When is the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: When in Uganda and Rwanda is the ideal time to track or trek gorillas? This is a serious topic of continuous discussion. Numerous debates and viewpoints have been expressed in a variety of settings, including internet discussion boards like lonely planet and trip advisor. It is a reality that gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda are trackable year-round, and clients experience nearly identical levels of pleasure. This is due to the fact that visitors often avoid the rainy season, overlooking the fact that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in an equatorial forest with daily odds of precipitationa over 90%. The same holds true for Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Maghinga National Park, which are primarily bamboo woods.
In theory, the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is the dry months of June, July, August, and early September are the ideal times to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. In comparison to months like April, May, and November, these months saw less rainfall. People love to schedule their gorilla treks during these months, which makes them competitive. Anyone interested in going on a gorilla trek around this time of year should purchase their gorilla permits in advance because they tend to sell out quickly.
The Virunga ranges, which are shared by three countries—Uganda (Mgahinga National Park), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Virunga National Park), and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)—are home to mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered species on Earth. Additionally, tourists pay a premium to see or hike with these monkeys due to their very endangered status. Given that gorilla permits are currently priced at USD 1500.00 in Rwanda and USD 800.00 in Uganda, tourists would like to make the most of their gorilla trekking experience and choose the ideal time to visit.
Because the equator passes across Uganda, the country has a modified tropical climate with two rainy seasons. As a result, people typically believe that the ideal times to trek gorillas are during the dry seasons. This is accurate since intense rain makes the pathways extremely slick, making it difficult to travel and trek through the dense jungle. Access to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is difficult due to frequent flooding of rivers and slick roads.
Which is the best month of the year for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
One of the most popular year-round activities for tourists visiting Rwanda and Uganda is gorilla trekking. The gorillas are an endangered species that can only be found in three countries in the Virunga region, which means that tourists are willing to pay a high price to trek with them. Gorilla trekking is only permitted in two national parks in Uganda, namely Bwindi and Mgahinga, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. To visit the gorillas, though, you will want a gorilla permit, which must be reserved in advance.
In an effort to decrease both poaching and the number of visitors to the gorillas per session, permits were implemented. For the purpose of making your gorilla trip planning easier, we will examine the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda in this post.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
For travelers wishing to visit the nation, Uganda is a year-round travel destination. Given that Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, it is the ideal place for gorilla trekking, one of the most popular safari activities. There are two distinct seasons in Uganda: the wet or rainy season (low season) and the dry season, sometimes known as the peak or high season. While the low season offers more economical gorilla trekking because some of the lodges close, the dry season is always the most expensive.
The dry season:
Uganda experiences two distinct dry seasons, spanning from June to October and January to February. In Uganda and the other national parks across the nation, now is the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking. The busiest months for hiking with gorillas are June and July.
The rainy season:
Like most of the countries in East Africa, Uganda has two distinct rainy seasons: the long rainy season and the short rainy season. The long rainy season, which lasts from late February to the end of May and receives a lot of rainfall, begins in late February and lasts from late October to about mid-December. Hikers typically miss out on the entire gorilla trekking experience during the wet season because of the frequent, short-lived downpours that leave the trek routes muddy and slippery.
A month-by-month guide for gorilla trekking in Uganda
January to February
January:
The brief dry season, with sporadic light showers of rain, is beginning now. Compared to the wet season, this is a fantastic time to go gorilla trekking because the hike trails are clear and less slippery. January is a good month to visit because it is less crowded and costs less than the second dry season, generally referred to as the peak season.
February:
In Bwindi and Mgahinga, February has a similar climate to that of January. January and February are ideal months for general safaris around Uganda as well as gorilla trekking.
March to May
March.
The first wet season officially begins in March. Given the severe rains that make it difficult to hike in the lush forests, this may not be the greatest time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. The gorillas are difficult to locate because they are also attempting to seek cover from the rain, the paths are always muddy and treacherous, and the safari is inexpensive.
April
In Uganda, April is the wettest month and the worst for trekking with gorillas. Due to the closure of several highways and lodging establishments as a result of the intense rains, gorilla trekking and regular African safaris are less expensive during this period.
May
Even though they are not as intense as they were in April, the rains continue into May. For those who don’t mind the rain, this is the ideal time to go because it’s still low season and prices are affordable.
During the rainy season, gorilla trekking is still possible because there isn’t constant rain and visitors can witness different migratory birds making their way into the nation.
June to September
June and July
In Uganda, this is the busiest time of year, with lots of travelers going on safari across the various regions of the nation. In both Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks, trekking gorillas is made easier by the start of the dry season in June, which brings little to no rainfall. However, gorilla trekking is very expensive during this season, and since gorilla permits are much sought after, you must reserve them at least six months in advance of the date of your trek.
August
The greatest time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is in August, which also happens to be the end of the high or peak season. Since it’s still the dry season, this is the ideal time to travel to the nation and see its other attractions because the hiking paths are easier to hike and manage.
September
The dry season ends in September, and there are less people around as light rain starts to fall at this time. You still need to reserve your permission in advance because the weather might be unexpected and it might be the dry season.
October to December
October
This is often not a busy month, and prices are low when compared to earlier months. Obtaining a special permission for gorilla trekking is an excellent idea, but be prepared for erratic rainstorms. This is the greatest time if you don’t mind intermittent downpour and muddy, treacherous hike routes; keep in mind that other national parks are always open throughout this period.
November
November sees lots of rain, which makes the national parks’ lush vegetation more abundant. The greatest time to travel on a budget is during this low season, which sees few visitors due to the less-than-ideal weather.
December
With a little decrease in rainfall, December signifies the end of the wet season. Aside from the fact that you can witness a wide range of bird species, including migratory birds that are migrating into the region, now is an excellent time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda.
A popular tourist attraction in Rwanda is gorilla trekking, which takes place in the Virunga region’s Volcanoes National Park. Trekking with a high probability of encountering primates makes this the most popular safari activity in the nation. The optimum time and month to visit Rwanda for a gorilla hike are determined by the country’s two seasons, which are the dry and wet seasons.
The dry season;
The Volcanoes National Park experiences two distinct dry seasons: the short dry season, which spans from December to February, and the long rainy season, which lasts from June to September. The latter is sometimes referred to as the peak season.
The wet season:
With brief rains from October to November and extensive rains from March to May, there are two distinct wet/rainy seasons. We suggest that you steer clear of these months if at all possible because that is when the severe rains typically arrive.
A month-by-month guide for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
April to May:
The Volcanoes National Park experiences some of Rwanda’s longest rainy seasons from April to May, which makes gorilla trekking extremely challenging during this time. The low season during this time of year means that lodging costs are lower, making it an affordable option for gorilla exploration. Since most gorillas migrate to the lower slopes from higher, colder places, it’s also an excellent time to spot them.
June to September:
The ideal time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during this peak season. This is the longest dry season the nation has ever experienced, and it is also the best time to visit the national park because it is not as muddy and slippery as it usually is during the wet season, and it is also easier to spot gorillas.
This time frame is also known as the peak season. Travelers are recommended to secure their gorilla permits at least six to three months in advance of the trek date. In Rwanda, obtaining a permit requires paying a minimum of 30% of the total permit cost.
October to November:
In contrast to April to May, this is a low season with little rain, so if you can tolerate it, now is a great time to go gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, especially if you enjoy taking pictures. During this time, birds are constantly flying in, other wildlife is calving, and prices are low—something that isn’t always the case during the busiest season. The shoulder/low season, also known as the brief rainy season, begins in October. Short rains will make the trek less expensive, but the weather may not be conducive.
December to February:
I consider this to be a wonderful time of year to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. There are less people during the brief dry season, which also makes it simple to visit the national park and an excellent time to go birdwatching because of the migratory bird population. December is the best month to go gorilla trekking because the short rains have ended and the rainforests are starting to dry out, making it simple to walk the gorillas. However, because the holidays are approaching, expect some crowding in the national parks.
In Uganda and Rwanda, the best months to undertake gorilla trekking are December to February and June to September. However, since the weather is erratic, you should occasionally anticipate a little rain. The only drawbacks to this time of year are the dense crowds, the scarcity and high cost of lodging if you don’t reserve ahead, and the fact that gorilla trekking is generally more expensive during this period.
The months of October through November and the rainy season, which runs from March to May with the greatest rains in April, are the worst times to undertake gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
It’s also important to remember that some travelers choose the ideal time to trek the primates based on criteria other than months of preference. The primary deciding element is travel expenses, which is why some visitors visit both countries in the shoulder season since they are on a tight budget, while others travel whenever they choose, regardless of cost.
We have a long history of planning gorilla trips to Uganda and Rwanda, and we have professionals on staff who can answer any questions you may have about gorilla trekking. We can also assist in planning specially designed gorilla trips to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as well as Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
In conclusion, the best time to go gorilla trekking in uganda and Rwanda is possible year-round in both countries; however, the optimum seasons are from June to September and December to January during the dry season. In contrast to the rainy season, when trekking can be challenging due to the wet and muddy conditions, the trek paths are accessible and less slippery during this time of year. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can still hike with gorillas during the wet season, sometimes referred to as the low season.
Active African Vacation Safaris offers gorilla trekking experiences all year long. Since our clients have seen gorillas on their individual treks, we have a 98% success rate with all of our gorilla tours. The success of any gorilla expedition, rainy or dry, depends more on your level of preparation than on the passage of time or season. You will be able to enjoy your walk provided you have the proper equipment and are physically fit; if not, please hire a porter.
Book our Best rwanda safari packages
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari gives you exceptional Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari takes you Gorilla Trkeking at Budget at Volcanoes National Park.
4 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour Rwanda
4 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour Rwanda goes to Volcanoes National Park where you trek the Mountain Gorillas.
7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Safari
7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Safari gives you Gorilla Trekiing and Chimpanzee tracking.
7 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari Tour
7 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari Tour gives you unique adventures in Uganda and Rwanda on vacation.
7 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour
7 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour goes to Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park.
8 Days Gorillas & Tanzania Safari
8 Days Gorillas & Tanzania Safari takes you Gorilla Trkeking and Wildlife Safari at Sernegeti Tanzania.
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Culture
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Culture takes you Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Safari.
