September 21, 2026
Canadian trips to the United States collapsed by 23.5% between 2024 and 2025 — wiping out C$3.3 billion in cross-border spending — and the retreat kept going into 2026, with transborder trips down another 10.6% in the first quarter alone (as reported by NomadLawyer). That capital has not disappeared; it is flowing into overseas travel instead, with departures beyond North America up 6.2% and overseas spending up 16.7% year over year. For travellers with East Africa on their list, this is a good moment to turn that redirected budget toward Uganda.
December sits in one of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s drier stretches, though the rainforest keeps its own rules — short showers are still part of the experience, and they tend to bring cooler mornings, mist threading through the canopy, and louder birdsong rather than washed-out trails. What makes December different from the June-to-September peak or the quieter November shoulder season is demand: with Christmas and New Year travel layered on top, gorilla permits and lodge rooms around Bwindi book out early. Locking in dates now, while the 2026 booking window is still open, is the difference between trekking on your preferred day and scrambling for whatever permit is left.
Van Sun Travel’s Uganda Gorilla Trekking Adventure is a nine-day, eight-night journey that treats the gorilla trek as the centerpiece of a fuller Uganda itinerary rather than a single rushed day trip:
Van Sun Travel is a Canada-based travel company licensed by Consumer Protection BC, building private and small-group trips rather than large bus-tour itineraries. Every Uganda departure runs through carefully vetted local guides and partners on the ground, with transparent pricing from the first quote and personal support from our team before and during your trip.
Ready to plan a December trek or lock in 2027 dates early? See the full Uganda Gorilla Trekking Adventure itinerary and pricing, or get in touch with our team to talk through dates and permit availability.
