Uganda Gorilla Tour during Christmas
Are you Planning a Uganda gorilla trekking tour or a Uganda gorilla trekking safari during Christmas? A Uganda gorilla trekking tour is one of the tours that can be undertaken any time of the year. Christmas holidays, on the other hand, tend to stand out as the best time for a Uganda gorilla trekking tour. This is because the seasons come with several events and parties across the country. More so, the Christmas holidays in Uganda happen during the dry season. During such seasons, mountain gorilla trekking is easier done than the rest of the year.
In this article, we delve into everything that you must know about Uganda gorilla trekking tours during Christmas. You will learn about some of the reasons why visiting Uganda for a safari during Christmas is ideal.
Can I trek mountain gorillas in Uganda on Christmas?
One of the Frequently Asked Questions about mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is whether the activity can be done on Christmas. The answer is yes; one can do a Uganda gorilla trekking tour on Christmas day (25th December). The Uganda Wildlife Authority does not limit issuing gorilla trekking permits on public holidays. Truth be told, for many safari goers, Christmas day is the best day to do a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. This is because, on that day, there is a likelihood of very few trekkers. This implies that one will get a more personalized experience. At Native Africa Tours, we have had cases of our past clients trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda on Christmas day. The experience was like any other day. It is on such a background that we recommend that you go ahead and book your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda on Christmas.
Is it safe to do a Uganda gorilla trekking tour on Christmas?
Yes, it is safe to do a Uganda gorilla trekking tour or a Uganda gorilla trekking safari on Christmas. Uganda is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. The Christmas seasons are not anywhere exclusive. Other than the usual hype and tension that comes with such holidays in any part of the world, Christmas holidays in Uganda are safe. Additionally, gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are done in remote areas. These areas are well protected by the respective security organs in Uganda. If you are planning a Uganda gorilla holiday during Christmas, please go ahead. You are guaranteed a safe experience from the word go.
How do I book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit on Christmas?
Booking a Uganda gorilla trekking permit on Christmas is as easy as doing so on any other day. To book yourself a Uganda gorilla permit, contact a reputable tour operator. The operator will for a few details and then book you a gorilla trekking permit. Booking a Uganda gorilla permit is not subject to change depending on public holidays. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800. It is important to remember that December is a peak or high season month. This implies that there is a high demand for gorilla trekking permits. You therefore have to book your Christmas gorilla trekking permit as early as possible. The right time to book your permits based on experience is 3 months before your arrival.
Where can I do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two major safari destinations. These include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are located in the southwestern part of the country. They are nestled in the Virunga Massif – an extensive rainforest comprising volcanic mountains. Bwindi and Mgahinga are believed to be home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into 4 gorilla trekking sectors. These include; the Nkuringo Sector, the Rushaga Sector, the Buhoma Sector, and the Ruhija Sector. These sectors are home to 26 habituated mountain gorillas ready for trekking. On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated mountain gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi family. One thing you need to know is that all these parks are open for travelers during the Christmas holidays.
Other than Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, gorilla trekking can be done in Rwanda. In the Volcanoes National Park, one can do an amazing gorilla tour. Volcanoes National Park is also located in the Virunga Conservation Area. It is home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla families. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda goes for USD 1500 Per person per trek. This implies that Uganda remains a reliable and budget gorilla trekking safari destination. For those seeking an extensive safari, they may opt for a combined Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
Which other safari activities can be done alongside gorilla trekking in Uganda during Christmas?
Do not be engulfed in thinking that the only possible safari activity in Uganda during Christmas is mountain gorilla trekking. Several other safari activities can easily be combined with a Uganda gorilla trekking tour during the Christmas period. These include; white rafting adventures in Jinja, wildlife safari game drives, community tours, and chimpanzee trekking. These activities can be done in the 10 national parks of Uganda. Some of the parks that are best for safaris during Christmas include; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. In these parks, you will get a chance to see animals like tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, zebras, buffaloes, and many more.
Other than gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is a good activity to do in the Christmas holidays. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in places like Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest. A chimpanzee permit in Uganda goes for USD 250 per person in Kibale National Park. In Kyambura Gorge, a chimpanzee trekking permit costs USD 100 per person per trek.
Nightlife in urban areas of Uganda is worth your time during the festive seasons. You want to attend a nightclub in Kampala or Kabale town after your gorilla trekking. You will be amazed by the happiness levels displayed by the locals. All these seem like minor activities but once you have experienced them, you will have created a signature of everlasting memories.
In conclusion, planning a Uganda gorilla trekking tour during Christmas can be a challenging task, especially for first-timers. However, with the help of an expert Uganda safari planner, your trip will be one of a kind.