December is one of the most rewarding months to trek with mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda. The short rainy season keeps crowds smaller than the July–August peak, trails are green and dramatic, and gorilla families remain active and visible. If you are planning a gorilla safari for Christmas, New Year or any part of December, here is everything you need to know.
Can You Trek Gorillas in December?
Yes — gorilla trekking runs every day of the year in both Uganda and Rwanda, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Neither country closes its parks or suspends permits during the holidays. December is a legitimate and increasingly popular month for gorilla safaris, particularly among international travellers combining East Africa with the festive season.
Weather in Uganda in December
December falls within Uganda’s short rainy season, which typically runs from late October to early January. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can expect:
- Afternoon and evening rain, often light to moderate
- Cool temperatures between 10°C and 18°C (50–64°F) at altitude
- Lush, green forest that is exceptionally photogenic
- Muddy trails — proper hiking boots are essential
- Morning start times help you avoid the worst of the afternoon rain
Gorilla sightings are not affected by rain. Gorilla families remain in their home ranges year-round. Light rain does not prevent a trek; rangers will adjust routes to keep walking times manageable.
Weather in Rwanda in December
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park sits in a drier climatic zone than Bwindi. Late November through January is the short dry season in Rwanda, making December one of the best months of the year for gorilla trekking. Trails are firmer, conditions are more predictable, and the views across the Virunga volcanoes are often clear.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking in December
Where to Trek
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s primary gorilla trekking destination. It is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector has multiple habituated gorilla families that can be visited daily.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda offers a quieter alternative with one habituated family and the option to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking.
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, the same price year-round including December and Christmas. Permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and must be booked well in advance through a licensed tour operator.
Booking Permits for December
Christmas and New Year dates at Bwindi sell out earliest — typically by July or August. For December trekking, aim to book your permits by June at the latest. Permit availability is limited: each gorilla group accepts a maximum of eight trekkers per day.
The Christmas Gorilla Group
The Christmas gorilla group is a habituated gorilla family in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi. It was named after the season when it was first habitually visited. If you book a permit in the Nkuringo sector, you may be assigned to this family depending on availability at the time of booking. It is a popular choice for visitors trekking specifically over the Christmas period. See our full Christmas gorilla trekking Uganda guide for itinerary options and package details.
How to Get to Bwindi in December
From Kampala, Bwindi is 8–10 hours by road. A domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips reduces the journey to around 1.5 hours, followed by a short transfer to the park. During the rains, some unpaved roads can become slippery — a 4WD vehicle is essential.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in December
Where to Trek
Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking hub. It borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, sharing the Virunga mountain range. Rwanda has twelve habituated gorilla families open to visitors, including some of Africa’s best-known groups.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person for all visitors, year-round. No peak-season or festive surcharge applies. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
Booking Permits for December in Rwanda
Rwanda issues a maximum of 96 gorilla permits per day across all groups combined. December dates are among the first to sell out. Book at least 6 months ahead — by June or July for a December or New Year trek. For a New Year’s gorilla safari, see our New Year gorilla safari Rwanda page for packages and availability.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Kigali International Airport to the park gate is approximately 2–3 hours by road. Most visitors stay one night at a lodge near the park gate so they can begin the trek early the following morning. Same-day transfers from Kigali are possible but not ideal for the trekking experience.
Uganda vs Rwanda for December Gorilla Trekking
| Factor | Uganda (Bwindi) | Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit price | USD 800 | USD 1,500 |
| December weather | Short rainy season — muddy trails | Short dry season — firm trails |
| Gorilla families | 20+ habituated groups | 12 habituated groups |
| Trek duration | 2–8 hours (variable) | 2–5 hours (average) |
| Drive from capital | 8–10 hrs from Kampala | 2–3 hrs from Kigali |
| Overall experience | Rawer, more remote forest | More accessible, premium lodges |
What to Pack for December Gorilla Trekking
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support — mandatory for muddy trails
- Lightweight waterproof jacket and a poncho for afternoon rain
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers — protects against nettles, insects and stinging vegetation
- Garden gloves — useful when grabbing vegetation for support on steep sections
- Gaiters — especially recommended for Uganda in December
- DEET insect repellent
- Camera — no flash; a 100–400mm lens is ideal for gorilla photography
- Snacks and water — usually 1–2 litres per person
- Walking stick — porters provide these at the trailhead; strongly recommended in December
Minimum Age and Fitness Requirements
Both Uganda and Rwanda require gorilla trekkers to be at least 15 years old. There is no maximum age. Treks vary in duration from under 2 hours to a full day depending on where the gorilla family is located. A moderate fitness level is recommended. Porters are available at all trailheads for a small additional fee and can carry bags or assist with steep sections.
December Safari Itinerary Ideas
Short Uganda break (5 days): Fly into Entebbe → domestic flight to Kihihi → Bwindi gorilla trek → optional second activity (Batwa cultural experience or second gorilla trek) → return to Entebbe.
Uganda Christmas safari (8 days): Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth National Park (game drives, boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge) → Bwindi gorilla trek → Lake Bunyonyi rest day → return to Entebbe.
Rwanda New Year safari (5 days): Arrive Kigali → Kigali city tour → Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek → golden monkey tracking → return to Kigali for New Year celebrations.
Uganda and Rwanda combined (10 days): Entebbe → Bwindi (Uganda gorilla trek) → cross into Rwanda → Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda gorilla trek) → Lake Kivu → Kigali → depart.
Booking Your December Gorilla Trek
December permits sell out months before Christmas. If you are planning to trek in December 2026 or December 2027, begin the booking process now. A licensed local tour operator handles permit procurement directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board, coordinates all logistics, and can confirm availability faster than booking independently.
Contact Afraeka Adventures for a free quote on Christmas gorilla trekking in Uganda or a New Year gorilla safari in Rwanda. Our team arranges everything — permits, accommodation, transport, and park fees — so you arrive knowing every detail is handled.
