Best Time to Visit the Gorillas in Uganda

Generally, the best time to visit gorillas in Uganda is from June to August, and again from December to February. These are the driest months in Uganda which makes trekking much easier, although due to the equatorial climate, rain showers are possible at any time of year.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is by far more popular option as it hosts many habituated gorilla families as well many gorilla trekking sectors.

Coming face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most powerful and humbling wildlife encounters in the world, and Uganda is the best place to see these endangered gentle giants. On your Uganda safari in either Bwindi or Mgahinga, you can always see trekkers who are returning from having been with the gorillas, even the strong and silent types are grinning and chattering like little birds.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Ranked as the best place to see mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla destination, home to the largest population of mountain gorillas. The park’s remoteness, natural beauty and enthralling biodiversity attracts millions of visitors. But the magnificent great apes – mountain gorillas have made Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda’s single most important tourist destination.

Because of its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The park lies in the South western part of Uganda along the border with Democratic Republic of Congo next to the Greater Virunga National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – This onc-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter departs from one of the four trailheads of Bwindi – Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rusha and Ruhija. Every day you can join one of the 21 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi.

For visitors interested in spend more time mountain gorillas in Uganda, join a gorilla habituation experience only offered in Bwindi and spend up to four hours in the company of a semi-habituated gorilla family.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Tucked away in the south-western corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Greater Virunga Conservation Area, this small park spans just 34 square kilometres hosting an astonishing amount of biodiversity.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a stunning scenery with three extinct volcanoes, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura and Mount Gahinga whose forested slopes are home to mountain gorillas.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a renowned primate park hosting two primate species – mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is home approximately 80 mountain gorillas, with only one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagyezi family. This family is the only gorilla family open for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

When is the best time to visit the gorillas in Uganda?

The best time to visit the gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season from June to August, and from December to February.

Temperatures in Uganda are relatively consistent much year-round, staying between 24°C and 30°C. The most important factor to consider is the rains, there are two distinct rainy seasons from March to May and September to November.

The Dry Season

The peak season is from June to August and December to February. This is when conditions are most likely to be dry. The days are clear and sunny, making trekking more enjoyable. The drier vegetation is easier to hike through, and steep slopes are a lot less slippery.

These months coincides with peak tourism season in Uganda, gorilla permits for these months sell out well in advance, so planning at least 12 months in advance is recommended if you are looking to travel in peak season. Also, accommodations in the parks fill out quickly due to high demand, so book your accommodation well in advance.

While these months tend to be drier, downpours are possible at any time of year due to Uganda’s tropical climate.

The Rainy Season

The low season in Uganda spans from March to May and September to November. The wetter conditions can make trekking more challenging and uncomfortable, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict weather patterns, so you might get lucky.

Showers typically heavy downpours intermittently throughout the day, so you can still enjoy frequent sunny spells when the sky clears.

In this season, accommodation prices are typically lower and permits are easier to get a hold of, although you still need to purchase them quite far in advance.

Why Uganda should be your top choice for gorilla trekking.

• Uganda has more than half of the Gorilla Population – Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in two different national parks that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this means you have a higher chance of encountering these incredible creatures in Uganda than anywhere else in the world.
• Uganda has five gorilla trekking centres – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four different sectors, Bwindi, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Rushaga and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one. So in Uganda you are assured of getting a gorilla permit in any sector that suits your lodging preferences and fitness level. Each sector offers unique landscapes, gorilla families and trekking challenges. In Uganda, no two gorilla treks in Uganda are the same.
• Affordable gorilla permits – Comparing gorilla permits to neighbouring Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are more budget – friendly, $800 compared to Rwanda’s $1,500, making this extraordinary eco-adventure accessible to a wider range of travellers.
• Accommodation for every budget – Uganda offers a wide selection of accommodation options near both Bwindi and Mgahinga. From cozy campsites and budget-friendly lodges to luxurious eco-lodges and private tented camps. In Bwindi you will find the perfect place to rest and recharge after your trek.

Gorilla trekking in undoubtedly is a once-in-a lifetime experience, and having this incredible experience in Uganda includes you among the conservation mix to save these precious primates. By purchasing a gorilla permit you support the conservation of mountain gorillas and giving them a chance to flourish in this tropical forest.