Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris 2025–2028 | Book Urgent Tours Now

You didn’t plan months ahead, but now you’re in East Africa and realize gorilla trekking is the one experience you can’t leave without. Or maybe your original plans fell through, and you’re scrambling to find a permit at the last minute. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

At Nextgen Safaris, we specialize in helping spontaneous travelers book last minute gorilla trekking safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda—even when others say it’s too late. Whether you just landed in Kigali, arrived in Entebbe, or are backpacking through the region with only a few free days, we can often secure urgent gorilla trekking permits, organize same-day or next-day transport, and book lodges near the gorilla trekking sectors.

Gorilla trekking is tightly regulated, with only a limited number of daily permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB). While most travelers are advised to book their permits months in advance, the reality is: last minute gorilla trekking safaris happen all the time—and they can be just as magical as those planned far in advance. In fact, during the low season or due to last-minute cancellations, it’s often possible to grab a spot.

We’ve built strong relationships with park authorities, lodge owners, and local transport providers, allowing us to act quickly and deliver what others can’t: real-time availability, fast responses, and full packages that cover everything—from the gorilla permit and park briefing to the 4×4 safari car, guide, and accommodation.

Whether you’re looking for a 1 Day emergency gorilla trek in Mgahinga, a 2 Day last minute gorilla safari from Kigali, or a budget-friendly 3 Day gorilla trekking safari starting tomorrow, we’re ready to make it happen. This guide will show you everything you need to know, including:

• Where last minute gorilla trekking safaris are possible
• How to book them with us, step-by-step
• Real itinerary examples
• Permit logistics and park access info
• Prices for urgent gorilla safaris
• Key FAQs about traveling without advance planning

We don’t just help you find a last minute gorilla trekking safari—we make sure it’s done right, safely, and in a way that feels effortless.

Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Deals You Can Book Now

At Nextgen Safaris, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers secure urgent gorilla trekking permits and safaris across Uganda and Rwanda. Below are our most reliable and popular last minute gorilla trekking safaris, carefully designed to work even if you only have 1 to 4 days available.

Here’s a quick list of our top last minute gorilla trekking deals

1. 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga or Rushaga
2. 2 Days Gorilla Safari from Kigali to Bwindi
3. 3 Days Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kampala or Entebbe
4. 3 Days Gorilla Trek and Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation
5. 4 Days Luxury Gorilla Safari in Nkuringo or Buhoma
6. Next-Day Gorilla Trekking Express (Custom Start)

1. 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga or Rushaga

Ideal for travelers already in Kisoro or Kabale, this express gorilla trekking option is designed for those on tight time and budget. Wake up early, head to the park, and complete your trek—all in one day.

• Starting Point: Kisoro, Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi area
• Trekking Sectors: Rushaga, Mgahinga
• Best For: Backpackers, last-minute hikers, Uganda overlanders
• Availability: Often possible mid-week and during off-peak season

From $580 per person (permit included)

2. 2 Days Gorilla Safari from Kigali to Bwindi

The most popular last minute gorilla trekking safari for travelers in Rwanda. You’ll cross into Uganda via Cyanika Border, overnight near Bwindi, and trek the next day before returning to Kigali.

• Starting Point: Kigali
• Overnight: Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo
• Best For: Travelers in Rwanda with limited days
• Availability: High chance on short notice with local permit access

From $920 per person (permit, car, lodge included)

3. 3 Days Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kampala or Entebbe

Don’t want to fly but still want to trek gorillas? This road trip option works well if you’re based in central Uganda. It includes permit, guide, car, and accommodation.

• Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking
• Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
• Best For: Budget travelers, overland safari add-ons
• Availability: Easier mid-week or with 48 hours’ notice

From $1,080 per person all-inclusive

4. 3 Days Gorilla Trek and Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

For travelers who want to combine last minute gorilla trekking with post-trek recovery. Lake Bunyonyi is ideal for relaxation, canoeing, and scenic lake views.

• Day 1: Kigali or Kabale to Bwindi
• Day 2: Gorilla trek + transfer to Bunyonyi
• Day 3: Lake exploration + return
• Best For: Couples, honeymooners, soft adventure seekers

From $1,150 per person

5. 4 Days Luxury Gorilla Safari (Nkuringo or Buhoma)

If you’re looking for high-end accommodation and a relaxed pace even on short notice, we’ll organize a luxury trek with private transfers and top lodges.

