Best time for Gorilla trekking, When is the best time to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for mountain gorilla trekking? Not knowing the ideal time to go for gorilla trekking is what ruins visitor experiences on gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Mountain gorillas thrive only in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park.
The 4 gorilla safari parks are open to tourists on gorilla trekking tour all year round. This is due to the fact that they experience favorable weather and climatic conditions. This means there is no specific time to go track mountain gorillas however, the dry season is usually recommended considering the advantages it comes with. The dry months of the year are experienced starting from June, July, August, September, and December, January, February.
The 2 phases of the dry season are characterized by low or no rains unlike March, April, May, and October, November when plenty of rain is recorded. Tracking mountain gorillas during the dry season is easier because of the dry ground, trails, and less vegetation. But the demand for gorilla trekking permits increases since it is a peak season across mountain gorilla parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park. This requires you to reserve your permit at least 3 to 4 hours prior to your actual date of the trek to see mountain gorillas.
The disadvantage of tracking mountain gorillas during the dry season is that these apes have less forage to feed and they are forced to move long distances which translates to long treks for tourists on a search for them. But generally, it is an adventure worth your energies, time, and money!
Gorilla trekking during the wet or rainy season is also impressive although a low number of visitors is recorded which is also an added advantage for visitors who don’t like crowds. The wet or rainy season occurs in March, April, May, and October, November. Much forage is available for mountain gorillas to feed on during this period unlike the dry season and these apes keep around thus shorter hours of trek to see them.
Whether it is during the dry season or wet season that you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking, better to be well-prepared, and carry a rain jacket or poncho because it can rain at any time since these apes live in tropical rain-forest or montane areas.
Another important reason to consider visiting Uganda or Rwanda during the wet or rainy season is that most accommodation facilities reduce their rates to attract more visitors. This makes the low season the best for budget trekkers who are not in a position to travel during the peak season for gorilla trekking.
Other items to carry for gorilla trekking besides rain jacket include waterproof hiking boots, waterproof daypack, first aid kit, sweater, long-sleeved shirt, a camera without a flashlight, a valid passport, visa, gorilla permit, insect repellent, toiletries, bottled drinking water, snacks or packed lunch, walking stick, and many others.