Gorilla trekking on Christmas Day

Gorilla trekking on Christmas Day, December is a holiday time and a festive season where families, groups and friends join to celebrate events and parties. In Uganda, one can undertake gorilla-trekking on Christmas Day and at any time of the year, including the Christmas season in December. Christmas comes at a time considered to be peak season for gorilla trekking safaris as it is always the dry season.

During the same season, you can fully explore the Pearl of Africa with its natural wonders through tailor-made gorilla packages, which include mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, the thunderous Murchison Falls, and mountain hikes.

Since Christmas and New Year’s Day are in the dry season that is competitive in the tourism sector in East Africa, one should book gorilla trekking permits and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Is gorilla trekking possible on christmas days ?

Mountain gorilla trekking on Christmas Day is one hundred percent possible in bwindi forest National, mgahinga  gorilla national park and  volcanoes national park Rwanda. Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board do not limit the issuing of permits on public holidays, so if you wish to trek in the festive Christmas season at the end of the year, you are following the right path.

Different people associate Christmas Day with relaxing at home or indulging in other forms of entertainment. However, the gentle giant great apes are more likely to share their company, especially when there are fewer trekkers. This is clear evidence that you will have a more personalized and fruitful experience.

Best place to go gorilla trekking on Christmas Day

Uganda is one of the safest travel destinations in East Africa. It is so conducive to gorilla tracking on any day throughout the year.

In addition to the usual tight schedules on other days, Christmas is always flexible for trekkers and very safe. Furthermore, the national parks, located in remote areas of the country, receive full protection from the respective security organs. Therefore, tracking ensures your safety.

How to buy gorilla permits to trek gorillas on Christmas Day 

Book gorilla permits for Christmas the same way as other days. You will need to contact a reputable tour operator company that will help guide you through the booking process. Booking a permit in Uganda is not subject to changes depending on public holidays. In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800, regardless of the day. Please bear in mind that December is peak season; endeavor to place your booking 3 months before the tracking date.

Where can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda on Christmas?

Uganda has two major gorilla tracking destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Maghinga National Park in the southwestern part of the country. Mgahinga is one of the volcanic mountains in the Virunga Massif. Bwindi is also close to Mgahinga in dense rainforest, and is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

Bwindi forest National Park has four trekking sectors: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. These sectors are home to over 21 habituated gorilla families. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated family, all of which are open to tourists during the Christmas holidays.

What should you pack for a Christmas gorilla trekking  safari?

Gorilla tracking activity involves moving deep into the dense rain forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. It implies that one must make proper arrangements and know which materials to carry for the trip.

A gorilla tracking permit is the first necessary item for the trekking activity. A gorilla permit provides eligibility for one to participate in the gorilla tracking activity.

Tracking boots and socks enhance trail comfort on slippery surfaces.

Wear warm long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts to stay warm when the weather turns cool.

Waterproof jackets and coats protect you from rain, as the parks lie in tropical forest zones that receive rain at any time of the year.

You can use a flashless camera to capture memories of your trip, as well as binoculars to identify interesting objects from a distance.

• To protect yourself from insect bites and stings, use insect repellent.
• A waterproof light bag is essential for carrying your belongings during your trek.
• On a sunny day, wear a cap or hat to shield yourself from the direct sunlight.
• A first-aid box is essential for your safari in case of sudden sickness.
• Carry hard cash because, at times, you must hire porters to help carry your luggage on the trek. You may also need to tip your driver’s guide.
• Gorilla tracking is an exceptional activity that creates lifelong memories.