Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; gorilla trekking is an adventurous and exceptional activity that you shouldn’t miss during your safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park and in Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in a southwestern park of Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be done all year round and this article will guide you on the advantages and disadvantages of visiting the mountain gorillas in the dry season and the wet/rainy season.

Gorilla trekking in the dry season

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done in dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. The dry season is known as the best time to go for gorilla trekking because during this period there is less or little rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy. However note that there is no guarantee of no rain in the dry season as Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park are tropical rainforests therefore it can rain any time of the day regardless of the season.

During gorilla trekking in the dry season, vegetation in the forests will be short due to less rainfall therefore you will be able to view the mountain gorillas and other wildlife species in the park clearly and take beautiful pictures.

Gorilla trekking in the dry season has some drawbacks, for example, gorilla trekking permits are on high demand and they usually get sold out quickly hence travelers are advised to book in advance so as to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Gorilla trekking in the wet season

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can also be done in the wet/ rainy season which is also known as the low season during the months of March to April and October to November because during this period gorilla trekking permits are not on high demand like in the dry season which means that acquiring gorilla trekking permits is easy even for the last minute travelers and there will be few travelers in the national parks, therefore, you will be able to enjoy the park with less crowds.

During gorilla trekking in the wet/rainy season, some luxury lodges offer discounts as a way to attract travelers which favors budget travelers.

During gorilla trekking in the rainy season, gorilla trekking trails become muddy and slippery which makes trekking difficult therefore travelers should carry the right gorilla trekking essentials like hiking shoes, light waterproof rain jacket, long-sleeved shirt and trouser, garden gloves, insect repellent, walking stick, waterproof backpack among others.

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are found because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During Gorilla trekking you will be able to view different bird species, other primates among others and once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos to show people back home.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes national park cost 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities while gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park cost 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

Gorilla trekking is the most exciting activity in Uganda and Rwanda that can be done anytime throughout the year and the best time to go for gorilla trekking depends on the traveler’s choice. For more information, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable gorilla trekking packages.