WHY IS GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA CHEAPER DURING LOW SEASON
March 26, 2026
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is cheaper during the low season months of April, May, and November, primarily referred to as rainy seasons. The same month coincides with Spring and Autumn seasons in Europe where most people are working.
Because of the above, Uganda Wildlife Authority in particular offers low season gorilla permits to encourage more tourists to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking experience during low season months of April, May, and November.
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Other reasons that make Gorilla trekking in Uganda cheaper during the low season include low rates on accommodation, discounted international flights, domestic flight discounts, reduced rates on transportation by vehicle hire companies and tour operators, complimentary lodge services in Uganda, as well as negotiable tour packages.
Discounted Gorilla permit price: Effective April 2026 Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering low season discounted gorilla permits for foreign residents at $600 (from $800), meaning that whoever visits Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park in April, May and or November will save up to $200 on each gorilla permit purchased.
Low season gorilla permits are issued on a first come first serve basis and can not be rescheduled to another date. Make sure you have clear dates before purchase. Individuals above 15 years old are allowed to book these permits through a licensed tour operator such as Encounter Africa safaris. Get in touch for more details.
Low season accommodation rates: Uganda lodges, Hotels and Campsites in or near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park offer reduced rates on bed and meals during April May and November.
Low season accommodation rates are normally extended to registered and licensed tour operators who in turn, transfer them to their clients. This makes gorilla trekking in Uganda cheaper during low season months of April, May and November since those who choose to travel may end up benefiting from about 15% to 35% off peak accommodation discounts.
Discounts on International flights to Uganda: In order to attract travelers to Uganda, most Airlines tend to lower their travel fares and air tickets during April, May and November making it slightly less expensive to travel from Europe, America or Asia to Uganda.
It’s advised to book your flights a year or 7 months in advance to take advantage of low season rates as well as early bird discounts offered by Airline companies.
Reduced transport costs: Encounter Africa safaris offers off-season transportation rates to our esteemed tourists who book tours to visit gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga during low season months of April, May and November.
Enjoy travelling in our 4x4 luxury Land Cruisers or safari vans at reduced prices when you book an all-inclusive off season gorilla trekking safari with Encounter Africa safaris.
Off season Domestic Flight offers: Travellers who book all-inclusive fly-in safaris during low seasons to Bwindi or Mgahinga stand to benefit from off season domestic flight rates negotiated by Encounter Africa Safaris. This makes gorilla trekking in Uganda cheaper during low season months of April, May and November.
Aerolink and other private Airline companies offer daily scheduled and charter flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips where our vehicles are able to transfer you by road from the respective Airstrip to your overnight Lodge in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.
The above reasons make gorilla trekking in Uganda cheaper during low season and to tap in the above offers, please get in touch with one of our safari designers.
Last-minute arrangements possible: It’s mainly during low season months of March, April, May and November where last minute gorilla trekking are very possible. This is because gorilla permits and other services such as accommodation and vehicles are easier to get without prior or advanced booking.
A gorilla trek can thus be arranged in one day and all services will be available. Do not hesitate to contact Encounter Africa safaris for your last-minute gorilla trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga.
Negotiable safari tour off season packages: Encounter Africa safaris just like most tour operators in Uganda offer off season gorilla trekking safaris to all our esteemed clients. We work closely with service providers who offer low season discounted rates that give you room to negotiate with us reduced offers on tours.
Limitless gorilla family choice: During low season, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visited by few tourists. It’s during such a time that tourists can ask of a gorilla family of their choice. Bwindi National Park has over 20 habituated gorilla groups each with distinctive features. While some families have many members, others have kids, while others are friendly.
Depending on your choice, you will likely achieve it easily during low season. Endeavor to express your interest on the very day of trekking, where you will then be allocated a gorilla family of your choice.
Shorter gorilla trekking excursion distances: They are called mountain gorillas because they only survive in mountainous forested environments. As a matter of fact, these giant creatures wonder during the day in search for food.
During rainy seasons of April, May and November, these mountain gorillas often feed on lower slopes, making your gorilla trekking excursions and experience shorter and less physically demanding.
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Exclusive gorilla treks with no surcharge possible: During low season in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there less tourists compared to habituated gorilla families. So, if you are interested in trekking a certain gorilla family on your own, chances are very high and you will not be asked to pay for extra permits as it is during high season.
Smaller groups of 2-4 groups can be accommodated per gorilla family without any extra fees. Are you a family? A couple on honeymoon and want to take advantage of this? Please get in touch with Encounter Africa, and we will arrange for this. We cannot guarantee this since it is the mandate of UWA staff on the day of trekking.
Complimentary Lodge services: Most luxury and Mid range Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may offer free addons auch as massage, spa treatments, or community walks to their clients. Some of these are not possible during high season months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February.
April, May and November are predominantly rainy seasons, so all those interested in visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga for gorilla trekking must prioritize waterproof gear that dry quickly to be able to survive in rainy and muddy environments on a daily.
Therefore, items such as waterproof hiking boots, jackets, garden gloves, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof trousers, insect repellants, camera and phone protection, among others will come in handy.
Encounter Africa safaris is an indigenous and reputable Safari company with over 20 years of managing and executing gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We combine gorilla trekking with safari in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda to offer you an amazing experience. All our packages are aimed at satisfying our clients' interests, budget, and time. Our expert safari designer can be reached via telephone, WhatsApp, and email.

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