When to Go Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a life changing wildlife experience offering you an opportunity to have a face to face encounter with some of the remaining mountain gorillas up-close.
Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries that is Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and live in only four national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park.
When to go gorilla trekking is one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking experience, in this blog we go through different periods of the year detailing their climatic conditions and seasons to help you choose the best time to go gorilla trekking.
Overview
The best times to see gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda are during the dry (but hot) seasons, experienced between June – September, and December – February.
High/Peak Season: June – August
Low Season: April – May and September to November
Best Weather: Between June – September, and between December – February
Worst Weather: Between March-May and September - November
When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda (Climate, Seasons and best months to visit)
Uganda and Rwanda have more or less the same climate, gorilla trekking conditions as well as tourism seasons. Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, however there are some important considerations when timing your gorilla trekking trip in Africa.
The overall best weather for gorilla trekking is during the two dry seasons, which run from June – September, and December – February. Still you can expect some rain during these periods, but conditions are generally more comfortable and the trails less muddy.
Of the two seasons, June – September are the driest, with light showers during December – February.
The rainy seasons, from March – May and September to November, can be very soggy. March – May brings the heaviest rains, and the trek can be tough, especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is generally steeper, muddier and more dense than in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
However, gorilla tourism remains open year-round, and during the rainy/off season, it is much quieter and you might find some good deals on accommodations.
Travel Tip – The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the shoulder period, either side of the rain season, when prices are lower, crowds are lighter or the rains might be easing off.
When to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year round, however rainfall is heavier in September – November and March – May, in these periods the trails become muddy and difficult to hike.
Always remember that you are visiting a rainforest, it will definitely be wet all year round. Still there is a marked difference between the dry and rainy seasons. The weather is generally drier and hotter between June and September, and again from December to February. These are the most preferred months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
From March and May, and again from September to November you can expect more frequent and heavier rain showers. Muddy roads and trails through the forest can be tricky to handle.
At higher altitudes, temperatures are fixed year round between 21°C (70 F) and 30°C (86 F), dropping to 10°C (50 F). At night it gets to be chilly, however the exertion of hiking and climbing will keep you warm during the day.
The advantages of gorilla trekking during the dry season are less muddy paths, easier hiking and clearer views of the wildlife. The disadvantage is that this is peak tracking season and therefore permit availability is lower. Still, you will need to book well in advance.
Peak season in Rwanda and When to book Gorilla Permits
Peak tourism seasons in Rwanda are June to August and around Christmas and New Year. If you plan to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda during peak season or if you are traveling in a large group, you should book six months or more in advance. The earlier you book the more choice you have on where you trek gorillas and where you stay.
Last minute bookings may be possible during low season or with smaller groups.
A side from more choice in gorilla permits and accommodation availability, there are some other advantages to visiting during rainy season.
If you have little time for a safari, it is possible to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda in just one day that is if you fly in early in morning. However, for an immersive Rwanda Safari Experience, I strongly recommend to spend at least two or three days in the region. The altitude and exertion of the climb can be unpleasant when rushed, and it is worth spending some time acclimatizing. Also, there is so much more to Rwanda than just one hour with the gorillas.
When to go gorilla trekking in Uganda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months that is June to October and December to February.
Peak Season in Uganda and When to book Gorilla Permits
The dry season months in Uganda coincide with peak tourism season in Uganda and Christmas and the New Year. So, if you are planning to visit during these months. The earlier you book the more choice you have on where you stay and where you track. Last-minute bookings may be possible during low season or with smaller groups, but cannot be guaranteed.
In Uganda, gorillas can be tracked throughout the year, however rainfall is heavier in November and April/May. During those times, it can be very muddy underfoot. The upside is the permits are a little easier to obtain plus you may find fewer tourists on your trail.
Gorilla Permit availability
During the peak season months of June – August, gorilla permits and accommodation sell out a long way in advance. If you are looking on visiting during the peak months you may need to book at least a year in advance.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Uganda to see gorillas is between July and October and December to February, during the optimal dry seasons.
