Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda; Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and one of the most done activity in Uganda that attracts many travelers. Gorilla trekking involves tourists moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Uganda harbors half of the world’s mountain gorilla population which makes it one of the most visited gorilla destination in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern region. Gorilla trekking is also done in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that can be done any time throughout the year due to different factors like climate and location to the equator. Uganda experiences two seasons that is the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, February and the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October and November.
Gorilla trekking during the dry/ peak season
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is best done in the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less or little rainfall in the gorilla destination therefore access roads to the national parks and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
During the dry season vegetation will be thin due to less rainfall which helps tourists to view the mountain gorillas and other primate species clearly and also take great photos.
Though the dry season is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are tropical rainforests therefore rainfall can be received at any time of the day regardless of the season. Gorilla trekking in the dry season has some disadvantages like difficulty in booking the gorilla trekking permits especially for the last minute travelers because gorilla trekking permits are competitive and usually get sold out quickly hence we recommend that tourists book 3 to 6 months in advance.
Gorilla trekking during the wet/ rainy season
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done in the wet season also known as the rainy season in the months of March to May and October to November. The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall but it doesn’t rain the whole day hence you can still continue with your gorilla trekking activity after the rains.
Gorilla trekking in the wet season has some advantages like few people during trekking in the national parks which gives you an opportunity to explore the gorilla destinations all to yourself with less crowds and also have a face to face encounter with the mountain gorillas.
During the wet season gorilla trekking permits can easily be purchased especially for the last minute travelers because due to less visitors, permits are not on high demand and some luxury lodges offer discounts as a way to attract visitors in the parks which favors budget tourists.
Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are tropical rainforests hence it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season therefore during your gorilla trekking safari you are advised to carry a waterproof rain jacket/ poncho to protect you from rainfall, hiking boots to keep your feet dry and warm sweater to keep you warm during the rainy season or morning hours.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters about the rules, regulations and expectations. After the briefing you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. Gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view different primate species, birds, mammals, plant and tree species among others. Once the mountain gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, playing, resting, take photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card that is issued by Uganda wildlife authority to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
The best time to go for Gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on the traveler’s choice because gorilla trekking activity can be done all year round. For more information, kindly reach out to us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.
