Winter break gorilla trekking holidays.

Affordable and amazing gorilla trekking vacations for a winter break in Africa are perfect in Uganda and Rwanda. When winter hits Europe in December, January, and February. These two countries warmly welcome all travelers for the once in a lifetime adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.  they provide a perfect atmosphere, a home away from home for adventure enthusiasts to participate in the memorable gorilla tracking experience.

Gorilla tracking is a rare and exciting experience which involves encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.  Looking directly into the eyes of the magnificent silverback and his family only a few feet away during your winter break holiday to Rwanda or Uganda gorilla parks is an unforgettable experience.

Best gorilla tracking destinations for your winter break in Uganda and Rwanda.

Those interested in gorilla trekking during their winter break should travel to Uganda and Rwanda and below are the best travel destinations for this amazing excursion.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In the southwestern region of Uganda lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is well-known for housing over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.  it is the only gorilla tracking destination that provides both gorilla tracking and habituation experiences. This pristine park covers over 321 square kilometres.

The park is found in the Albertine region and is characterized by   a thick vegetation cover that forms the dense rain forest, and it’s from this natural setting that the park derives its name.  Bwindi national park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also other wildlife species including chimpanzees, forest elephants, baboons, monkeys and several bird species.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involves going deep into the dense thicket to search for the gentle giant apes.  This experience provides trekkers an opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas and the habituation experience offers four fruitful hours with the gorillas in the dense jungles.

With over 20 -24 gorilla families set for both trekking and habituation, this park remains the leading gorilla tracking destination. These activities are offered through four different sectors namely, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, this provides availability of more trekking permits, and all winter break vacationists get a chance to choose a sector at which to carry out the activity.

Mgahinga gorilla national park.

In Uganda’s southwestern region, Mgahinga National Park lies on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is another favorable place to go gorilla trekking during the winter break. This park has one defined habituated gorilla family and also acts as connection between   the three gorilla tracking destinations because gorillas move freely in these parks as they don’t know about political boundaries. For the best winter break gorilla trekking vacations, contact Active African Vacations for the best Mgahinga gorilla park tour.

Volcanoes National Park

When it comes to gorilla trekking, Volcanoes national park is regarded the best place to go. So, as you plan you winter break gorilla trekking experience, look no further than this pristine location. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern province of Rwanda in the Virunga massif that also extends to Uganda and DR Congo. With over 12 habituated gorilla families, and five volcanoes covered by misty rain forests, proper management and good conservation efforts, the park is an outstanding location for gorilla tracking during winter breaks and vacations to Africa.

The gorilla trekking process.

In Africa, the most life-changing and unique moment is spending time with gorillas in their natural habitat. Meeting these great apes in person in Uganda, Rwanda while on your winter break adventure, gorilla trekking will leave you unforgettable, emotional memories.

As trekker, you are supposed to reach the trekking/ park centre as early as 7am for a briefing about the rules and regulations to be followed during the trekking activity. After the briefing and grouping in groups of 8 individuals, you will hire a porter, but this is optional.  The gorilla hike takes you for several hours through steep narrow trails in the thick jungles with the leadership of game guides and armed rangers. in some parts of the trek, the guide uses a machete to clear   a simple path. you should have the right trekking equipment fit for the tough setting. When you finally meet the gorilla family, you will be allowed one hour to watch and learn about the gorillas carry out their daily duties.

When to book permits for a winter break -gorilla trekking holiday.

When winter strikes in the European countries in December to February, in the gorilla tracking destinations, Rwanda and Uganda, its always a peak season for different tourism potentials including gorilla trekking.  travelers planning to participate in gorilla trekking in these months are advised to book their gorilla permits in advance, at least 3-4 months before the travel dates.   This relieves you from the hustles of last-minute permits as the competition is always high for gorilla permits and other activities.

The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda.

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal and mandatory document that provides humans an opportunity to trek and have close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and In Rwanda, the body responsible is the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African residents/citizens.

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1500 for non foreign residents (international visitors) $500 foreign residents and $200 for Rwandan and East African citizens.

Why is the winter season in Europe the best time to track gorillas in East Africa?

East Africa is a that part of Africa that experiences   the most conducive climatic conditions that offer good atmosphere for different activities through out the year. This enables gorilla tracking to remain an activity that can be done all year round. While it is winter season in Europe, Africa is   hot and dry.  this enables trekkers to have clear and dry trekking paths, the skies are always clear, and photography can be done to the best.  Though the area may receive some rain showers on some days in these months, the equatorial climate that dominates the area renders it favorable for gorilla trekking and other tourism activities.