When is The Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is known as one of the most thought after safari activity and it ranks number one safari activity to do in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are known as endangered species and they can only be found in the wild in the above named countries in four national parks. Including Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Virunga national park, Volcanoes national park. And each country offers unique gorilla trekking experience. One can wonder what the gorilla trekking season is. Here is what you need to know about when to track the mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking safaris are most trending safari activity done in uganda.
Gorilla trekking season all year round
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done all year round in all the three countries that hosts these apes. However the most favored time to track gorillas is typically during the dry seasons of the year. The least rainfall is expected in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. This means during these months the gorilla paths are passable. And the forest can be penetrable easily than during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the roads leading to the gorilla parks becomes steeply as well as gorilla paths making the all process very difficult. Hence that’s why many people choose to visit the gorillas during the dry seasons of the year. It should however be noted that since the mountain gorillas are found in the tropical rainforests. Rains are to be expected all year round even in the dry season it can still rain.
Best time to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda
Uganda is known as one of the safest countries in Africa and it’s known as an all year travel destination. The country has good weather experienced throughout the year that can guarantee travels. There are many discussions on online forums about “when to go gorilla trekking in Uganda”. This discussion get-up from the fact that everybody wants to have the best gorilla trekking experience and also in line to try to avoid the rainy times of the year.
Therefore, it can be agreed that the best time of the year to track the mountain gorillas spans from – June, July, August, early September, December, January to February. During this period, there is much less rain than the other parts of the year, so most of the times you get the best gorilla trekking experience as it’s easy to navigate through the thick tropical rain forests of Bwindi national park or Mgahinga Gorilla national Park. However it should be noted that Bwindi and Mgahinga parks being a tropical rain forest, it can drop any time of the year, and therefore these regions receive more rain than all other parts of the country.
Best time to trek the mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, when to book your Rwanda gorilla tour
Same like in Uganda, the best months of the year to trek the gorillas in Rwanda are from June, July, August, early September, December, January and February are regarded as the best and busiest months for gorilla trekking, and many travelers prefers travelling during these months and early booking of gorilla permits during these months is highly recommended. It should however be noted that the altitude and landscape of Rwanda makes it more rainy than Uganda, and Rwanda therefore receives more rainfall as compared to Uganda.
Therefore despite the time of the year you book your gorilla trekking tour, you should carry the equipment that will make your gorilla trek easy even when it rains. Don’t forget to park hiking boots, gardening gloves, rain jacket, head gear, long pants / shirts among others. Contact us at Mum and Dad Uganda Tours to find out more about what you need to carry for your gorilla trekking tour in volcanoes national park and other gorilla trekking destinations.
When to book your Gorilla trekking tour / permits for Uganda or Rwanda
Same to Uganda, anyone interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda must book a gorilla permit in advance at least 2-3 months prior to gorilla trekking. This will enable your travel agent to secure your gorilla trekking permit when they are still available. It’s on record that gorilla trekking is the most selling adventurous activity which requires early booking, and in some cases where the permits are on so much demand it’s even recommended to book at least 6 months in advance, this gives your travel agent ample time to book your accommodation, and as well as gorilla trekking permit to avoid last minutes booking which is sometimes disappointing. The months of July, August, and December must be considered and in these months, gorilla trekkers are considered/ recommended to book at least 6 months in advance.
Why to book a gorilla trekking tour in Advance
Booking your gorilla trekking safari/tour in advance has very many benefits, first of all, you will have time to secure your gorilla permit in advance prior to gorilla trekking. Secondly, you will have a variety of options to choose from in terms of the tracking sector, for example, Uganda has 4 sectors for gorilla trekking including Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, so you need to choose which sector to trek from in advance because each gorilla permit works in a particular sector if taken in a wrong sector I will be considered invalid. Permits, Gorilla Trekking Season, lodges, and best gorilla trekking sectors normally have permits for most dates if booked at least 6 months in advance.
When is The Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking Season?
