Gorilla Trekking in December

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Gorilla Trekking in December: Best Places to Visit and How to Book

Planning to see mountain gorillas in December? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. December is one of the most popular months for gorilla trekking in Africa, thanks to the holiday season and generally dry weather in the region. Whether you’re visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, December offers an excellent opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize tailor-made gorilla safaris across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. We can help you plan your entire trip, from gorilla permit bookings to accommodations, transportation, and additional safari activities.

Is December a Good Time for Gorilla Trekking?

Yes—December is one of the best months to go gorilla trekking. It falls within the dry season, which typically runs from mid-December to February. Dry weather means easier hiking conditions and better visibility for photography.

This period also coincides with school holidays in many countries, making it a great time for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to explore Africa. However, December is a high-demand month, so it’s important to book your permits and accommodations well in advance.

Top Destinations for Gorilla Trekking in December

You can see mountain gorillas in three countries in Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Each destination offers a unique experience:

Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks

Home to half the world’s mountain gorilla population
Offers both regular gorilla trekking (1-hour encounter) and gorilla habituation experiences (4-hour experience)
Known for lush rainforest trails and high permit availability

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Offers a luxurious, accessible experience with easier terrain
Close proximity to Kigali International Airport (2.5-hour drive)
Excellent choice for short, high-end trips

Congo: Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks

Virunga is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
Kahuzi-Biega offers the rare chance to see Eastern Lowland gorillas
Most affordable permits, but requires more preparation and caution due to regional conditions

Affordable Gorilla Trekking Tours for December Travel

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer budget-friendly and luxury gorilla trekking packages that cater to different travel styles. Whether you’re interested in a short 3-day trek or a longer multi-country safari, we have options that combine gorilla trekking with game drives, boat cruises, and cultural visits in national parks across the region.

We recommend booking your tour at least 4–6 months in advance, as gorilla permits and lodges sell out quickly in December.

Cost of Gorilla Permits and How to Get Them

Uganda Gorilla Permits

$800 for foreign non-residents
$700 for foreign residents
$80 for East African citizens
Valid for Bwindi or Mgahinga, includes 1-hour gorilla encounter
Gorilla habituation permits: $1,500 (4-hour experience, only in Bwindi)
Total daily permits: 136 available across 17 gorilla families

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

$1,500 for foreign non-residents
$500 for foreign residents
$200 for East African citizens
Valid for Volcanoes National Park, includes 1-hour gorilla encounter
96 permits available per day across 12 gorilla families

Congo Gorilla Permits

Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
- $400 during high season (mid-Dec to mid-Mar, June to Oct)
- $200 during low season (mid-Mar to mid-May, mid-Oct to mid-Dec)
Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
- $400 for foreign non-residents
- $200 for regional residents
- $20 for national citizens

Permits can be booked directly through respective national park authorities or through a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions, who will manage your entire trip and ensure everything is secured.

Note: Gorilla permits only cover the trek itself. Accommodation, meals, transportation, flights, and other services are charged separately as part of your safari package.

Multi-Country Gorilla Safaris: Start from Entebbe or Kigali

Many of our clients choose to start their gorilla safari in Kigali, Rwanda, and cross over to Uganda for a more affordable yet equally enriching experience. We also offer combined Uganda–Rwanda–Congo gorilla tours, giving you the chance to see mountain and lowland gorillas on one trip.

All of our safari packages can be customized depending on where you land, your travel goals, and your budget.

When Is the Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking in December?

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in December, it’s best to reserve your gorilla permits and safari package at least 3 to 6 months in advance. December falls within the peak travel season, so gorilla permits often sell out quickly—especially for popular parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

To secure your spot, we recommend contacting Trek Africa Expeditions as soon as you know your preferred travel dates. We’ll check availability for gorilla permits, accommodations, and transport, then guide you through the booking process.

Once we confirm availability for your desired dates, we’ll request payment for the gorilla permits in full so we can secure them. You can pay via bank or wire transfer, or by credit/debit card (please note a small surcharge applies to card payments). The remaining balance for your safari can be paid up to three weeks before your travel date.

How Trek Africa Expeditions Helps You Book Gorilla Permits

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted and fully licensed Uganda tour operator with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permit system. This allows us to check real-time availability and reserve permits immediately—something only a few local operators can offer.

Once your payment is received, our team physically goes to the UWA head office in Kampala to make the payment, obtain your booking ID, and collect your gorilla permit card. We’ll send you a scanned copy for your records and keep the physical card safe until the day of your trek.

Your gorilla permit will include:

One-hour guided encounter with a habituated gorilla family
Park entrance fees
Ranger guide services
Security escort by tourism police

What’s Included in Our December Gorilla Trekking Tours?

Our gorilla trekking packages for December travelers are all-inclusive, designed to make your trip seamless and stress-free. Here’s what’s covered:

1. Gorilla Permits

We include all gorilla permit fees in your tour cost. A gorilla permit is your official access card for a guided trek in either Bwindi or Mgahinga, and allows you to spend up to one hour with a mountain gorilla family.

Permits also cover:

Park entrance fees
Services of an armed ranger guide and tourism police
Briefing by UWA guides before your trek

Note: Gorilla permits are only valid for the specified date and are non-refundable or transferable once booked.

2. Accommodation in Bwindi or Mgahinga

We work closely with top-rated lodges in all four regions of Bwindi—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—as well as around Mgahinga National Park. Based on your budget, we’ll recommend a lodge in one of three categories:

Budget
Mid-range (Deluxe)
Luxury

Our team personally inspects lodges and continuously monitors TripAdvisor reviews to ensure the quality of your stay.

3. Ground Transport

We provide private transport in well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles—either Luxury Land Cruisers or custom safari vans, depending on your preference and budget. All our vehicles come with bottled drinking water and are driven by professional, English-speaking guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife.

4. Airport Pick-up and Transfers

You can choose to fly into Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe International Airport, Uganda, depending on your travel preferences. Many travelers opt to arrive in Kigali for shorter drive times to southern Bwindi, while others prefer flying into Entebbe for a scenic road trip with stops at the equator line, local craft markets, and the Kigezi highlands.

Regardless of your arrival point, we’ll arrange all airport transfers and transport to/from the park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for December Gorilla Trekking?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a leading tour operator offering professionally guided and value-for-money gorilla trekking experiences across Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Here’s what sets us apart: