Visiting Gorillas in January

Visiting Gorillas in January with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking trips in January across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whether you’re eager to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ve got you covered. Let us know your preferred destination, and we’ll take care of all the planning and bookings for you. Plus, you can enhance your trip by adding visits to other exciting national parks for wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours for January

January is a peak season for gorilla trekking, so booking your trip in advance is essential to secure your spot, especially when it comes to gorilla permits. Trek Africa Expeditions offers affordable gorilla trekking tours with both short and long options, allowing you to visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, or even combine treks across multiple countries. Our tours typically start and end in Entebbe, but we also offer the flexibility to begin and end your trip in Kigali, enabling you to visit both Uganda and Congo. Take a look at our listed safaris starting and ending in Kigali for more details.

Where to Visit Gorillas in January

The only remaining mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The four national parks that house these majestic creatures are:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park (Uganda)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
• Virunga National Park (Congo)

In Congo, you also have the opportunity to see Lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To trek gorillas, you’ll need to secure a permit, which is a must for any of the mentioned parks. We recommend booking your gorilla trek as early as possible, especially for the peak season, to ensure availability. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking your tour through a trusted operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for foreign residents
• $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

This permit grants you a one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily. You can also opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers. This experience costs $1500 per person.

You can book your permits directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs:

• $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily at Volcanoes National Park. You can book your permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board or via Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Congo

In Congo, you can track mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park:

• $400 per person for mountain gorillas in Virunga (high season: mid-December to mid-March, and June to October)
• $200 for the low season (mid-March to mid-May, and mid-October to mid-December)
• $400 for Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
• $200 for East African residents
• $20 for Congolese nationals

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

Best Time to Reserve Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in January

To ensure you secure your gorilla trekking permits in January, we recommend booking your trip at least 3 months in advance. However, to avoid disappointment, it’s always a good idea to plan your trek a year ahead, especially for peak months like January. If you’re reading this now and planning your trek for January, just let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll check availability for all services, including gorilla permits.

Once we confirm the availability of permits, we’ll promptly inform you by email. If you agree, we’ll guide you on how to make a payment via our secure bank account. We accept payments by wire transfer, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards (though card payments incur a small surcharge).

To secure your gorilla permits with Trek Africa Expeditions, we require full payment for the permits. The balance of your trip must be paid at least three weeks before your safari begins. This way, you can rest assured that your gorilla permit is already secured while you plan the remaining details of your trip.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours for Visiting Gorillas in January

At Trek Africa Expeditions, our Gorilla Trekking packages for those visiting in January are designed to offer a seamless and unforgettable experience. Our all-inclusive tours cover everything from gorilla permits, accommodation, to transportation to and from Entebbe or Kigali. We handle all the details of your journey so you can relax and focus on making lasting memories in the jungles of Africa. Let’s take a closer look at the key components of our January Gorilla Trekking tours.

Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and What’s Not

Planning to visit Africa this January to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga? Contact us today to secure your gorilla permit and avoid missing out due to high demand.

A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, granting you access to Bwindi or Mgahinga, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family, taking photos and videos, while your guide provides valuable insights into the lives of these magnificent creatures. Your permit also includes a professional ranger guide and the presence of tourism police to ensure your safety throughout the trek. The park entry fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park are also covered, valid for 24 hours. Please note, gorilla permits are only valid for the date specified, so make sure to be available on the day of your trek.

Choice of Lodging for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience

Trek Africa Expeditions collaborates with a selection of carefully vetted lodges located near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury accommodations, we’ll help you choose the perfect place to stay based on your preferences and budget. Bwindi is divided into four regions: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each region offers a variety of lodging options, and we ensure that the lodges we recommend provide excellent service, comfort, and an authentic African experience. We continuously monitor the quality of these lodges through guest feedback and our own visits. Simply share your budget with us, and we’ll find the ideal lodge for your stay.

Transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Expeditions operates a fleet of well-maintained, 4×4 vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers for high-end clients and customized safari vans for those on a budget but still seeking comfort. Our vehicles are specifically designed to handle Africa’s rough terrains, ensuring a smooth and safe journey. Each vehicle comes with drinking water, and all our drivers are professionally trained, providing you with an unforgettable travel experience.

Flying into Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe International Airport, Uganda

When visiting the gorillas in January, you have the option of flying into either Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda. Many of our clients prefer flying into Kigali due to the shorter drive to Bwindi. If you choose to fly into Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey that includes stops at interesting landmarks like the equator, long-horned cattle, and the rolling hills of Kigezi. No matter which airport you choose, we will assist with your airport transfers and ensure you have comfortable transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in January with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions has established itself as a leading tour operator, offering authentic and value-driven gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. We provide accurate, timely information and support to help you plan your gorilla trekking experience in January. Our team is always ready to assist you with your arrangements. For more information and testimonials from previous clients, visit our Trip Advisor page and see why Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted choice for your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa.