when is Best Time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
when is Best Time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda , there has been a continuing disagreement about when is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Several debates and viewpoints have been raised in different routes including online discussions like tripadvisor, lonely planet amongst others. The truth is that gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda may be followed throughout the year and clients practically get the same joy. Reason being, most tourists want to avoid visiting during the wet season, completely oblivious to the fact that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in an equatorial forest, where the likelihood of rain is extremely high on a daily basis. This also pertains to Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, which are primarily composed of bamboo forests.
The best time to trek gorillas in uganda and Rwanda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry months of June, July, August, and early September. Compared to months like April, May, and November, these months saw less rainfall. It’s during these months that individuals like to book their gorilla excursions, making it competitive. Gorilla permits frequently sell out rapidly, and individuals wishing to trek gorillas during this season should secure their permits in advance.
The Virunga Mountains, which are shared by three countries—Uganda (in Mgahinga National Park), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in Virunga National Park), and Rwanda (in Volcanoes National Park)—are home to mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered species on Earth. Due to the significant endangerment of these monkeys, consumers incur substantial costs to see or hike in their vicinity. Due to the prevailing cost of gorilla permits, which are USD 1500.00 in Rwanda and USD 800.00 in Uganda, clients seek to optimize their gorilla trekking experience and identify the best time for gorilla trekking in either countries
Uganda, traversed by the equator, exhibits a modified equatorial climate characterized by two rainy seasons; hence, individuals often see the dry seasons as the best time to go gorilla trekking. It is accurate that hiking and trekking in the impenetrable forest becomes challenging during rainfall due to the heavy precipitation that renders the routes excessively slippery. Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is often impeded by muddy roads and flooded rivers.
What is the best month for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is a premier activity for tourists in Rwanda and Uganda, conducted throughout the year. Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs exclusively in two national parks: Bwindi and Mgahinga, as well as in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These locations are premier tourist destinations primarily because they are home to endangered species found only in three countries within the Virunga region, prompting tourists to pay a premium for the opportunity to trek with the gorillas. However, a permit is required to reach the gorillas, and it must be reserved in advance. The permits were implemented to decrease poaching and limit the number of visitors to the gorillas per session. This article examines when is best to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda to facilitate your trip planning.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a year-round tourist destination for all travelers intending to explore the country. Gorilla trekking is among the most sought-after safari activities, with Uganda being the premier location due to its hosting of half the global population of mountain gorillas. Uganda has two distinct seasons: the dry season (peak or high season) and the wet or rainy season (low season). The dry season consistently incurs high travel costs, but the low season results in the closure of several lodges, rendering it a more economical period for gorilla trekking.
Uganda experiences two dry seasons: from June to October and from January to February. This is the optimal period for gorilla trekking in Uganda and its national parks. June and July represent the peak months for gorilla trekking.
Uganda experiences two rainy seasons, similar to many East African nations: the prolonged rainy season and the brief wet season. The short rainy season is experienced from late October to roughly mid-December, while the long rainy season, which receives considerable rainfall, starts in late February to the end of May. Frequent downpours, however brief, render the trekking routes muddy and hazardous, often causing hikers to forfeit the entire gorilla trekking experience during the rainy season
A comprehensive monthly guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda
January through February
January marks the onset of the brief dry season, characterized by sporadic light rainfall. This is an opportune moment for gorilla trekking, as the trails are unobstructed and less treacherous than during the wet season. Unlike the second dry season, which is also known as the peak season, there are few visitors in January, and the cost is low.
February exhibits climatic conditions akin to those of January in both Bwindi and Mgahinga. January and February are optimal months for gorilla trekking in Uganda, as well as for undertaking general safaris around the country.
March through May
March marks the commencement of the initial wet season. This may not be the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda due to the intense rainfall, which complicates navigation in the dense forests. The paths are consistently muddy and treacherous, the safari cost is minimal, and locating the gorillas is challenging as they seek refuge from the rain.
April: April is the rainy month in Uganda and the worst month for gorilla trekking. Numerous highways and certain lodging establishments are closed owing to substantial rainfall, resulting in decreased costs for safaris, including gorilla trekking and ordinary African excursions.
May: Precipitation persists during May, albeit with reduced intensity compared to April. The current period remains a low season with affordable prices, making it the optimal time for those who are indifferent to rain. Gorilla trekking remains accessible during the rainy season, as precipitation does not occur continuously throughout the day, and travelers have the opportunity to observe many migrating birds arriving in the country.
June to September
June and July represent the peak season in Uganda, attracting numerous tourists to various regions of the country for safari experiences. June marks the onset of the dry season, characterized by minimal or absent precipitation, facilitating gorilla trekking in both Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks. The expense of gorilla trekking is elevated during this period, and the demand for gorilla permits is substantial; therefore, it is essential to secure them at least six months in advance of your trekking date.