• Day 1: Arrival and transfer
• Day 2: Gorilla trek
• Day 3: Optional cultural or Batwa walk
• Day 4: Return
• Best For: Luxury travelers, wildlife photographers
• Availability: Limited permits—book as early as possible

From $1,950 per person

6. Next-Day Gorilla Trekking Express (Fully Custom)

Already in Uganda or Rwanda and want to trek tomorrow or in 48 hours? Our team will work around the clock to check permits, secure transport, and coordinate lodges—even at night.

• Starting Point: Anywhere (Kigali, Entebbe, Lake Bunyonyi)
• Destination: Bwindi, Rushaga, Mgahinga
• Best For: Urgent or same-day requests
• Availability: Depends on cancellation or mid-week gap

Price depends on location and timing – Contact us for instant quote

Every last minute gorilla trekking safari includes:

• A secured gorilla permit
• 4×4 safari car with fuel and professional driver
• Lodge (midrange or budget, depending on request)
• Meals, park access, and 24/7 support

You don’t need to stress. Just contact Nextgen Safaris and we’ll handle it—even if you want to trek gorillas tomorrow morning.

More Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Deals (3 to 15 Days)

If you have more time to explore beyond just gorilla trekking, we offer extended last minute safari packages across Uganda and Rwanda. These include gorilla permits plus wildlife game drives, chimpanzee tracking, lake stays, and cultural encounters—all customized based on your schedule and departure location.

Below is a list of more last minute gorilla trekking safaris ranging from 3 to 15 days, all of which can be confirmed quickly with our support.

Uganda Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris

• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda (Bwindi)
• 4 Days Gorilla Trekking + Lake Bunyonyi
• 5 Days Gorilla + Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
• 6 Days Gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi & Game Drives
• 7 Days Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife
• 8 Days Uganda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5
• 10 Days Uganda Grand Safari + Gorilla Trek
• 12 Days Uganda Primate + Savannah Wildlife Tour
• 15 Days Uganda Complete Circle with Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris

• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas + Golden Monkeys
• 5 Days Rwanda Primate Safari (Gorillas + Chimps)
• 7 Days Rwanda Cultural & Gorilla Experience
• 10 Days Rwanda Full Safari (Gorillas, Akagera, Nyungwe)

Last Minute Uganda-Rwanda Combo Gorilla Safaris

• 4 Days Gorilla Trek Uganda from Kigali
• 5 Days Gorilla Trek Rwanda & Lake Kivu
• 6 Days Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 7 Days Uganda Gorillas + Rwanda Culture
• 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Safari Combo
• 14 Days Uganda-Rwanda Full Circle Safari

These last minute gorilla trekking safaris can begin from:

• Entebbe
• Kampala
• Kigali
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Fort Portal / Kabale / Kisoro
• Cross-border pickups from Rwanda to Uganda or vice versa

We tailor each trip with fast permit access, flexible transport, and accommodations that can be confirmed same-day in many cases.

Looking for something specific? Just tell us how many days you have, and we’ll build your last minute gorilla trekking safari within hours.

Are Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris Really Possible?

The short answer is: yes, last minute gorilla trekking safaris are absolutely possible—if you know who to talk to.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda are limited and controlled by government authorities: the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Each day, only a fixed number of people are allowed to trek, and many permits are booked months in advance. However, what most travelers don’t realize is that permits do become available—even at the last minute.

Why Permits Become Available on Short Notice

There are several reasons why last minute gorilla trekking permits open up:

• Travelers cancel or reschedule their trips
• Tour operators release unconfirmed slots
• Mid-week treks (Tues–Thurs) are less competitive
• Low season months (March–May, November) have better availability
• Remote sectors like Nkuringo or Ruhija may be skipped by large tour groups

At Nextgen Safaris, we monitor permit databases daily and have direct communication with UWA offices in Kampala, Kisoro, and Kabale, as well as park wardens in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and Volcanoes NP. This means we can often spot gaps, cancellations, or leftover permits—and secure them before others even know they exist.

How We Make Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Happen

We don’t rely on slow bureaucracy. Instead, we:

• Call park offices directly and verify real-time availability
• Use reserve permits we hold during key months
• Work with ranger teams and lodge networks near each sector
• Offer flexible safari car deployment on short notice
• Have a standby team to handle urgent confirmations, even on weekends or holidays

If you’re in Kigali, Entebbe, or southwestern Uganda, we can coordinate your last minute gorilla trekking safari in as little as 12–24 hours.

How Likely Am I to Get a Last Minute Permit?

Even in peak season (June–October, December–February), we often manage to find last minute options, especially if you’re flexible with:

• Trekking sector
• Starting point (e.g. Kigali vs Entebbe)
• Lodge category (budget, midrange, luxury)

Why It Works with Nextgen Safaris

Many tour operators say “fully booked” because they lack the local flexibility or access. We don’t work like that. At Nextgen Safaris, we specialize in urgent turnarounds. We’ve helped travelers trek gorillas within 12 hours of contacting us, including organizing permits, transport, and even meals.

