Visiting Gorillas in September

Visiting Gorillas in September: Your Ultimate Guide to Booking a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in September? Trek Africa Expeditions organizes unforgettable gorilla safari tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo. Whether you’re visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, we are here to help you plan and book your dream trip.

September falls during the peak travel season, making it an excellent time to experience gorilla trekking. With many countries in the northern hemisphere enjoying summer holidays, September is the perfect month to explore Africa’s remarkable mountain gorillas. While others might be relaxing at the beach, why not embark on a thrilling safari with Trek Africa Expeditions? We offer affordable and high-quality trekking tours tailored to your preferences.

Why September is a Great Time for Gorilla Trekking

During the summer months (June to September), most schools and universities in northern countries take a break, making it an ideal time for families and travelers to head to Africa. Instead of heading to the beach, why not immerse yourself in nature and witness the extraordinary mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? Trek Africa Expeditions offers a wide range of gorilla trekking packages that will allow you to visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. You can even combine treks in multiple countries for an even more memorable experience.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours for September

September is a busy season for gorilla trekking, so it’s essential to book your tour well in advance to secure your gorilla permits. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer budget-friendly trekking options that are perfect for travelers looking for value without compromising on quality. Whether you prefer short treks or multi-day safaris, we have various packages that can be customized to your needs.

We also provide the option to begin and end your safari in Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda. This flexibility allows you to explore both Uganda and Congo or even trek across multiple countries.

Best Gorilla Trekking Destinations in September

Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are home to the only remaining mountain gorillas, and each offers unique trekking experiences.

• Uganda: Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park to encounter the rare mountain gorillas. Uganda also offers the opportunity to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
• Rwanda: Trek the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes.
• Congo: Experience gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi Beiga National Park (for lowland gorillas).

Each of these parks requires a gorilla permit, which grants you access to the trekking experience. Due to the high demand during peak season, it’s always best to book your permits at least 5 months in advance to ensure availability.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan): $80 per person

A gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families, with a limited number of permits available each day (136 permits in total). For those seeking a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 per person and allows you to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Rwanda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person
• East African Citizens: $200 per person

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers an unforgettable experience with 12 habituated gorilla families. There are only 96 permits available each day, so booking in advance is crucial.

Gorilla Permit Costs in DR Congo

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • High season (June to October, mid-December to mid-March): $400 per person
  • Low season (March to May, mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $400 per person
  • East African Residents: $200 per person
  • National Residents: $20 per person

Congo’s Virunga National Park is home to mountain gorillas, while Kahuzi Beiga National Park offers the chance to encounter lowland gorillas.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

Please note that the cost of the gorilla permit does not include accommodation, flights, transport, meals, or other expenses. We recommend that you work with Trek Africa Expeditions to package your trip, as we handle all the logistics to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

For detailed information about our tours and available packages for gorilla trekking in September, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Whether you’re traveling from the UK, USA, Europe, or Asia, we’re here to help you make your gorilla trekking dreams come true.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in September

Booking your gorilla trek in September? It’s best to start planning 3 months in advance to ensure availability of gorilla permits and secure your spot. We recommend booking as early as possible—ideally a year ahead—so you don’t miss out. If you’re already reading this, let us know your preferred dates for trekking in September, and we’ll check availability for you.

Once we confirm availability, we’ll notify you via email. If everything looks good, we’ll guide you through the payment process. You can make payments to our secure dollar account through bank transfers, wire transfers, or debit/credit cards (though card payments carry a small surcharge, which will be communicated to you).

To confirm your gorilla trekking booking for September, we require full payment for your permits. The balance for the rest of your safari can be paid 3 weeks before departure. This ensures that your gorilla permits are secured while allowing you time to plan the rest of your trip stress-free.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted, registered Uganda tour operator with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) gorilla permit system. This means we can check permit availability at any time, day or night. Few operators can access this exclusive portal, making us one of the best options for booking your September gorilla trek.

Once payment is made, we’ll visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s office in Kampala to secure your permits and send you a receipt and booking ID. When your permits are printed, we’ll pick them up, keeping them safe for you until your trek begins. Your guide will hand you the permit upon arrival at the park on the day of your trek.

What’s Included in Your September Gorilla Trekking Tour

Our all-inclusive gorilla trekking tours in September cover everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable safari experience. This includes your gorilla permits, accommodation, and transportation to and from Entebbe or Kigali. We aim to provide a hassle-free holiday, so you can relax and enjoy your time with the mountain gorillas in the wild.

What’s Included in the Gorilla Permit

A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and grants you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. During this time, you’ll be able to take photos and videos (with some restrictions) and learn from your guide. The permit also includes the services of a trained ranger guide and tourism police, who ensure your safety during the trek. Park entry fees for Bwindi or Mgahinga are also covered.

Lodge Options for Your Stay

Trek Africa Expeditions partners with a range of accommodations around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your budget, we can recommend budget, deluxe, or luxury lodges to make your stay comfortable. Bwindi has four sectors—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo—and each sector offers a variety of lodging options. Our team visits these lodges regularly and keeps track of their quality and reviews, ensuring you have a great experience.

Transport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We offer comfortable, 4×4 vehicles for your journey to Bwindi, whether you choose a luxury Land Cruiser or a customized safari van. All vehicles are equipped for rough terrain and come with bottled water, so you can relax on the journey. Our experienced local driver guides will ensure you’re comfortable and safe throughout the trip.

Flying into Kigali or Entebbe

You have the option to fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trek. Many visitors choose Kigali to avoid the longer drive from Entebbe. From Kigali, it’s a shorter drive to Bwindi, while those flying into Entebbe will enjoy scenic views, including stops at the equator and views of the beautiful Kigezi hills. We’ll help with airport transfers and transportation to and from the park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your September Gorilla Trekking Trip?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the top operators for authentic, value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We provide timely, accurate information and are always available to help you with the planning process. Our experienced team is committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience when trekking with the mountain gorillas. Visit our TripAdvisor page for more information and to read reviews from past clients.

Ready to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking safari this September? Contact us today to secure your permits and start planning your adventure!