August signifies the conclusion of the peak season and is the optimal period for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The hiking trails are more accessible and navigable, and the current dry season renders it the optimal time to explore the nation and its additional attractions.
September signifies the conclusion of the dry season, during which the substantial crowds begin to diminish as light rain showers commence. Given the uncertain weather and the possibility of the dry season persisting, it is imperative to secure your permission in advance.
October to December
October often experiences low activity, and the cost during this period is somewhat moderate relative to preceding months. Now is an opportune moment to acquire that exclusive gorilla trekking permit; yet, prepare for the erratic occurrences of rainfall. If you are unconcerned with intermittent rainfall and the treacherous, muddy routes, this period is optimal; also, other national parks remain accessible during this time.
November: Precipitation persists during November, enhancing the verdant foliage in the national parks. This is a low season that has few visitors because of the less-than-ideal weather, but it is the perfect time for visitors on a modest budget.
December signifies the conclusion of the wet season, characterized by a reduction in rainfall. Visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking is opportune, as it also offers the chance to observe a diverse array of bird species, including migratory birds arriving in the region.
When is the best time to go gorillas in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a premier tourism attraction conducted in Volcanoes National Park within the Virunga region. This is the most coveted safari activity in the nation, with a significant likelihood of encountering primates during the journey. Rwanda has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season, which dictate the optimal months for gorilla trekking.
The dry season, referred to as the peak season, has two distinct periods in Volcanoes National Park: the short dry season (December to February) and the long dry season (June to September).
The wet season consists of two periods: the short rains from October to November and the lengthy rains from March to May. Intense rainfall typically occurs at the end of March and throughout April; thus, we recommend avoiding these months if feasible.
A complete monthly guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda
From April to May, Volcanoes National Park experiences some of the most prolonged rainfall in Rwanda, rendering gorilla trekking somewhat challenging during this time. This period is advantageous as it is a low season, resulting in reduced accommodation expenses and an economical opportunity to explore with the gorillas. This period is optimal for observing gorillas, since the majority migrate from elevated, cooler regions to the lower slopes.
June to September is the peak season and is the optimal period for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The country is currently experiencing its longest dry season, which is deemed the optimal time for visitation due to the ease of access to the national park, the straightforwardness of gorilla sightings, and the relatively dry and stable trekking routes compared to the typically muddy and slippery conditions of the wet season. This timeframe is commonly known as the peak season, during which tourists are encouraged to secure their gorilla permits at least three to six months prior to the trekking date. In Rwanda, obtaining a permit necessitates an upfront payment of at least 30% of the total permit cost.
From October to November, this period constitutes a low season characterized by brief rainfall, in contrast to April and May. If you can endure the precipitation, it is an opportune time to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, particularly if you have a passion for photography. During this period, birds consistently arrive, other wildlife is calving, and costs are minimal, unlike the high season. October marks the commencement of the short rainy season, sometimes referred to as the shoulder or low season. While the short rains result in reduced trekking costs, the weather conditions may be unfavorable.
December to February: I consider this an optimal season for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The brief dry season experiences reduced people, the trekking paths are readily accessible, and entrance to the national park is convenient, making it an opportune time for birdwatching due to the influx of migratory species. December marks the conclusion of the brief rains, rendering it an optimal period for gorilla trekking as the rainforests begin to dry, facilitating easier access to the gorillas. However, with the impending holidays, anticipate increased crowds in the national parks.
The optimal months for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are June to September and December to February. The weather is uncertain; therefore, occasional rain should be anticipated. The one disadvantage of this period is the large crowds, limited and costly accommodation if not booked in advance, and the overall high expense associated with gorilla trekking. The least favorable months for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are during the rainy season, specifically from March to May, with April witnessing the most substantial rainfall, and from October to November. It is important to acknowledge that certain tourists prioritize criteria other than the months when selecting the optimal time to hike the primates. The primary determinant is the trip’s cost, which explains why some travelers visit both countries during the shoulder season due to budget constraints, while others travel at any time regardless of expense.
We have extensive experience organizing gorilla excursions to Uganda and Rwanda, and our experts are available to address any inquiries regarding gorilla trekking. We can facilitate customized gorilla expeditions to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. In summary, gorilla trekking in both nations is feasible year-round, albeit the optimal periods are during the dry season, specifically from December to January and June to September. The trekking trails during this period are accessible and not treacherous, in contrast to the rainy season, which complicates trekking due to wet and slippery paths. Gorilla trekking is still feasible during the wet season, sometimes referred to as the low season, particularly for those on a budget.
Best time for gorilla safaris in Africa
Gorilla Trekking in Africa arranges gorilla trekking excursions year-round, with a 98% success rate in enabling clients to observe gorillas throughout their hikes. The success of any gorilla trip, regardless of the dry or wet season, depends on your level of preparation. It is essential to possess appropriate equipment and maintain physical fitness; if unable, consider employing the services of a porter to enhance your trekking experience.