This is why travelers trust us with their last minute gorilla trekking safaris—because we don’t just try, we deliver.

How to Book a Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safari with Nextgen Safaris

Booking a last minute gorilla trekking safari with Nextgen Safaris is fast, easy, and direct.

You don’t need to search through dozens of websites or worry about permit availability—we’ll handle everything the moment you reach out.

Just do one of the following:

• Fill out the quick booking form on our website: Enquire Now
• Send us a WhatsApp message right now: +256 781282344

Once we receive your request, our team will:

• Check real-time gorilla permit availability
• Reserve your trekking sector
• Offer you the best departure options and lodges
• Confirm your safari within minutes to hours, not days

We’re available 7 days a week and respond instantly—because last minute means now, and we’re ready.

Total Costs for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris

The total cost of last minute gorilla trekking safaris will vary depending on the number of days, your departure location, the level of accommodation, and whether you’re trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. For travelers already in southwestern Uganda—around Kisoro, Kabale, or Lake Bunyonyi—a 1-day gorilla trek can be arranged starting from just $580 per person, including the gorilla permit, private transfers to the trekking point, guide services, and lunch. This is ideal for those already nearby and needing a same-day solution.

If you’re starting from Kigali, one of the most popular last minute options is our 2 Days gorilla safari to Bwindi, which includes the permit, border crossing logistics, a night at a comfortable midrange lodge, and a professional driver-guide, with prices starting around $920 per person. For travelers based in Kampala or Entebbe, a 3 Days last minute gorilla safari offers excellent value from around $1,080 per person, covering the permit, 4×4 safari vehicle, guide, two nights’ accommodation, meals, and full coordination.

For those seeking a more relaxed or scenic experience, we also offer a 3-day gorilla trek combined with Lake Bunyonyi relaxation, usually starting around $1,150 per person, including the gorilla trek on day two and lake views or canoe rides on day three. If you prefer high-end lodges, upgraded vehicles, and a private luxury experience, a 4 Days luxury gorilla safari in Nkuringo or Buhoma can be arranged last minute from $1,950 per person, depending on lodge availability and how fast we can confirm your trek.

In some cases, we can even arrange a custom next-day gorilla trekking safari, priced according to your location, time constraints, and preferred comfort level. These are ideal for travelers in Kigali or Entebbe looking for a high-speed turnaround and include rapid permit confirmation, transport, and accommodation tailored to your needs.

Gorilla Permit Prices (2025–2028)

Permits are non-negotiable and non-refundable, but when booked through Nextgen Safaris, we include permit access with our packages and handle everything, even on short notice.

Total Costs for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Notes:

• All packages include the gorilla permit, private 4×4 safari vehicle, professional driver-guide, accommodation, and meals.
• Prices may vary slightly based on sector, availability, and lodge category.
• We offer custom pricing based on your departure point (Kigali, Entebbe, Kampala) and how soon you’re ready to travel.

For an exact quote, contact us now or WhatsApp our team directly and we’ll respond in minutes.

Advantages of Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Deals

While most travelers are advised to book their gorilla trekking safaris months in advance, there are actually several surprising advantages to going the last minute route—especially when you’re flexible and working with a local expert like Nextgen Safaris.

One of the biggest advantages of last minute gorilla trekking safaris is access to unexpected permit availability. Travelers frequently cancel their trips or fail to complete their bookings, especially during the rainy season or on weekdays. These last-minute openings can be secured within hours if you’re already in Uganda or Rwanda and ready to move. By being spontaneous, you’re tapping into permit slots that others have forfeited, giving you access to a premium experience without the long wait.

Another benefit is that you get to stay flexible with your itinerary. You may arrive in East Africa with a rough plan and then decide, on the spot, that you can’t miss the chance to see the mountain gorillas. Last minute bookings give you the freedom to build your trip in real time, without being locked into rigid schedules or fully prepaid packages.

For budget-conscious travelers, last minute deals can sometimes mean lower costs. During low travel periods, certain lodges offer discounted rooms, and permit demand dips, especially in remote sectors like Ruhija or Nkuringo. Nextgen Safaris often secures these rare deals and bundles them into ready-to-go gorilla trekking packages.

In addition, there’s excitement in spontaneity. Booking a gorilla trek just one or two days in advance and still pulling off a seamless, world-class experience adds to the thrill. The idea that you’re standing face-to-face with a wild silverback gorilla in Uganda or Rwanda without months of advance planning is not just convenient—it’s extraordinary.

