Visiting Gorillas in August

Visiting Gorillas in August – Your Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safari

Trek Africa Expeditions organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in August, whether you’re headed to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or Congo’s Virunga National Park. Let us know which country you’d like to explore, and we’ll plan and book your ideal gorilla safari. In addition to gorilla trekking, you can enhance your August trip with visits to other national parks, offering wildlife safaris, boat cruises, and rich cultural experiences.

Why August is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

During the summer months of June, July, and August, many countries in the northern hemisphere enjoy school holidays and warm weather, making it the perfect time for a memorable vacation. While many holidaymakers flock to the beach, why not take this opportunity to venture into the heart of Africa and witness the rare mountain gorillas? If you’re traveling from the UK, USA, Europe, or Asia, Trek Africa Expeditions offers affordable, high-quality gorilla trekking trips to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Let us help you create an unforgettable summer adventure in Africa.

Book Early for August Gorilla Trekking

As August falls within the high season for gorilla trekking, it’s important to book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out on key experiences like gorilla permits. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a variety of pocket-friendly tours to meet every budget. Whether you’re looking for short treks or longer adventures, we’ve got you covered. You can also combine visits to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo for a truly unique and expansive gorilla trekking experience.

Our safaris usually start and end in Entebbe, but if you prefer, we can arrange for your trip to begin and end in Kigali, Rwanda. If you’re considering this option, check out our Uganda safaris starting in Kigali for a seamless travel experience.

Where to Trek Gorillas in August

Gorilla trekking is available in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which host the last remaining mountain gorillas. The four main national parks where you can track these incredible animals are:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Virunga National Park in Congo

In addition to mountain gorillas, Congo’s Kahuzi Beiga National Park offers the rare opportunity to see lowland gorillas. To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which should be secured in advance, especially during the high season. We recommend booking your trip at least five months ahead to ensure you get the dates and services you want.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in August

• Uganda: The standard gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, and $80 for East African citizens. A permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This permit costs $1,500.
• Rwanda: In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park hosts 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily.
• Congo: In Congo’s Virunga National Park, the high season permit for mountain gorillas costs $400, while in the low season, it’s reduced to $200. For the Kahuzi Beiga National Park (home to lowland gorillas), permits are priced at $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.

Please note that these permit prices exclude accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals, and other expenses. Be sure to discuss the full details of your package with your tour operator, such as Trek Africa Expeditions, to ensure you have a complete understanding of what’s included.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

Booking your gorilla trekking permit is crucial, and Trek Africa Expeditions can handle the process for you. We have access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board systems, allowing us to check availability in real time. Once your dates are confirmed, we’ll secure your permits and guide you through the payment process.

Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking in August

Planning your gorilla trek for August? The best time to reserve your spot is at least three months before your travel date. However, to secure your gorilla permits and avoid any last-minute rush, it’s always a good idea to book a year in advance. If you’re considering trekking in August, reach out to us with your preferred dates, and we’ll check the availability of gorilla permits and other services for you.

Once we know the availability of permits for your dates, we’ll notify you immediately via email. If the permits are available, we will guide you through the payment process. You can make your payment to our Dollar account via bank transfer, wire transfer, or debit/credit card (note that card payments may incur a surcharge, which we’ll inform you about).

To confirm your booking with Trek Africa Expeditions, we require full payment for your gorilla permits upfront. The balance of your trip must be settled three weeks before your safari begins. This allows you peace of mind knowing that your gorilla permits are secured, and your trip is confirmed.

As one of the few registered and trusted tour operators with access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database, Trek Africa Expeditions can check permit availability across Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks as well as Rwanda and Congo. We can help secure your permits and advise on availability anytime, day or night.

Once we receive your payment, we’ll handle the booking directly with UWA, and you’ll receive a receipt and booking ID. We’ll also keep your permits safe until the start of your trek. When it’s time to travel, your guide will present your permit at the park, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours for August

Our all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages are designed to make your African adventure stress-free. We take care of everything from your gorilla permit to accommodation and transport, ensuring you enjoy a seamless holiday.

Here’s what’s included:

• Gorilla Permit: Your permit gives you one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park. You’ll also receive a ranger guide, park entry fees, and security services from tourism police, including a ranger carrying a firearm for protection.
• Accommodation: Depending on your preferences and budget, we offer a range of lodges near Bwindi National Park, from budget options to luxury accommodations. We can recommend the best choice based on your budget and preferences.
• Transport: We provide comfortable transport in 4×4 vehicles, either luxury Land Cruisers or customized safari vans, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. Whether you fly into Entebbe or Kigali, we’ll arrange airport transfers and transportation to and from the park.

Where You’ll Stay During Your Trek

We work with a carefully selected range of lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury accommodations, we’ll match you with the best options. Bwindi has four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo—and we offer multiple choices in each region. We regularly visit and assess these lodges, so you can be sure of the quality of service you’ll receive.

Flights to Kigali or Entebbe

You can fly into Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trekking adventure. Many travelers opt for Kigali as it offers a shorter transfer to Bwindi. However, flying into Entebbe also allows you to enjoy scenic drives and stop at unique attractions like the Equator crossing. Regardless of where you fly, we’ll arrange all necessary airport transfers and transport to the park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your August Gorilla Trekking Tour?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the leading operators offering value-for-money, authentic gorilla trekking experiences. We provide timely, accurate information to help you plan your trek in August. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your trip to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo is unforgettable. For more details and customer reviews, visit our TripAdvisor page.

Let us take the hassle out of planning your gorilla trekking adventure—contact us today to book your spot!