secured.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we have exclusive access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database, which allows us to check the availability of permits in real-time for Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, as well as for Rwanda and DR Congo. Very few tour operators have this privilege, so we can provide you with up-to-the-minute information on availability.

Once payment is made, we’ll handle the necessary steps to obtain your permit. We’ll personally visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s head office in Kampala, where we’ll make the payment and receive a booking ID and receipt. We’ll send you a scanned copy of these documents for your reference. Once your permit is printed, we’ll securely store it at our office until your safari begins. On the day of your trek, your guide will provide you with the permit at Bwindi, where you’ll meet your gorilla family.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours in April

Our Trek Africa Expeditions gorilla trekking tours include everything you need for a stress-free, all-inclusive experience. From gorilla permits and comfortable accommodations to transportation to and from Entebbe or Kigali, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

Gorilla Permits

As mentioned earlier, a gorilla permit is essential for trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. The permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, during which you can take photos and videos (while following the rules and guidelines). The permit also covers the cost of the ranger guide and ensures your safety in the forest. Park entry fees for Bwindi or Mgahinga are also included and are valid for 24 hours on the day of trekking.

Accommodation

We work with a selection of carefully vetted lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious retreat, we’ll recommend the best options based on your preferences and budget. Bwindi is divided into four regions: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering a range of accommodations.

Transport

We provide comfortable, reliable transportation to and from Bwindi. Choose from our fleet of luxury 4×4 Land Cruisers for a more upscale experience or customized safari vans for a more budget-friendly option. All our vehicles are designed to handle Africa’s rugged terrain, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

Flights to Kigali or Entebbe

You’ll have the flexibility to fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trek. Many travelers opt to fly into Kigali to avoid the long drive from Entebbe. However, if you fly into Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, with opportunities to stop at unique spots like the equator and the rolling hills of Kigezi. Either way, we’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to and from Bwindi.

Why Book Your April Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are dedicated to providing authentic, memorable gorilla trekking experiences. We offer competitive pricing, expert guidance, and unparalleled service for your trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and beyond.

Here’s why you should choose us for your April gorilla trekking adventure:

• Exclusive Permit Access: As a registered and trusted Uganda tour operator, we have access to the UWA permit database, ensuring up-to-date availability.
• Tailored Tours: We customize every trip to meet your preferences, offering a variety of lodges and transport options.
• Expert Support: Our team is always available to assist with planning and offer helpful advice, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Ready to book your gorilla trek for April? Contact us today, and let’s start planning your dream adventure!