Gorilla Trekking in the Low Season

While many travelers avoid gorilla trekking during the low seasons of March to May and October to November because of the heavy rains, we believe that trekking during these times has many advantages. For example, the rain can make the environment more challenging to navigate, but it also makes the gorillas easier to spot because they are less dispersed during the wet season. Additionally, the low season often has fewer tourists, which can make the experience more intimate and peaceful. For these reasons, we recommend considering gorilla trekking during the low season.

Cheaper Flights

During the low season, the region sees fewer travelers from Europe and America, which can lead airlines to lower prices for flights. This can be a great opportunity to save money on travel expenses. If you are looking to reduce the cost of your trip, consider traveling during the low season and taking advantage of the lower flight prices

Discounted Accommodation and Transport

During the low season, some lodges may close, but those that remain open often discount their room rates to attract business. Additionally, transport costs are typically lower during the rainy season. Service providers are often willing to offer lower prices to keep their vehicles in use, rather than let them sit idle. Any savings on travel expenses can enhance your trip and allow you to enjoy gorilla trekking and other activities on the same trip.

Reduced Crowds and Increased Personal Space

One of the benefits of traveling during the low season is that you can enjoy services and activities all to yourself. The visitor centers and safari lodges are typically less crowded during this time, giving you plenty of space to relax and take in the surroundings. Additionally, the reduced number of visitors during the low season means that you are likely to have a more intimate experience during gorilla trekking. You will have more space to move around and take photos, and you may be able to connect more closely with your local guide. Overall, traveling during the low season can provide a peaceful and enriching experience.

Intimate Services

Gorilla tourism is an important resource for the communities that live near the parks. During the high season, the influx of tourists can sometimes lead to a decline in the quality of service. By traveling during the low season, you can avoid this problem and receive more personal and intimate service from service providers, including your driver, guide, and lodges. Traveling during the low season also allows you to support the local communities and contribute to their well-being. This can make for a more rewarding and authentic travel experience.

Easier Access to Gorilla Permits

One of the challenges of planning a gorilla trekking safari is securing a permit. However, during the low season, you are more likely to be able to secure a gorilla permit on your desired travel dates. This can save you the hassle of trying to coordinate your plans around the availability of permits. In the peak season, travelers often have to plan their trips around the availability of permits, which can be frustrating. But during the low season, you can book your trip at the last minute, since there are typically fewer travelers interested in enduring the wet season weather. Overall, the low season can provide more flexibility and convenience when planning a gorilla trekking safari.

More Wildlife Sightings

Another advantage of traveling during the low season is that you are more likely to see a greater variety of wildlife. If you are hiking in the forest before or after your gorilla trekking experience, you may be hoping to catch sight of other animals and birds. In the peak season, the large number of tourists and the associated noise and activity can cause many animals and birds to hide. But during the low season, when there are fewer people and less noise, these animals and birds are more likely to come out into the open. This can provide an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat and capture them in photos. Overall, traveling during the low season can enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Better Local Connections

During the low season, locals are often more open and willing to interact with visitors. This can be a great opportunity to learn about their culture and heritage, and to gain a deeper understanding of the region. In the peak season, locals may be too busy with work and other obligations to engage with visitors, so traveling during the low season can provide a more authentic and enriching experience.

The Weather is Not That Bad

While many travelers avoid traveling to East Africa in April and May due to the heavy rains, these downpours are usually intense but short, leaving plenty of time for comfortable weather and activities. The rains typically last for only a couple of hours, so they are unlikely to disrupt your gorilla trekking experience. In fact, the cooler temperatures during the wet season can make gorilla trekking more comfortable, compared to the intense heat of the dry season. Additionally, the rains bring plenty of water to the waterholes and rivers, making for a beautiful and lush landscape. The low season is a great time to capture photos of dramatic landscapes and intense sunsets, and to experience the unique beauty of the region.

A More Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience

During the high season, gorilla trekking guides typically have to accommodate the hiking pace of the slowest person in the group. This can be frustrating for those who are faster hikers, as they may have to slow down to keep up with the group. In the low season, however, there are often fewer tourists on the trail, which means you are likely to have the trail and guide to yourself. This allows the guide to understand your preferences and pace, and enables you to experience the gorillas at your own speed. Overall, traveling during the low season can provide a more personalized and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience.

Closer Encounters with Mountain Gorillas

During the rainy season, mountain gorillas tend to forage on the lower slopes near the buffer zone, where there is plenty of fruit. In the dry season, they have to climb to higher altitudes, where it is colder, to find their favorite food, which can make them harder to find. In the wet season, you are likely to trek shorter distances to find the gorilla family, saving you time and energy. Additionally, the gorillas may come into the camps during the low season, providing an exciting and unexpected encounter for visitors. Overall, traveling during the low season can provide a more efficient and rewarding gorilla trekking experience.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Low Season

Trek Africa Expeditions remains open and provides excellent tour operator services during the low season. We can help you secure good rates on accommodation and transport, and we can also assist with securing gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda. If you are traveling on a budget, we can help you make the most of your trip and ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Send us an email at info@trekafricatours.com to get started with our local consultants right away.