Without Expert Advice from a reliable local tour Operator, the process of Planning a successful Gorilla Trekking Safari can turn out disastrous. However, now that you found yourself here, we will take you through the easiest, and safest way of How to Plan a Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2024 – 2025.
Expert Advice & Tips on Planning a Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2024 – 2025
Decide on where to go gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Mountain Gorillas can only be seen in three (03) countries; Rwanda, Uganda & DR. Congo. Of the three (03) countries, only Rwanda & Uganda are safe to visit for gorilla trekking – curious why? Read more: Why DR.Congo is Considered Not Safe for gorilla trekking.
Between Rwanda and Uganda, you have got to decide on where to go for gorilla trekking. However, to make this a lot easier for you, we advise looking at two (02) major things; the price of the permit, and the price of accommodation.
- Carefully consider the Price of the Gorilla Permits.
- Gorilla permits In Rwanda cost $1,500 per person to watch and photograph (for 01-hour) gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
- In Uganda, Gorilla Permits cost $800 per person to spend up to 01-hour with gorillas in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Parks.
- Look into the Price of accommodation.
Accommodation In Rwanda is a lot more pricey. Budget hotels in Musanze District – 13 Km away from Volcanoes National Park cost between USD100 and 150 per person sharing a double room. Rwanda is marketing itself as a premier luxury destination – evidently, premium Luxury brands like Singita- Kwitonda Lodge & Bisate Lodge have opened up high-end Properties that cost an arm to stay overnight. However, if your budget allows, these properties are worthwhile.
Uganda, unlike Rwanda, offers a wide range of affordable budget, Midrange to upmarket options from as low as $50 per person sharing.
- Choose the Best time to go on a budget Gorilla Safari.
If planning a budget gorilla safari from 2024 – 2025 and onwards, ensure you choose the best time to go on a Budget Safari. Gorilla Trekking has seasons; peak & low seasons.
The peak season for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda is in the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. During these months, there is less rainfall and sometimes even no rain at all. Most travellers like to plan and book their gorilla safaris for these months because the parks are fairly dry, and the forest trails are a little easier to navigate – of course with minimal gorilla trekking fitness required.
For the mobility-challenged, elderly, and disabled persons – Intending to indulge in Gorilla Trekking, a sedan chair carried by local porters can be arranged on request and prior planning is a necessity, especially if travelling in the high season months.
Related: Gorilla Trekking for Mobility Challenged & Elderly Persons.
Gorilla permits in peak Season are very scarce and usually sold out. We, therefore, recommend pre-booking and paying for your gorilla permits well in advance especially if travelling In the High Season – you can do these 1 – 2 years in advance.
Related: In-advance Gorilla Safari planning & booking
The low season falls in March, April, May, and November. During these months there is rainfall, especially in the afternoons – something that discourages most travellers from venturing Into the Low season of gorilla Trekking.
However, it’s important to understand a few facts about mountain gorillas before choosing your ideal gorilla trekking Season. Mountain Gorillas live in tropical rainforests characteristic of rainfall meaning that NOT even the dry season is completely dry otherwise trekkers would never be asked to pack rain jacks if travelling in the high season.
Overview: Although gorilla trekking is generally considered a costly venture, doing this during the Peak Season is expensive in regards to the cost of accommodation, and companies will often offer non-negotiable rates for their gorilla packages since the demand then is high compared to the low season months when you have the chance to bargain for a Great value Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Reputable Local Tour Operators in Uganda to assist in Planning your Gorilla Trekking Safari in 2024 – 2025 Onwards
- Realm Africa Safaris™.
- Mamaland Safaris
- Outback Adventures safaris
- Great Adventure Safaris.
- Kisoro tours Uganda.
- Adventure Consults Uganda.
- Wild Discoveries Uganda.
- Insight Safari holidays
- Wild Frontiers Uganda Safaris
- Wild Untouched Adventures
