When is the best time to trek mountain gorillas?

Gorilla trekking safaris can be done anytime during the year. Most travelers often ask when is the best time to visit mountain gorillas. Well, the endangered species can be visited all year round despite the season. However, gorilla trekking safari is well done in the dry season between the months of May, June, July, August, September, early October, December, and January. Trekking through the jungle is quite easy when the grounds are less slippery and not muddy. However, the low season of February, March, April, and November has its own advantages. Hotels and lodges in Bwindi forest and other gorilla destinations normally give discounted room rates during the low season hence the best time to travel for budget travelers. Also, adventurous travelers can trek gorillas in the rainy season to get the most challenging but extraordinary gorilla encounter experience.

How Much is a gorilla permit?

The actual cost of a gorilla permit is the first thing every traveler should know. Gorilla permit prices vary from country to country depending on their conservation policies and future plans. At present Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permit at $1500 per permit.

Where do mountain gorillas live?

Before booking a gorilla trekking safari, you should first know where these gentle habitat. Mountain gorillas are only found in two areas which are Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and the Virunga conservation area. The Virunga massif comprises of Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Its only in these four national parks that a traveler can see mountain gorillas. Each gorilla national park destination is an exception from the other in terms of location, access, and the number of habituated gorilla families. Bwindi has the highest number of mountain gorillas with 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking, Volcanoes has 10 gorilla families, Mgahinga has one gorilla family while Virunga national park has 8 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Travelers with ample time are advised to trek gorillas in all destination to make accurate comparisons.

When to book for gorilla permit?

Travelers are advised to book as early as 6 months before the trekking date to timely secure gorilla permits. At present, there is a high demand for gorilla permits which require travelers to book as early as possible to secure them in time. Last time bookings stand limited chances of accessing permits. travelers are required to pay a 30% booking fee to deposit on their permits and avoid any inconvininces in the last hour.