Booking Tips for Peak Travel Seasons

May 20, 2025
Accommodation and dinning

Booking Tips for Peak Travel Seasons

Booking tips for peak travel seasons: Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda is an exciting adventure, but if you’re planning your trip during the peak travel seasons, you’ll need to be even more prepared. These busy months offer the best weather for trekking but also bring high demand for permits, accommodations, and transportation. Without the right strategy, you could miss out on the very experiences you’re traveling for.

In this guide, we share essential booking tips for peak travel seasons to help you secure everything you need for an unforgettable safari. From gorilla permit reservations to insider advice on choosing accommodations and handling transportation logistics, this is your ultimate roadmap to a seamless and successful peak season trip.

When Is Peak Travel Season for Gorilla Trekking?

The best time for gorilla trekking typically falls during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months see the lowest rainfall, making trekking trails more accessible and visibility of the gorillas much better. Not surprisingly, they are also the busiest times in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.

Key Highlights of Peak Seasons:

Dry, stable weather conditions
Increased availability of tourist services
Higher visitor traffic and limited availability

To avoid last-minute stress or disappointment, it’s vital that all major arrangements be booked well in advance.

1. Book Gorilla Trekking Permits Early

The most critical step in planning your safari is securing your gorilla trekking permit. Because only a limited number of permits are issued daily, they tend to sell out several months in advance during peak season. Rwanda issues around 96 permits daily for Volcanoes National Park, while Uganda offers permits across different sectors in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Permit Booking Tips:

Reserve permits at least 6 to 12 months in advance
Use a trusted tour operator like Gorilla Rwanda Safaris
Confirm exact travel dates before applying
Be flexible with your itinerary for better permit options

✅ Related Blog: How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

2. Choose Your Destination Wisely

When planning your trip, consider whether Rwanda or Uganda better suits your preferences and travel style. Rwanda offers easier access from Kigali and more luxury options, while Uganda provides more budget flexibility and diverse trekking experiences across multiple gorilla families.

Destination Considerations:

Rwanda: Permit cost is $1,500, short drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park
Uganda: Permit cost is $800, multiple gorilla sectors in Bwindi and Mgahinga

👉 If permits are sold out in Rwanda, Uganda can be a fantastic alternative with more flexibility in trekking options.

3. Secure Lodging as Soon as Possible

Accommodations in popular areas like Musanze (Rwanda) and Buhoma or Rushaga (Uganda) are in high demand during peak months. If you’re aiming to stay in a luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park or close to a trekking trail in Bwindi, early booking is non-negotiable.

Top-Rated Lodges to Consider:

Rwanda: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Uganda: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Pro Tip: Booking through Gorilla Rwanda Safaris often grants access to rooms in top lodges even when they appear sold out online.

✅ Related Blog: Luxury Lodges Near Volcanoes National Park

4. Don’t Rely on Last-Minute Deals

Although some off-season travelers find great discounts, this is rarely the case during peak travel times. Relying on last-minute bookings could result in:

Sold-out permits
No availability at preferred accommodations
Higher prices for flights and transportation

In peak season, early planning isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for a successful safari.

5. Confirm Transportation Logistics in Advance

Transportation is often overlooked in the early stages of safari planning, yet it’s one of the most important components. Whether you’re traveling from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, or from Entebbe to Bwindi via domestic flight or road, arrangements should be locked in ahead of time.

Transportation Options:

Private 4×4 safari vehicles with an English-speaking guide
Scheduled or chartered domestic flights (to Kihihi, Kisoro, etc.)
Cross-border transfers between Rwanda and Uganda

Why It Matters: Peak season sees a spike in vehicle demand, so tour companies like Gorilla Rwanda Safaris allocate vehicles well in advance for confirmed bookings.

6. Be Flexible with Trekking Locations

In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Permit availability varies between these regions, so being open to different sectors increases your chance of securing a permit and nearby accommodation.

Flexible Itineraries Can Help You:

Access lesser-known but rewarding gorilla families
Stay in scenic and less-crowded areas
Enhance the diversity of your safari experience

7. Consider Shoulder Months for Better Availability

If your schedule allows, consider traveling just before or after the busiest months. For example, late May or early October can still offer good trekking conditions with slightly less competition for permits and accommodations.

Benefits of Shoulder Season Travel:

Greater availability and flexibility
Better rates on accommodation
Less crowded trekking groups

✅ Related Blog: Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

8. Work with a Trusted Safari Operator

Planning a peak-season gorilla safari is complex—but with the help of a reliable operator like Gorilla Rwanda Safaris, every detail can be managed smoothly. Tour operators have access to insider information, preferred accommodations, and dedicated reservation systems that simplify your journey.

Advantages of Booking with Gorilla Rwanda Safaris:

Guaranteed permit acquisition
Curated safari itineraries
Local driver-guides and multilingual support
24/7 in-country assistance

9. Budget for Peak Season Prices

Peak season means premium pricing across the board. While the experience is worth every cent, it’s important to set realistic expectations for your safari budget. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend:

Category	Rwanda	Uganda
Gorilla Permit	$1,500	$800
Luxury Lodging (per night)	$500–$1,000	$300–$700
Private Safari Vehicle (per day)	$250–$300	$200–$250

Pro Tip: Ask your operator for package deals that bundle transportation, permits, lodging, and meals.

10. Double-Check All Confirmations

Before you travel, confirm all aspects of your trip: permits, hotel reservations, airport transfers, dietary needs, and guide services. Having printed or digital copies of confirmations can also make check-ins and border crossings easier during high-traffic months.

Conclusion: Plan Early, Travel Confidently

Traveling during the peak gorilla trekking seasons offers unbeatable advantages—but only to those who plan early and thoroughly. From securing permits and lodges to confirming transport and guides, your preparation will directly impact your experience.

By working with Gorilla Rwanda Safaris, you benefit from expert guidance, preferred access, and tailor-made itineraries designed to optimize every moment of your trip—even during the busiest travel windows.

👉 Contact us today to start planning your dream gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda!