Last Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

While planning to embark on your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, it is important to consider the best time to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure to avoid last-minute gorilla trekking. Last-minute gorilla trekking offers an equally rewarding experience, whether you booked at the last minute or early. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Trekking is an exhilarating wildlife experience that offers visitors a chance to come up close with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Are you worrying about last-minute gorilla trekking? Worry no more! Today, we take you through the entire gorilla trekking process, including the prices of gorilla trekking permits, the best regions for gorilla trekking, and the time for gorilla trekking remains ideal for most travellers.

What is Last Minute Gorilla Trekking?

Last time, gorilla trekking simply meant booking your gorilla trekking safari within a short period before you embark on your gorilla adventure. Trekking with the mountain gorillas is possible since the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) occasionally has unsold or cancelled gorilla trekking permits, which therefore become available at the last minute. At Emerald of Africa Safaris, we help visitors secure their gorilla permits, book the best accommodation facilities and arrange transport on time.

Last-minute gorilla trekking sometimes sounds stressful. However, Uganda’s tourism is well organised with developed infrastructure, which makes it achievable and reduces the pressure on travellers, most especially those embarking on a last-minute gorilla trekking safari.

How Much is the cost of a Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Whether you are trekking the gorillas on a last-minute or in time, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. There are no special or discounted gorilla trekking permits in Uganda.

What only changes is the availability of the gorilla trekking permits in a particular region. Gorilla Trekking permits are limited to a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla group per day, and therefore, getting a slot at the last minute can be challenging during the peak tourism months. If you are a flexible traveller, you can travel during the low season, which increases the chances of finding last-minute permits.

Are there additional Charges for Last-Minute Gorilla Trekking?

No, there are no additional charges for last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda. This is a frequently asked question by most travellers on a Uganda safari. Sometimes, the trip might incur extra logistical costs that include booking last-minute accommodation and hiring a private safari vehicle with a driver/guide. Booking your adventure with a reputable tour company helps visitors minimise these costs. Therefore, we recommend travelling with a tour operator, or you can simply send us an inquiry and we will help you customise your Uganda Experience since we have vast local networks with lodges, transport companies and guides, sometimes at even discounted rates.

When is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda offers gorilla trekking all year round. However, the best time for gorilla trekking is typically the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. These months are characterised by minimal rainfall, less slippery trails, which are easier to navigate. The weather is generally pleasant, and the chances of clear photography are higher.

During the low seasons (Rainy), which run from March to May and October to November, there is less tourist traffic, meaning it is easier to secure last-minute permits and accommodation. The forests are lush and green, enhancing the beauty of your photos, though trekkers should be prepared for wetter conditions.

Best Regions for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda consists of two National Parks where mountain gorillas can be found, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southwestern Uganda and consists of over 20 habituated gorilla families, which are distributed across the four major sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. Bwindi consists of a range of accommodation facilities, ranging from budget camps to high-end lodges, which makes it the most reliable park for securing last-minute gorilla trekking slots.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: The park lies within the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga National Park is home to the famous Nyakagezi Family, which offers an intimate and less-crowded trekking experience. Since there is only one habituated gorilla family here, the gorilla trekking permits are limited but offer an exceptional adventure when available.

Visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also offers a chance to see the golden monkeys, hike the Volcano peaks and experience the traditional Batwa cultural trail. This is a great choice for travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking with cultural exploration.

Why You Should Book Your Trip in Advance.

While last-minute gorilla trekking is possible, booking your trip in advance, at least 3 to 6 months before you travel, is always the best option to have a memorable adventure. Gorilla Trekking permits are limited and sell out quickly. Therefore, booking your trip in advance gives you a chance to select a gorilla trekking region of your choice, accommodation facilities and guides. This also provides tour operators a chance to plan a smoother itinerary that combines activities such as chimpanzee trekking, game drives or cultural visits.

Your Adventure Awaits – Book Now!

Last-minute gorilla trekking in Uganda is an incredible opportunity for those who crave spontaneity and adventure. Whether you are visiting Mgahinga or Bwindi, standing face to face with the mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that words can hardly describe.

For your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda, contact us today, and we will plan your gorilla trekking safari, whether last-minute or on time, and you will truly experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters.