Visiting Gorillas in November

Visiting Gorillas in November

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking trips to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in November. Whether you’re heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’ll handle all the details for you. You can also extend your trip to explore other African gems, such as savannah national parks, wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural experiences.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in November

November is considered a low season, which means you can take advantage of discounts offered by hotels and service providers. This makes November the perfect time for budget-friendly gorilla trekking tours. Trek Africa Expeditions offers various affordable packages, from short treks to extended safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. You can even combine gorilla trekking in multiple countries, depending on your preferences.

While most of our safaris begin and end in Entebbe, we also offer packages starting and ending in Kigali, allowing you to visit both Uganda and Congo. Browse our Uganda safaris starting and ending in Kigali for more details.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is an experience you can have in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, all of which are home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. The top national parks for gorilla trekking are:

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

A gorilla permit is required to trek in any of these parks. We highly recommend booking your gorilla trekking trip well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak seasons (June to September). Early bookings help secure your spot and your gorilla permits, as they sell out quickly.

Costs and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs:

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

This permit gives you one hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families, so 136 permits are available daily. You can also opt for a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where a permit costs $1,500 and allows you to spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of researchers.

Gorilla permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Costs and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is:

• $1,500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, which is home to 12 gorilla families. A total of 96 permits are available each day. Permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Costs and How to Get Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas) is available in Congo. The costs are as follows:

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 during peak season (mid-December to mid-March, June to October)
  • $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December)
• Kahuzi Biega National Park:
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

Gorilla permits can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Trip for November

It’s always a good idea to book your gorilla trekking trip at least 3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit in November. To secure your gorilla permits and other services, we recommend booking 5 to 6 months ahead of your travel dates.

If you’re planning to visit in November, let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll check the availability of gorilla permits and other services for you. Once we confirm availability, we’ll guide you through the payment process. You can pay through wire transfer, debit/credit card (note that a small surcharge applies), or directly to our bank account.

How We Secure Your Gorilla Permits

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few tour operators with access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit database. This allows us to check availability in real time and hold permits for you. Once your payment is confirmed, we will secure your permits, get the booking ID, and send you the receipt for your records.

Your gorilla permit will be issued in your name and will include all the necessary details. On the day of your trek, your guide will have the permit ready for you.

What’s Included in Our Gorilla Trekking Tours for November?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on offering hassle-free, all-inclusive gorilla trekking experiences during the autumn and fall seasons. Whether you’re traveling to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we take care of every detail, from gorilla permits to transport and accommodation. Our goal is to make your holiday stress-free, so you can fully enjoy the experience of visiting mountain gorillas in the wild. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in your unforgettable November trek:

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

A gorilla permit is essential for your trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, where the endangered mountain gorillas live. The permit grants you the opportunity to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family, with the guidance of a professional ranger.

The permit includes:

• One hour with the gorillas: You’ll have the chance to observe these incredible animals up close, take photos, and record videos.
• Ranger guide services: A qualified guide will lead your trek and provide insights about gorillas and the forest ecosystem.
• Security: A tourism police officer and a ranger carrying a firearm will accompany your group to ensure safety during your trek.
• Park entry fees: These fees cover access to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park for 24 hours.

Please note: The permit is only valid for the date you’ve booked. Make sure to book early as permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Lodge Options for Your Stay

Trek Africa Expeditions works with a selection of lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering options that fit various budgets, from budget to deluxe to luxury accommodations. We recommend the best places to stay, whether you’re in Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo – the four regions of Bwindi.

Our lodges are carefully selected and regularly assessed for quality. We also consider guest reviews to ensure you’re getting the best experience. Just let us know your budget, and we’ll suggest the perfect options for you.

Comfortable Transport to and from Bwindi

Traveling through Africa’s rugged terrain requires the right vehicle. Trek Africa Expeditions operates a fleet of 4×4 luxury Land Cruisers and customized safari vans, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter your budget. Our vehicles are stocked with drinking water and driven by professional, local guides who will make sure you get to your destination safely and comfortably.

Whether you’re flying into Kigali or Entebbe, we handle all your transfers. Many of our guests choose to fly into Kigali to minimize the drive time to Bwindi, but for those flying into Entebbe, we offer scenic drives that take you through beautiful landscapes, including a stop at the Equator.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the leading tour operators for authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the perfect choice for your November adventure. With us, you’re guaranteed:

• Reliable and up-to-date information to plan your trip with confidence.
• Personalized service: We assist with all aspects of your trip, from permits to transportation to accommodation.
• Trusted tour operator: As a registered operator, we have direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permit database, so we can secure permits quickly and efficiently.

Let us take care of the details so you can focus on making unforgettable memories with the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.

For more information or to book your tour, contact Trek Africa Expeditions today, or visit our TripAdvisor page for additional reviews and details about visiting gorillas this November.