When you book with a company that knows the ground, like Nextgen Safaris, you benefit from insider networks, real-time permit access, rapid lodge coordination, and flexible transport. Last minute doesn’t mean last quality. It means you get there fast—without compromise.

FAQs About Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safaris

1. Can I book a last minute gorilla trekking safari today or tomorrow?

Yes, in many cases, you can book a last minute gorilla trekking safari for the next day or even the same day if you’re already in southwestern Uganda or near the Rwanda-Uganda border. We often access permits due to cancellations or unsold weekday slots. Contact us immediately to check real-time availability.

2. Are gorilla permits available at short notice?

Absolutely. While gorilla permits are limited, short notice permits can become available due to tour operator cancellations, low season travel gaps, or flexible sectors like Ruhija, Rushaga, or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Nextgen Safaris monitors the permit system daily and secures last minute slots the moment they appear.

3. Is last minute gorilla trekking more expensive?

Not necessarily. While prices may rise slightly during peak seasons due to accommodation demand, the gorilla permit price remains fixed. In many cases, you can get better deals on accommodation during the rainy season or when booking mid-week. We always quote transparent prices tailored to your schedule and comfort level.

4. Where can I go for a last minute gorilla trekking safari?

The best locations for last minute gorilla trekking safaris are:

• Rushaga and Ruhija sectors in Bwindi (Uganda)
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
• Nkuringo sector (limited but sometimes overlooked)
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda, less flexible due to high permit demand)

Nextgen Safaris advises based on your location and travel time, ensuring you reach the best available sector in time.

5. How fast can you confirm my booking?

We can confirm your gorilla trekking safari in as little as 1–3 hours, depending on the time of day and permit availability. Our local teams work with Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda park offices directly—no third-party delays. You’ll get your permit, accommodation, and driver-guide arranged faster than anywhere else.

6. Can I book a last minute gorilla trek from Kigali?

Yes, in fact, Kigali to Bwindi is one of the most popular routes for last minute treks. You can cross into Uganda via Cyanika Border and reach Rushaga or Ruhija sectors by late afternoon. This allows you to trek the next day and return to Rwanda the same evening or stay longer at Lake Bunyonyi.

7. Do I need to pay in full immediately for last minute bookings?

For urgent bookings, especially those within 1–3 days of travel, we require full payment upfront to reserve your permit and secure accommodation. We accept mobile money, credit card, and bank transfer—and provide instant receipts and booking confirmations.

8. What should I pack for a last minute gorilla trek?

Even with little time to prepare, pack the essentials: waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a lightweight rain jacket, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and a face mask. We can provide a gear checklist and help source anything you’re missing locally.

9. What if permits are already sold out?

If all official gorilla permits are sold out, we’ll:

• Check for cancellations or unclaimed reservations
• Suggest trekking in a less crowded sector
• Recommend alternative travel dates, even shifting your trip by just one day
  With our extensive contacts and on-ground coordination, we’ve secured permits in situations where others failed.

10. Why should I book with Nextgen Safaris?

Because we specialize in urgent, last minute gorilla trekking safaris. While many operators say “fully booked,” we go further—calling wardens directly, working with park staff, and using locally-held permits to make your trek possible. We’re responsive, trusted, and locally rooted. We make last minute happen.

For any other question, just WhatsApp our team now or send a booking request. You could be trekking gorillas tomorrow.

Book Your Last Minute Gorilla Trekking Safari Now

You don’t need months of planning to have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the mountain gorillas of Uganda or Rwanda. Whether you’re in Kigali, Entebbe, Kampala, or already near Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park, we can organize your last minute gorilla trekking safari faster than anyone else—sometimes in just a few hours.

With Nextgen Safaris, last minute doesn’t mean rushed or risky. It means:

• Real-time gorilla permit confirmation
• Trusted driver-guides and 4×4 vehicles
• Reliable lodges, even on short notice
• Seamless cross-border logistics
• And a team that responds instantly via WhatsApp, phone, or email

We’ve helped hundreds of travelers experience gorilla trekking with zero delays, no middlemen, and no hidden costs—even when others said it was impossible.

Ready to Trek Tomorrow or in the Next Few Days?

Don’t wait. Just send us a message right now:

• Fill out our quick contact form: Book Here
• Or WhatsApp us for instant booking: +256 781282344

Let us know:

• How many people are trekking
• Where you are (or arriving from)
• Your available dates and budget

We’ll handle the rest.

Last minute gorilla trekking safaris are real, achievable, and unforgettable—when you book with the right team. And that team is Nextgen Safaris.