The Christmas season is one of the most widely celebrated times for Christians around the world. Many people choose to go on holiday safaris during this period. Gorilla trekking at Christmas can be one of the most memorable experiences and may become the best Christmas you have ever had.
Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25th. This month is one of the busiest for gorilla trekking in countries where it is popular. This is because the jungle is less thick, and the trails are not slippery or muddy, as December to February is the short dry season.
Gorilla trekking at Christmas is special because most people spend the holidays at home or on regular vacations. But nothing compares to the adventure of trekking mountain gorillas during this season.
To make your trip more exciting, you can add chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees are close relatives of humans, sharing about 98% of our DNA. You can go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
One challenge of trekking mountain gorillas at Christmas is the limited number of permits, especially in Uganda where permits are more expensive than in Rwanda. Many people travel during this season, so gorilla permits are in high demand. To secure a permit for Christmas, you should book it 3 to 6 months before your trip.
Gorilla habituation can also make your Christmas gorilla trekking experience more special. This can only be done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Habituation lets you spend more time with gorillas than regular trekking. You will join researchers and rangers as they help gorillas get used to human presence.
Before going on a gorilla safari at Christmas, make sure you are physically fit. Mountain gorillas live at high elevations, so you will be hiking through rainforests. Be sure to pack waterproof hiking boots, rain jackets, gloves, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, and other essentials.
Booking Christmas Gorilla Permits
Mountain gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 in Rwanda, $800 in Uganda, $400 in Congo. Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day. Tourists get one hour to observe and take photos once the gorillas are found. Children under 15 years old and adults with infections like the flu are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
