Visiting Gorillas in March

Visiting Gorillas in March with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in March. Whether you’re planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip. Not only can you trek gorillas in these incredible locations, but we also offer the chance to explore other national parks for wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in March

March is considered a low season for travel, which means you can benefit from discounts offered by hotels and service providers. As a result, our March gorilla trekking tours are budget-friendly and perfect for travelers looking for an affordable yet memorable experience. We have a range of short and long safari packages available, visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. You can even combine gorilla trekking in all three countries.

Our tours typically start and end in Entebbe, but you also have the option of beginning and ending your safari in Kigali, allowing you to visit both Uganda and Congo. Browse through our listed safaris for the best deals.

Where to Trek Gorillas in March in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, each home to the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas. Here’s a quick guide to the parks you can visit:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo (where you can also see lowland gorillas)

A gorilla permit is required for entry into any of these parks. If you plan to trek in the peak seasons (June to September), we recommend booking your trip well in advance, as permits and services tend to sell out quickly. We suggest booking at least five months ahead for the best chance of securing permits during the busy season.

Cost and How to Obtain Gorilla Permits

Uganda Gorilla Permits

• Cost: $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for residents, $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)
• Details: A permit allows you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, so 136 permits are available each day for trekking.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 and gives you 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• Cost: $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, $200 for East African citizens
• Details: A permit allows you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, meaning 96 permits are available daily.

Congo Gorilla Permits

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas): $400 for the high season (mid-Dec to mid-Mar, June to Oct), $200 for the low season (mid-Mar to mid-May, mid-Oct to mid-Dec).
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas): $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, $20 for Congolese nationals.

To secure your permit, you can either book directly with the respective parks or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour for March

The best time to book your March gorilla trek is 3 months in advance. However, we highly recommend planning ahead and booking as early as possible (ideally a year in advance) to ensure you don’t miss out on permits.

Once you send us your preferred trekking dates, we’ll check permit availability. If everything looks good, we’ll send you a payment link, and once payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and send you a receipt for confirmation.

Trek Africa Expeditions is a registered and trusted tour operator with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permit database. We can check availability in real time, so you can count on us to secure permits quickly and efficiently.

Payment and Confirmation

To confirm your booking, we’ll ask for payment in full for the gorilla permits. The remaining balance for your safari can be paid 3 weeks before departure. Once we receive payment, we’ll collect your permit cards from UWA and keep them safely until the start of your trek.

Our secure payment methods include bank transfers, debit/credit card payments (with a small surcharge), and wire transfers. Once your permits are secured, we’ll send you all the necessary documents for your trip.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours for March

At Trek Africa Expeditions, our gorilla trekking packages for the March spring holidays are fully inclusive, covering everything from gorilla permits and accommodations to transport to and from Entebbe or Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We understand that planning a safari can be overwhelming, so we’re here to handle all the details, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for you. Let’s take a look at what’s included in our March gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and Excluded

As mentioned earlier, a gorilla permit is a must for trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. If you’re planning to visit during the spring holidays to see the incredible mountain gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi, reach out to us today to secure your permit. The permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are valid for a specific date, allowing you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family.

During this hour, you can take photos and simple videos, and your guide will share insightful information about the gorillas and the surrounding ecosystem. Also included in your permit are the services of a ranger guide and tourism police for safety. These guides carry firearms, typically an AK47, to ensure your security against any potential threats along the way. The park entry fees for Bwindi and/or Mgahinga National Park are also covered by the gorilla permit, which is valid for 24 hours.

Accommodation Options for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in March

Trek Africa Expeditions works with top lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your budget and preferences, we offer a range of options from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. Bwindi has four main sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. In each sector, we partner with at least two lodges per category. We monitor their services regularly to ensure they meet the high standards our clients deserve. Just let us know your budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for you.

Comfortable Transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We ensure your comfort with our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers for premium clients and customized safari vans for those who prefer a more affordable option. All our vehicles are designed to handle Africa’s rough terrains and come with bottled water for your convenience. Our highly trained and professional local driver guides will ensure that your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Flying to Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda)

You have the flexibility to fly into either Kigali or Entebbe for your gorilla trek. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali as it shortens the drive to Bwindi, but others enjoy the scenic route from Entebbe, with stops at interesting landmarks like the equator crossing and Kigezi’s rolling hills. Whichever airport you choose, we’ll assist with all your airport transfers and transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

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

Trek Africa Expeditions has earned a reputation as a trusted tour operator offering memorable and affordable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We’re committed to providing timely, accurate information to help you plan your trip with confidence. Our team is always on standby to assist with your arrangements and offer you the best options for visiting gorillas in March.

For more details, visit our TripAdvisor page or get in touch with us today to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure!