When is the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

When is the Best Time to Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

There has been an ongoing debate about the best time to trek or track gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Various arguments and opinions have been voiced in different avenues, including online forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet. The fact is that gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda can be tracked throughout the year, and clients almost always get the same level of satisfaction. This is because clients tend to avoid the rainy season, forgetting that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in an Equatorial Forest where chances of rain are very high daily. The same applies to Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, which are predominantly bamboo forests.

On paper, the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the drier months of June, July, August, and early September. During these months, there is less rainfall compared to months such as April, May, and November. It’s during these drier months that people prefer booking their gorilla treks, making it a competitive time. Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly, so all those interested in trekking gorillas during this time should book their permits in advance.

Mountain gorillas, which are among the most endangered species on the planet, are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga ranges, which are shared among three countries: Uganda (Mgahinga National Park), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Because these primates are highly endangered, clients pay a premium to view or trek them. The current price of gorilla permits is USD 1500.00 in Rwanda and USD 800.00 in Uganda. Given the cost, clients want to maximize their experience when it comes to gorilla trekking, making the best time to visit crucial.

Uganda, being crossed by the equator, has a modified equatorial type of climate with two rainy seasons. Because of this, people tend to associate the drier seasons with the best time to trek gorillas. This is true because when it rains, it becomes hard to hike and trek in the impenetrable forest due to the heavy rains that make the trails too slippery. Roads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park tend to become slippery, and rivers flood, making accessibility difficult.

What is the Best Month of the Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking is a top activity for tourists visiting Rwanda and Uganda, carried out all year round. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only two national parks: Bwindi and Mgahinga, while in Rwanda, it is conducted in Volcanoes National Park. One of the main reasons these parks are top tourist attractions is that mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries in the Virunga region, and they are endangered species, which leads to tourists paying a high price to come and trek them. You will, however, need a gorilla permit, which must be booked in advance to gain access to the gorillas. The permits were introduced to reduce poaching and limit the number of people who visit the gorillas per session.

The Ideal Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is an all-year-round tourist destination for all visitors planning to visit the country. Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular safari activities, and Uganda is the best gorilla trekking destination because it has half the population of mountain gorillas in the world. Uganda experiences two seasons: the dry season (peak or high season) and the wet or rainy season (low season). The dry season is always an expensive time to travel, whereas the low season sees some lodges close, making it an affordable time to trek the gorillas.

The Dry Season

Two dry seasons are experienced in Uganda: from June to September and from December to February. These months are considered the best time for gorilla trekking because the trails are less slippery, and the weather is more predictable. During the dry season, the chances of rain are lower, making it easier to navigate the dense forests. The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book your gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Wet Season

The wet season in Uganda occurs from March to May and from October to November. During these months, the trails can be muddy and slippery, making the trek more challenging. However, the wet season has its advantages. The forests are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists, which means you can enjoy a more intimate experience with the gorillas. Additionally, some lodges offer discounted rates during the wet season, making it a more affordable time to visit.

The Ideal Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda also experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, from June to September and from December to February, is considered the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Like Uganda, the trails are less slippery, and the weather is more predictable during these months. The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so it is essential to book your gorilla permits and accommodation in advance.

The wet season in Rwanda occurs from March to May and from October to November. The trails can be muddy and slippery, making the trek more challenging. However, the wet season offers a unique experience as the forests are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. Some lodges also offer discounted rates during the wet season, making it a more affordable time to visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done throughout the year, and each season offers its own unique experiences. The dry season, from June to September and from December to February, is considered the best time for gorilla trekking due to the more predictable weather and less slippery trails. However, the wet season, from March to May and from October to November, offers a lush and green environment with fewer tourists and discounted rates at some lodges.

Regardless of when you choose to go, gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with one of the most endangered species on the planet. It is essential to book your gorilla permits and accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure you have the best experience possible.