Visiting Gorillas in May

Visiting Gorillas in May: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Safari

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in May across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Whether you’re visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’re here to help plan and book your trip. You can also enhance your safari with visits to savannah parks for wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural encounters.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in May

May is considered a low season, meaning you can enjoy discounted rates on accommodations and services, making this the perfect time for a budget-friendly safari. Trek Africa Expeditions offers a variety of affordable gorilla trekking tours, both short and long, to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. You can even combine your visit across multiple countries to experience the best of each.

While most of our safaris begin and end in Entebbe, we also offer the option to start and finish your trip in Kigali, allowing you to explore both Uganda and Congo. Check out some of our affordable Uganda safaris starting and ending in Kigali on our website.

Best Places to Visit Gorillas in May

Gorilla trekking in Africa is limited to just a few countries that host the remaining mountain gorillas. These include:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi Beiga National Park (for lowland gorillas)

To trek in any of these parks, you must secure a gorilla permit. Once you’ve chosen your dates, we highly recommend booking your gorilla trekking experience as early as possible, especially for the peak season of June to September when permits tend to sell out quickly. We recommend booking at least 5 months in advance to secure your spot. Gorilla trekking permits can be obtained directly from the park authorities or through a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permit Costs and How to Get Them

Uganda Gorilla Permits

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents
• $80 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)
  With 17 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, there are 136 permits available each day for trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga. You can also opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where you’ll spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas for $1,500.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• $1,500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens
  Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily for trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Congo Gorilla Permits

• Virunga National Park: $400 for high season (mid-Dec to mid-Mar, Jun to Oct), $200 for low season (mid-Mar to mid-May, mid-Oct to mid-Dec)
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park: $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, $20 for local residents

You can purchase permits directly from the respective authorities or through Trek Africa Expeditions, a trusted tour operator with access to real-time permit availability.

When to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in May

The best time to book your gorilla trek for May is at least 3 months in advance, though we recommend planning your trip as early as possible to avoid missing out on permits, especially for peak seasons. If you’re ready to book, simply send us your preferred travel dates and we’ll check availability for your selected services, including permits.

Once we confirm permit availability, you can secure your booking by making a payment. Trek Africa Expeditions accepts bank transfers, wire transfers, and credit/debit card payments (subject to a surcharge). Full payment for the gorilla permits is required to finalize the booking, with the balance due 3 weeks before your trip.

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

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages for a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re planning a spring holiday or simply want to visit the magnificent mountain gorillas, we take care of all the details—from booking your gorilla permit to arranging your accommodation and transport. Our goal is to make your safari as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on the adventure ahead. Let’s dive into the key components of our May gorilla trekking tours.

Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and Excluded

Your gorilla permit is your ticket to unforgettable wildlife encounters. Issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), this permit grants you access to the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. The permit includes:

• A one-hour encounter with a habituated gorilla family: During this time, you can take photos and videos.
• A professional guide: A knowledgeable ranger will lead your trek and offer insights about gorillas and the surrounding ecosystem.
• Security: Tourism police and armed rangers are on hand to ensure safety during your trek.
• Park Entry Fees: The cost includes entry to the park for 24 hours, which gives you access to the gorilla trekking experience.

Please note that the permit is only valid for the specified date, so it’s essential to plan ahead and book early. The permit doesn’t cover other expenses like accommodation, meals, and transport, but we’ll handle these for you.

Lodging Options for Visiting Gorillas in May

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we work with a variety of lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for a more luxurious experience, we’ve got you covered. Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, and each has options for different budgets. We carefully evaluate our partner lodges each year, visiting them personally and reviewing guest feedback.

When you tell us your budget, we’ll recommend the best accommodations for your needs, ensuring you get the best value for your money. From budget-friendly to deluxe and luxury options, our team is here to help you choose the right stay for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Our fleet of 4×4 vehicles includes both luxury Land Cruisers for premium clients and customized safari vans for those seeking a more affordable option. Regardless of your choice, all our vehicles are designed for the rough African terrain and are equipped with amenities like drinking water. Our experienced, professional driver-guides ensure a smooth, comfortable journey.

Flying to Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe, Uganda

For your convenience, we offer the option to fly into either Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda, depending on your itinerary. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali to visit Bwindi, as it cuts down on the travel time. If you choose to fly into Entebbe, you’ll enjoy a scenic road trip with stops at the Equator, long-horned cattle, and the picturesque hills of Kigezi.

Whatever airport you choose, Trek Africa Expeditions will handle your airport transfers and the transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Why Book Your May Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions stands out as one of the top tour operators for authentic, value-for-money gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We’re committed to providing timely, reliable information and delivering top-tier service throughout your gorilla trekking experience. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with every aspect of your trip—from planning and booking to answering any questions.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our TripAdvisor page for more reviews and detailed information about our services.

Ready to visit the mountain gorillas in May? Let us help you make your dream safari a reality!