Visiting Gorillas in June

Visiting Gorillas in June: Your Ultimate Guide

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in June, whether you’re visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or Congo’s Virunga National Park. Simply let us know where you want to go, and we’ll handle the planning and bookings for your trip. During your June trek, you can also include visits to other wildlife-rich savannah parks, enjoy boat cruises, or immerse yourself in local cultural encounters.

Why June is the Perfect Time for Gorilla Trekking

From June to September, the northern hemisphere experiences summer, with schools and universities on break and the days getting longer and warmer. While many holidaymakers flock to beaches, why not take a different approach? This summer, experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Africa. Trek Africa Expeditions offers affordable and high-quality gorilla tours for travelers from the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia, with unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in June

June marks the high season for gorilla trekking, so it’s essential to book your trip well in advance, especially since gorilla permits are in high demand during this time. Trek Africa Expeditions offers a variety of affordable, pre-packaged tours on our website, with both short and long safari options. Choose your destination, whether Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, or even combine multiple countries in one incredible journey.

Our safaris typically start and end in Entebbe, but we also offer trips starting and ending in Kigali, allowing you to explore both Uganda and Rwanda. Be sure to check out our selection of tours that depart from Kigali for the perfect multi-country adventure.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

The only remaining mountain gorillas live in four national parks across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here’s where you can find them:

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

To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit. As these permits are in high demand, especially during the peak months of June to September, we recommend booking your trip at least 5 months in advance. Gorilla permits can be obtained directly from the national park authorities or through a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost of Gorilla Permits

Here’s a breakdown of the cost for gorilla permits in each country:

• Uganda:
  • $800 for foreign non-residents per trek
  • $700 for residents
  • $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)
  • Uganda offers 17 habituated gorilla family groups, with 136 permits available daily. For a more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas for $1500.
• Rwanda:
  • $1500 for foreign non-residents per trek
  • $500 for foreign residents
  • $200 for East African citizens
  • Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, offering 96 permits per day.
• Congo:
  • Virunga National Park (mountain gorillas):
    • $400 during the high season (June to October, mid-December to mid-March)
    • $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December)
  • Kahuzi Biega National Park (lowland gorillas):
    • $400 for foreign non-residents
    • $200 for East African residents
    • $20 for national residents

When booking your gorilla permit, note that the price only covers the trek and does not include accommodation, flights, transportation, meals, or other expenses. Be sure to confirm all details with your tour operator.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in June

Planning your gorilla trek in June? The best time to book is at least 3 months in advance to secure your permits and ensure availability. However, we recommend booking up to a year in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointments, especially since permits can sell out quickly. If you’re considering a trek in June, reach out to us with your preferred travel dates, and we’ll check availability for all services, including gorilla permits.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trek in June

Once we confirm the availability of permits for your chosen dates in June, we’ll notify you right away via email. If everything looks good, you can proceed with the payment. We accept payments via bank transfers, wire transfers, and credit/debit cards (note: a surcharge applies for card payments). To confirm your gorilla trek, we require full payment for your permits upfront to secure your spot. The balance of the trip can be paid up to 3 weeks before your safari begins, giving you ample time to organize your remaining travel plans with peace of mind.

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few tour operators with direct access to Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database. This allows us to check the availability of permits in real-time for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and even Rwanda and Congo. With our expertise and connections, we can advise you on the availability of permits and hold them for you until the payment is completed.

Securing Your Gorilla Permit

Once payment is made, we’ll handle all the logistics. We’ll send someone to the Uganda Wildlife Authority head office in Kampala to finalize the booking and collect your official receipt and booking ID. After receiving the physical permits, we’ll safely store them until your trekking day. Your guide will present the permit to the park authorities on your behalf during your trek.

What’s Included in Your Gorilla Trekking Package

When you book a gorilla trekking tour with Trek Africa Expeditions, everything is taken care of. Our packages are fully inclusive, covering gorilla permits, accommodation, and transport from Entebbe or Kigali to the park. This ensures a stress-free, seamless experience for you.

Gorilla Permits

A gorilla permit is essential for your trek and grants you access to the national park for a one-hour encounter with a mountain gorilla family. Permits are only valid for the date booked, so make sure to choose your trekking day wisely.

Your gorilla permit covers:

• One hour with the gorillas: Spend time observing and photographing these magnificent creatures.
• Services of a ranger guide: Your expert guide will lead you safely through the forest.
• Security: Tourism police will accompany the group to ensure safety, and armed rangers are present to protect you from any wildlife encounters.
• Park entry fees: These are included in your permit and are valid for 24 hours.

Accommodation Options

We partner with a variety of lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so you can choose accommodations based on your budget. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury options, we will recommend the best lodge based on your preferences. Bwindi’s four regions (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo) each offer excellent choices in all categories.

Transport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We provide reliable and comfortable transport to and from the park. Our fleet includes both luxury Land Cruisers for high-end clients and customized safari vans for a more budget-friendly yet comfortable experience. All our vehicles are 4x4s, perfect for Uganda’s rugged terrain. Our professional local driver guides ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey, with water provided for your comfort.

Flying Into Kigali or Entebbe

You can fly into Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda), depending on your travel plans. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali to access Bwindi more quickly. However, flying into Entebbe offers a scenic drive with opportunities to stop at the equator and enjoy views of Uganda’s stunning countryside. We’ll handle all airport transfers and arrange transport to Bwindi National Park, no matter which airport you choose.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trek in June?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted leader in providing high-quality, authentic gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We are committed to offering accurate, up-to-date information, personalized service, and expert guidance throughout your trip. Our team is ready to assist with every aspect of your journey, ensuring that your gorilla trekking safari is memorable and hassle-free.

Ready to plan your June gorilla trek? Contact us today for more information or visit our TripAdvisor page to read reviews from our satisfied clients. We look forward to helping you experience the magic of mountain gorillas in Africa!