Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda is a truly remarkable African experience. Bringing Christmas cheer to the mountain gorillas adds an extraordinary touch to the festivities, creating cherished memories that will last until the following Christmas. Whether you choose to embark on gorilla trekking during Christmas with your family or friends, sharing this unique experience together will undoubtedly make the occasion even more special.

As Christmas is a festive season and demand for holiday activities is high, booking gorilla permits for either Rwanda or Uganda, or even both, during this time is an excellent choice. To plan for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda during Christmas, it is crucial to prioritize securing the gorilla permits as the first step. Understanding the significance of obtaining a gorilla permit and arranging it beforehand is essential before preparing for an unforgettable gorilla safari experience.

What is the cost of gorilla permits during Christmas?

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are priced at $1500 per person for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African residents. In Uganda, the gorilla permit costs $700 per person for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East African residents.

What are the inclusions and exclusions of the gorilla permit cost?

The gorilla permit cost includes several components such as park entrance fees, ranger guide fees, security during gorilla trekking, local community support, conservation support, a certificate upon completing the gorilla trekking experience, and one hour of interaction with the mountain gorillas. However, the cost does not cover tips, snacks for the trek, packed lunch, or any other personal items. If you’re interested in organizing a gorilla safari package in Uganda or Rwanda, you can reach out to Aspire Africa Safaris. They specialize in tailoring Africa Safari itineraries to your specific needs and provide free suggestions whenever possible.

When is the best time to book Christmas Gorilla Permit for Uganda and Rwanda?

Planning ahead and securing your gorilla permit for Christmas is a wonderful idea. It is recommended to book your permit at least 6 months to a year in advance, specifically for Christmas Day, which falls on the 25th of December each year. During the festive season, gorilla permits and accommodations tend to sell out quickly, usually by the last quarter of the year. If you are traveling with your family for the Christmas holiday, it’s important to note that only children aged 15 years and above are allowed to participate in gorilla trekking. The misty Virunga jungle and its terrain may not be suitable or comfortable for children below this age. Additionally, adhering to the rules and regulations of a gorilla trekking safari might pose challenges for children under 15 years old.

Book accommodation to use during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda on Christmas 

After successfully obtaining a gorilla permit, the next crucial step is securing suitable accommodation for your gorilla safari. This is particularly important as the demand for holiday stays increases, especially during the Christmas or festive period, and available options may become limited.

In Uganda, if your gorilla permit is booked for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is essential to know the specific area within the park where it is allocated. Bwindi forest consists of four distinct areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It is advisable to choose accommodations closer to the area where your gorilla permit is assigned. This is because the roads connecting these different areas are quite distant and can be affected by weather conditions, making travel challenging. Additionally, arriving early for the briefing is crucial to ensure your participation in the gorilla trekking activity.

Each day of gorilla trekking, even for those who choose to trek multiple times, requires attending the briefing session. It is necessary to be briefed about what to expect during each trek as mountain gorillas possess individual temperaments and may exhibit varying behaviors.

Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are categorized into Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget options. Here are some examples: Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Trekker’s Tavern, Chameleons Lodge.

In the vicinity of Mgahinga National Park, suitable accommodations include Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Majambere Iwachu, Community Camp, and Mutanda Lake Resort.

For those planning to visit Volcanoes National Park, recommended accommodations are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhavura, Hotel La Palme, Hotel Mill Collines, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

By carefully selecting appropriate accommodations and being well-informed about the allocated area for your gorilla permit, you can enhance your gorilla trekking experience while enjoying the unique and captivating natural beauty of these national parks.

Where to go for gorilla trekking on Christmas 

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spanning approximately 327 square kilometers, is Uganda’s premier destination for mountain gorillas. Currently, there are 18 fully habituated gorilla families available for public bookings. Additionally, in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla families are open for the unique gorilla habituation experience.

Due to the high demand, it is essential to book Uganda gorilla permits well in advance. Only 152 gorilla permits are released for public booking each day, and this number remains constant even during the festive season when demand reaches its peak.

Beyond the captivating mountain gorillas, Bwindi forest is also a habitat for nine other primate species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and others.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the remarkable avian diversity found in Bwindi forest, with over 350 bird species residing there, including several Albertine Rift endemics.

Moving on to Mgahinga National Park, renowned for its breathtaking untamed landscapes, it is currently home to a single gorilla family known as Nyakagezi. Previously, this gorilla family used to traverse into Rwanda, posing a challenge for pre-booking their gorilla permits. However, the Nyakagezi gorilla family has now established a stable residence in Uganda, making Mgahinga gorilla permits available for pre-booking, subject to prevailing availability.

In addition to the majestic gorillas, Mgahinga National Park is inhabited by various other primate species such as golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and more.

Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts can rejoice in the expanding bird list of Mgahinga forest, with approximately 115 bird species confirmed as residents, including several Albertine endemics.

Whether exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or venturing into the captivating landscapes of Mgahinga National Park, Uganda’s rich biodiversity and awe-inspiring natural wonders promise an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Located in the Northwestern region of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park stands as the sole sanctuary for mountain gorillas in the country. Currently, there are 12 confirmed gorilla families available for captivating gorilla trekking experiences within this park.In addition to the magnificent gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a haven for various primate species such as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

The park’s vibrant ecosystem also attracts a plethora of avian residents, with over 200 bird species identified so far. Among them, you can find several Albertine Rift endemics, contributing to the rich diversity of birdlife within Volcanoes National Park. With its unique location and remarkable biodiversity, Volcanoes National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with nature and witness the captivating mountain gorillas alongside an array of fascinating primates and avifauna.

How to book Gorilla Permits for Christmas in Uganda or Rwanda?

To secure gorilla permits for the festive season, it is crucial to make your booking well in advance, ideally between 6 months to a year ahead. These permits are in high demand worldwide and tend to sell out quickly, even before the last quarter of the year.

When reserving a gorilla permit for Christmas, you need to decide on your desired gorilla trekking destination, whether it be Uganda or Rwanda. It is important to have this information ready before proceeding with the booking.

Additionally, it is important to specify the number of individuals participating in the gorilla trekking experience and determine the frequency of treks. While it is possible to do gorilla trekking multiple times on different days, the exact number can be tailored to your preferences.

Upon receiving an inquiry about gorilla trekking during the Christmas period, our safari consultant promptly checks the availability of permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board permit list. Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd is an accredited company granted access to this exclusive list.

If the availability of permits is confirmed, we strongly advise our clients to make the purchase swiftly, as permits are not reserved without payment. The allocation of gorilla trekking permits follows a first come, first served basis, emphasizing the importance of acting promptly to secure your spot.