Visiting Gorillas in February

Visiting Gorillas in February with Trek Africa Expeditions

Planning a trip to see the magnificent mountain gorillas in February? Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you organize a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or Congo’s Virunga National Park. Let us know which destination you’d prefer, and we’ll assist with planning and booking your trip.

In February, you can enhance your gorilla trekking adventure with visits to other national parks for wildlife safaris, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in February

February is a peak travel season, often associated with romantic getaways. Many travelers choose this time to surprise their loved ones with a unique gorilla trekking experience. Since it’s a busy month, we recommend booking early to secure your gorilla permits and avoid disappointment. Trek Africa Expeditions offers affordable gorilla trekking tours, ranging from short trips to longer safaris, with options to explore Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. You can even combine treks across different countries for a diverse adventure.

Most of our safaris begin and end in Entebbe, Uganda, but we also offer tours that start and end in Kigali, Rwanda. Explore our listed safaris that begin in Kigali for a seamless experience.

Where to Visit Gorillas in February

Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. The key parks are:

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

Additionally, you can see Lowland Gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park. A gorilla permit is required to visit any of these parks, so it’s essential to book in advance. We suggest booking your trek 5 months ahead of your trip, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season (June to September).

Gorilla Permit Costs and Booking in Uganda

• Uganda: A gorilla permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, and $80 for East African citizens. This allows you to spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, providing 136 permits daily.
• For a longer, more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1500 per person and lets you spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas.

You can book permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permit Costs and Booking in Rwanda

• Rwanda: The cost of a gorilla permit is $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families, offering 96 permits daily.

Permits can be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board or via Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permit Costs and Booking in DR Congo

• Congo: A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person during high season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October) and $200 during low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December).
• For Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.

Permits can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or via Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Note on Gorilla Permits

The price of a gorilla permit does not include accommodation, airfare, transportation, meals, or other expenses. Make sure to confirm the full package details with your tour operator.

When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in February

We recommend booking your gorilla trek at least 3 months before your trip to ensure availability, particularly in the busy months of February. It’s always best to plan ahead, especially if you want to secure specific dates for trekking. If you’re reading this now, send us your desired travel dates, and we’ll check availability for permits and other services.

Once we confirm availability, we’ll guide you through the payment process. For gorilla permits, we accept bank transfers, wire transfers, and debit/credit card payments (with a small surcharge for card payments).

To finalize your booking, we’ll request full payment for your gorilla permits to secure them. The remaining balance can be paid 3 weeks before the start of your trip.

What’s Included in Our February Gorilla Trekking Tours

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we ensure that your gorilla trekking experience is stress-free and unforgettable. Our all-inclusive packages cover everything from gorilla permits to accommodation, and transport to and from Entebbe or Kigali, all the way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We take care of every aspect of your trip so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that experts are handling the details. Let’s break down the components of our February gorilla trekking tours.

Gorilla Permit: What’s Included and Excluded

Planning to visit Africa and trek to see the mountain gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga? Contact us early to secure your gorilla permit, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak travel months like February.

A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and grants you access to the gorilla trekking experience. This permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga. The permit is only valid for the specified date, so be sure to be available on your trekking day. It includes park entry fees and the services of a ranger guide and tourism police, who ensure your safety in the forest. The guide, armed with a rifle (typically an AK47), helps protect against any stray animals.

During your one-hour encounter, you can take photos and videos (subject to guidelines), and enjoy an informative talk from your guide. Please make sure to follow the rules when interacting with these incredible creatures.

Accommodation Options for Your Gorilla Trek

Trek Africa Expeditions works closely with a selection of high-quality lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury accommodation, we’ve got you covered. Bwindi is divided into four main regions: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each offering different lodge options based on your preferences.

We personally evaluate these lodges to ensure they meet our standards for comfort and service. Tell us your budget, and we’ll recommend the best fit for you. Whether you’re after a cozy lodge or a luxury retreat, we’re here to assist you.

Comfortable Transport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Our fleet includes luxury Land Cruisers and customized safari vans, perfect for the African terrain. Both types of vehicles are 4×4, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. All vehicles are equipped with drinking water, and our professional driver-guides will make sure your journey is safe and enjoyable. Depending on your budget and preference, we’ll tailor your transport experience accordingly.

Flying into Kigali or Entebbe for Your Trek

You can choose to fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) to begin your gorilla trekking adventure. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali as it offers a shorter drive to Bwindi. However, flying into Entebbe provides the opportunity to enjoy scenic views, including a stop at the Equator and the famous long-horned cattle of Kigezi.

No matter which airport you arrive at, we’ll handle all airport transfers and transport to Bwindi, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure.

Why Book Your February Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted tour operator specializing in authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences. We have extensive knowledge and experience in organizing treks to Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Parks. Our team is always on hand to provide helpful information and arrange everything for your trek, from gorilla permits to accommodations.

Our customers rave about our services—check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to see why we’re the go-to company for gorilla trekking in February.

Get in touch with us today, and let us help you plan your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience!