New Year’s Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda and Uganda
Are you looking for a special way to celebrate the end of the year? Iconic Africa Safaris offers New Year’s gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda.
In Uganda, you can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In Rwanda, the adventure takes place in Volcanoes National Park. You can also trek in Virunga National Park in Congo, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo offers a chance to see lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.
The end of the year is a great time to visit Africa for a gorilla trekking safari. It’s a period of excitement and gratitude as you wrap up the year and look forward to the new one. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is especially vibrant and welcoming during this time. From the moment you arrive at Kigali airport, you’ll notice the clean city, friendly people, and excellent hospitality from hotels and safari lodges. Whether day or night, the city is magical.
In Uganda, the vibe is similar. From Entebbe airport to Kampala city, you’ll encounter welcoming and happy people, making it an ideal time for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.
To book a New Year’s gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda, you need to plan properly and book in advance, ideally about five months before your travel dates. Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda.
During festive times like Christmas and New Year’s Day, gorilla trekking permits are in high demand and sell out quickly. These permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so timely booking is crucial
Where to go for a New Year’s Gorilla Trekking Safari
If you’re planning a New Year’s gorilla trekking safari, you might wonder which destination is the best. Although the gorilla trekking experience is generally similar across different locations, certain factors can make one destination more appealing to different travelers. Here are some key points to consider:
Cost of Gorilla Permits
- Rwanda: A gorilla permit costs $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for all East African nationals.
- Uganda: A gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African nationals.
- Congo: A gorilla permit costs $400 for foreign nonresidents and $200 for all East African nationals.
All gorilla trekking permits, regardless of the destination, allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas once they are found, guided by trackers and ranger guides. Standing just 7 meters away from a silverback and his family is an unforgettable experience.
Number of Gorilla Permits Available Daily
- Uganda: Uganda has 19 habituated gorilla families, each with 8 permits per day, totaling 152 permits available daily. Uganda also offers a unique 4-hour gorilla habituation experience. This involves joining researchers and ranger guides as they visit semi-habituated gorillas regularly to get them used to humans for future trekking.
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families, providing 96 permits daily. You can book these permits through the Rwanda Development Board or trusted tour operators like Gorilla Holidays.
Besides gorilla trekking, you can combine your New Year’s safari with other adventures in Rwanda and Uganda. These include cultural tours, game viewing, and tracking golden monkeys and chimpanzees.
Distance and Time from the Airport to the Gorillas
Rwanda: Quick Access to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is very convenient for travelers because it is only about a 3-hour drive from Kigali Airport to the park in Musanze’s Kinigi village. This short travel time makes it a popular choice for those wanting to see gorillas without spending too much time on the road.
Uganda: Scenic Route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In Uganda, the journey from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes longer. The drive is about 9 hours through the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale highway. Even though the drive is long, it offers beautiful views of Uganda’s countryside, showcasing the stunning landscapes of the country.
Alternative Route: Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali
Another option for gorilla trekking in Uganda is to fly into Kigali Airport in Rwanda and then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks. This route takes about 4 hours by car from Kigali to Bwindi, crossing the Katuna Border. This option can save time and add convenience for some travelers.
Where to Stay for a Gorilla Trekking Experience
Accommodation Options in Uganda and Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer excellent safari accommodations for your gorilla trekking experience. You can choose from a range of lodges, whether you prefer luxury, mid-range, or budget options.
Luxury Accommodations in Rwanda
Rwanda is known for its high-end safari lodges. Some of the top lodges in Volcanoes National Park include:
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Kwitonda Singita Lodge
- Wilderness Bisate Lodge
- Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge
- Da Vinci Lodge
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Uganda also offers a variety of comfortable lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the options include:
- Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Four Gorillas Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
- Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Buhoma Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
- Gorilla Heights Lodge
Plan Your Gorilla Trekking with Iconic Africa Safaris
If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, especially for a special occasion like New Year’s Day, Iconic Africa Safaris can help. We provide all the information you need and can arrange the perfect safari experience, ensuring you make lifelong memories.
