Gorilla Trekking in March

Gorilla Trekking in March: What You Need to Know

March is an excellent time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this period, the crowds are thinner, and you can enjoy a more peaceful, intimate experience with the gorillas. Whether you choose to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in Congo, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trek Africa Expeditions is your trusted partner in organizing your trek, ensuring that your trip is seamless and memorable. Let us know your preferred destination, and we will help plan and book your gorilla trekking safari in March, including the option to add wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and cultural encounters at other national parks.

Discounted Gorilla Trekking Tours in March

March is considered the low season for gorilla trekking, which means you can enjoy discounted gorilla trekking tours. Hotels, lodges, and service providers offer lower rates during this time, making it an ideal month for budget-friendly trips. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a variety of affordable gorilla trekking tours, with options ranging from short treks to longer safari experiences. You can trek in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo—or even combine these countries in a single adventure.

Many of our safaris begin and end in Entebbe, but we also offer safaris starting and ending in Kigali, allowing you to visit both Uganda and Congo. Check out our budget-friendly Uganda safaris that start and end in Kigali to make the most of your time in East Africa.

Where to Visit Gorillas in March in Africa?

The best places to experience gorilla trekking in March are the national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, where the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas live. These parks include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

• Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

In addition to mountain gorillas, Congo offers the rare opportunity to see Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need to secure a gorilla trekking permit. These permits sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to September), so it’s recommended to book your trek at least 5 months in advance to secure your spot. Permits can be booked directly or through a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Obtain Gorilla Permits in Uganda

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and $80 for East African citizens (including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan). This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda offers 24 habituated gorilla families, with 23 located in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. There are 136 permits available per day, ensuring ample opportunities to see these incredible creatures. Additionally, gorilla habituation experiences are available in Bwindi, allowing you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers. A habituation permit costs $1,500 per person.

You can purchase gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or by booking through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Obtain Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

In Rwanda, the gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. This permit gives you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda has 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily for trekking. You can book your permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted local operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Obtain Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo takes place in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for Lowland gorillas).

• Virunga National Park: Permits cost $400 per person during the high season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October) and $200 during the low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December).

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents, and $20 for national residents.

You can secure your gorilla trekking permit for Congo through Virunga National Park or by booking with a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Note on Gorilla Permits

When booking your gorilla trekking permit, please note that the price of the permit does not include accommodation, air tickets, ground transportation, meals, or other expenses. Be sure to inquire with your tour operator about the full details of your package to ensure all aspects of your trip are covered.

Best Time to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in March

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari in March, the best time to book your trip is ideally three months in advance. To ensure you don’t miss out on essential elements like gorilla permits, we recommend booking your trek up to a year in advance. Gorilla permits are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons like March.

If you’re reading this now, let us know the dates you plan to trek gorillas in March, and we’ll check availability for you, including gorilla permits and all other services needed for your trip. We are happy to assist you with all the details!

Gorilla Permits: Availability and Payment Process

Once we confirm the availability of permits for your desired dates in March, we’ll immediately notify you by email. If permits are available, you can proceed with payment via bank transfer, wire transfer, or debit/credit card (note that card payments may incur a small surcharge). Trek Africa Expeditions accepts payments securely to guarantee your gorilla trekking experience.

To secure your gorilla trekking permit in March, full payment is required upfront. The balance for your safari package should be paid three weeks before your trek. This gives you ample time to organize your travel budget while knowing your permit is secured.

As one of the few authorized tour operators with direct access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) database, Trek Africa Expeditions can check real-time availability for permits in all regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. This access ensures we can provide up-to-date availability and secure your gorilla trekking permit efficiently.

What’s Included in Your March Gorilla Trekking Tour

Trek Africa Expeditions offers all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages designed to give you the ultimate experience when visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park in March. Our packages cover everything from gorilla permits and accommodation to transport from Entebbe or Kigali to the park. Our goal is to make your trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Here’s what’s included in our March gorilla trekking tours:

1. Gorilla Permits: What’s Included and Excluded

A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory pass issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. It allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, offering an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Included with your permit:

• Entry fees to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park

• A ranger guide who will lead you through the forest

• Tourism police for safety during your trek

• A gun-carrying ranger to ensure security along the way

• A one-hour experience with the gorillas for photography (still and video)

However, gorilla permits do not cover your accommodation, meals, or transport. For a complete safari package, contact us to ensure all aspects of your trip are organized.

2. Accommodation Choices for Your Gorilla Trek in March

We work with trusted, hand-picked lodges in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, catering to all budget levels. Whether you’re looking for budget, deluxe, or luxury accommodations, we’ll recommend the best options for your stay. Bwindi is divided into four sections: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, each with at least two lodging options per category.

We regularly visit and assess the quality of the lodges we work with, ensuring a top-notch experience. Let us know your budget, and we’ll help you choose the perfect accommodation for your trek.

3. Transport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Trek Africa Expeditions offers comfortable transport from Entebbe or Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our fleet includes luxury Land Cruisers and customized safari vans designed for Africa’s rugged terrain. Whether you’re traveling in style or on a budget, we’ll ensure your journey is smooth and hassle-free. Our professional, local drivers are well-trained and ready to guide you on this adventure.

4. Flights to Kigali or Entebbe for Your Gorilla Trek

You can fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trekking adventure. Flying into Kigali is often preferred as it reduces travel time to Bwindi, allowing for a more relaxed start to your safari. However, Entebbe offers a scenic drive with several points of interest along the way. Regardless of which airport you choose, we’ll assist with your airport transfers and transport to and from the park.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek in March with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is known for providing authentic and value-for-money gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We are dedicated to offering accurate, timely information to help you organize a smooth and enjoyable trip. Our team is always on hand to guide you through the booking process and assist with all your travel needs.

For more details about our services and customer feedback, visit our Trip Advisor page.

Ready to book your March gorilla trek? Contact us today and let us help you plan the ultimate gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda!