Best Time to Trek Gorillas

Best Time to Trek Gorillas – Ensuring the Best Experience with Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

When contemplating the best time to embark on the captivating adventure of gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, clients understandably seek the ideal conditions for an unforgettable experience. While diverse opinions circulate, including insights from reputable sources like Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor, it’s essential to recognize that gorillas can be tracked year-round in both Uganda and Rwanda, offering a consistent level of enchantment.

The setting for this extraordinary encounter is primarily the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, nestled within the Virunga ranges, an extension that also encompasses Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As these majestic and endangered creatures are a rarity, the cost of gorilla permits reflects their preciousness—USD800 per person per trek in Uganda and USD 1500 per person per trek in Rwanda. Naturally, visitors aim to optimize their gorilla tracking experience, prompting the quest for the best time to trek gorillas.

Uganda, with the Equator crossing its terrain, experiences two distinct rainy seasons. Intriguingly, some clients associate the rainy season with an opportune time for gorilla trekking. However, it’s crucial to note that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a tropical rainforest, situated in an Equatorial Forest, where rainfall is frequent. During the rainy season, hiking becomes challenging due to slippery terrains. For certain gorilla families, accessing trailheads may require additional driving, particularly if one lacks a 4×4 vehicle, making it essential to avoid the rain seasons in Uganda.

While gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year, the drier months of June, July, August, and early September, followed by December to February, are often preferred. Although there’s no absolute guarantee against rainfall, these months generally offer more favorable conditions. Bwindi’s climate, influenced by micro-conditions, remains somewhat unpredictable. The forest, characterized by its tropical rainforest nature, occasionally experiences unexpected rain, even in the dry season.

It’s noteworthy that Bwindi maintains a cool to cold ambiance, occasionally bordering on chilly, especially during the evening and early morning. This coolness can lead to rain, warming up only as the trek to encounter the mountain gorillas unfolds within the lush jungle.

For comprehensive information and details about gorilla tracking tours, including insights into the best time to trek gorillas, feel free to contact Trek Africa Expeditions. They can provide personalized guidance to ensure an optimal and memorable gorilla trekking experience.