Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda: Gorilla trekking is an exciting and unique adventure that you should not miss out on when on safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking entails guests walking through the tropical rainforests in search of habituated mountain gorillas and spending one hour with them in their natural environment once identified.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, whereas in Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are located in Uganda’s southwestern park.
Gorilla trekking is possible all year in both Uganda and Rwanda, and this article will explain the benefits and drawbacks of seeing the mountain gorillas during the dry and wet seasons.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda during the Dry Season.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is possible during the dry season, also known as the peak season, which occurs in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. The dry season is recognized as the greatest time to undertake gorilla trekking since there is less or less rainfall in the gorilla destinations during this period, therefore access roads and gorilla trekking paths are dry and accessible, making walking easier.
However, there is no assurance that there will be no rain during the dry season because Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park are all tropical rainforests and can rain at any time of day, regardless of season.
Because the foliage in the forests is shorter during the dry season owing to less rainfall, you will be able to see the mountain gorillas and other animal species in the park clearly and capture stunning photographs.
Gorilla trekking has several difficulties during the dry season, for example, gorilla trekking permits are in great demand and frequently sell out fast, therefore trekkers are recommended to reserve in early to prevent last-minute disappointments.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda during the Wet Season.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda can also be done during the wet/rainy season, also known as the low season, from March to April and October to November because gorilla trekking permits are not in high demand as they are during the dry season, which means that acquiring gorilla trekking permits is easy even for last-minute travelers and there will be few travelers in the national parks, so you will be able to enjoy the park with less people.
During the wet/rainy season, several luxury lodges offer discounts to attract visitors, which benefits budget tourists.
During the rainy season, gorilla trekking trails in the gorilla parks become muddy and slippery, making trekking difficult; therefore, travelers should bring the proper gorilla trekking essentials such as hiking shoes, a light waterproof rain jacket, a long sleeved shirt and trouser, garden gloves, insect repellent, a walking stick, and a waterproof back pack, among others.
What to expect during gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?
Trekking for gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park begins very early in the morning with a training on the laws and regulations to be followed throughout the walk.
Following the briefing, you will be separated into groups of eight individuals, with each group assigned a habituated gorilla family to hike and a park guide who is familiar with gorilla trekking nature trails.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda takes between 30 minutes and 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are discovered because they tend to migrate from one location to another in quest of food.
During the trek, you will be able to see various bird species, other primates, and so on. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, where you will be able to learn more about their behaviors and habits, watch them go about their daily activities, take photos, and record videos to show people back home.
How much are gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park cost $1,500 USD per person for all nationalities, while permits in Uganda’s gorilla parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost 700 USD per person for non-residents, 600 USD per person for residents, and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Gorilla trekking is the most fascinating activity in Rwanda and Uganda, and it can be done at any time of year. The optimum time to go for gorilla trekking is determined by the tourist. Contact Explore Rwanda Tours for more information or visit our website for inexpensive gorilla trekking tours.
