Gorilla Trekking Safari during Easter Holidays

Book a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda during these Easter Holidays with Standard Safaris. Uganda and Rwanda are the best places in Africa to view amazing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking safaris are so unique and unforgettable and have amazed thousands of travelers worldwide to visit East Africa, and it’s even more interesting if done during the Easter holidays.

Trekking through the thick jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda presents the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals and witness their complex social interactions. Gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa are very significant since they not only give visitors an opportunity to improve the livelihoods of the local communities but also contribute to conservation efforts.

Best Places to Do Gorilla Trekking During Easter Holidays

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is 321 square kilometers and is located within the Albertine Rift. With an altitude between 1,160 meters – 2,607 meters above sea level, Bwindi is located at approximately latitude 1.0837° S and longitude 29.6669° E. Bwindi is known for its abundant biodiversity, though mountain gorillas are the most famous. During the Easter holidays, you must explore the thick ‘impenetrable’ forest of Bwindi for an exciting gorilla trekking safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also famous for its unique tree species, bird species, and stunning views of undulating hills and valleys. With over 500 of the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 25 gorilla families, and you can potentially witness one of these during a gorilla trekking safari during the Easter holidays. In addition to gorilla trekking safaris, you can also go for a community tour of the Batwa tribe to experience their unique lifestyles, cultures, and traditions.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda is another fascinating place to go for a gorilla trekking safari during the Easter holidays. Mgahinga occupies a land area of 33.9 square kilometers and is situated at altitudes between 2,227 and 4,127 meters above sea level. Situated at geographical coordinates of approximately 1.3714° S and longitude 29.6013° E, Mgahinga borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mgahinga is part of the broader Virunga Conservation Area and nestled amid the Virunga mountains with beautiful views of the surrounding imposing peaks and valleys. Mgahinga comprises 3 extinct volcanoes, namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Since Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is relatively smaller and less visited compared to Bwindi, this provides a more intimate and less crowded gorilla trekking experience for visitors. Additionally, travelers can choose other activities like golden monkey tracking, bird watching, and Batwa community tours.

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest of the country, along the coordinates 1.4514° S and 29.5765° E. Volcanoes National Park is at an altitude between 2,400 to 4,507 meters above sea level and covers 160 square kilometers. Volcanoes NP is situated close to Rwanda’s borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north. Since the park is within the Virunga massif, the 6 active and extinct volcanoes that make up the Virunga mountains are among the park’s spectacular volcanic scenery. With 13 mountain gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park offers a great option for your gorilla trekking adventure during the Easter vacation.

Collectively, the Virunga massif that includes Volcanoes National Park has around 600 mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking trips are well organized and centered around gorilla conservation and discovery. Besides the huge number of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. This is another rare species of primates that also offers the best adventures within the thick jungle.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Both Uganda and Rwanda

The cost of gorilla permits varies between Rwanda and Uganda. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Community members. Gorilla permits grant visitors the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks.

In Rwanda, the cost of each gorilla permit is 1,500USD for foreign non-residents,500USD  for foreign residents,then 200USD for East African Community members. . This permit allows the visitor to track a particular mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. Regardless of the variation in permit costs, both countries offer remarkable experiences for visitors seeking the unique chance of spotting mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

This contributes to the conservation of these endangered species while supporting local community livelihoods through ecotourism initiatives. It should be noted that the cost of gorilla permits includes park entrance fees and ranger guides.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda During Easter Holidays

During your Easter holidays gorilla trekking safari in either Uganda or Rwanda, or even both, you must ensure to pack things that are essential for a successful and memorable trip. Firstly, it is mandatory to secure a gorilla permit in advance because of their high demand in both Uganda and Rwanda. Contact a reputable tour company to help you with the process of acquiring the gorilla permit and the availability of preferred trekking dates.

In anticipation of the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions in the destinations, you should carry proper clothing and gear for this tour. This includes strong hiking shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, raincoats, and bug repellent for disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes.

Another important aspect to consider for your gorilla trekking safari during Easter holidays in Uganda or Rwanda is the accommodation and transportation options. To ensure a comfortable stay near the national parks for gorilla trekking safaris, it is important to book your lodging in advance.

Whether you opt for luxurious or more pocket-friendly lodges, there are many accommodation options in Bwindi NP and Volcanoes NP.

For transport to and from the gorilla trekking sites, book a suitable 4X4 safari vehicle that is manned by experienced English-speaking drivers and capable of navigating a variety of terrains. This will ensure a smooth and comfortable tour that will leave a smile on your face.

Other items to pack include a pair of sunglasses, a hat or cap to cover your head under an intense sunny day, and a digital camera or phone camera for memorable pictures. You should also have some money with you for any emergencies that might arise.