When is the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
When is the best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, Controversy persists regarding the best time for gorilla trekking or tracking in Uganda and Rwanda. A multitude of disputes and viewpoints have been expressed across various platforms, including internet forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet, among others. Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda may be monitored year-round, providing clients with nearly identical satisfaction. Clients often neglect the rainy season, overlooking that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in an Equatorial Forest, where the likelihood of daily rainfall is significantly elevated. Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, are primarily composed of bamboo forests.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry months of June, July, August, and early September. These months receive less precipitation than April, May, and November. During these months, individuals tend to prefer reserving their gorilla treks, resulting in heightened competition. Gorilla permits typically sell out rapidly, and individuals wishing to trek gorillas during this season should secure their permits in advance.
Mountain gorillas, among the most endangered species on Earth, inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga ranges, which span three countries: Uganda (Mgahinga National Park), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Due to the extreme endangerment of these monkeys, guests incur substantial costs to observe or walk with them. Due to the prevailing cost of gorilla permits, which are USD 1500.00 in Rwanda and USD 800.00 in Uganda, consumers seek to optimize their experience regarding gorilla trekking and the best time for visitation.
Best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, Uganda, traversed by the equator, exhibits a modified equatorial climate characterized by two rainy seasons; hence, individuals often see the drier seasons as the optimal period for gorilla trekking. Rain complicates hiking and trekking in the impenetrable forest due to heavy precipitation rendering the pathways excessively slippery. Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is often impeded by muddy roads and flooding rivers.
Which is the best month of the year 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 attractions primarily because they are the sole habitats of these endangered species within the Virunga region, prompting tourists to pay a premium for the opportunity to trek the gorillas. However, a permit is required to reach the gorillas, which 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 will examine the best times for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda to facilitate your decision-making and trip planning.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Best time to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, 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 season) and the wet 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. The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Uganda and its national parks is currently underway. June and July represent the peak months for gorilla trekking.
Uganda experiences two rainy seasons, similar to many East African nations: the long rainy season and the short wet season. The brief rainy season occurs from late October to mid-December, while the prolonged rainy season, characterized by substantial precipitation, commences in late February and continues until 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 for gorilla trekking in Uganda
January through February
January: This marks the onset of the brief arid season, characterized by sporadic light rainfall. This is an opportune period for gorilla trekking, as the trails are unobstructed and less treacherous than during the wet season. In contrast to the second dry season, referred to as the peak season, January experiences a limited influx of visitors, and expenses are moderate.
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 general safaris around the country.
March through May
March marks the commencement of the initial wet season. This may not be the optimal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda due to severe rainfall, which complicates hiking in the dense forests. The paths are perpetually muddy and treacherous, the safari fee is minimal, and locating the gorillas is challenging as they seek refuge from the rain.
April is the most precipitation-laden month in Uganda and the least favorable period 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 throughout May, albeit with reduced intensity compared to April. The current period remains a low season with moderate expenses, making it the optimal time for guests who are indifferent to precipitation.
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, necessitating reservations at least six months before to 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 rainfall commences. Given the uncertain weather and the possibility of the dry season persisting, it is essential to secure your permission in advance.
October to December
October often experiences low activity, and the pricing during this time is comparatively moderate relative to preceding months. Now is an opportune moment to acquire that exclusive gorilla trekking permit; but, prepare for the erratic occurrences of rain. If you are indifferent to intermittent showers and 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 an off-peak season with less visitors due to unfavorable weather, yet it is the optimal period for budget-conscious travelers.
December signifies the conclusion of the wet season, characterized by a reduction in rainfall. Visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking is highly advantageous, as it also offers the opportunity to observe a diverse array of bird species, including migratory birds arriving in the region.
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a premier tourism activity conducted at Volcanoes National Park, situated in 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, consists of 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 comprehensive monthly guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda
From April to May, the Volcanoes National Park experiences some of the most prolonged rainfall in Rwanda, rendering gorilla trekking particularly challenging during this interval. 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, as they typically migrate from cooler high-altitude regions to the warmer 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 visiting due to the ease of access to the national park, the simplicity of gorilla sightings, and the relatively dry and stable trekking routes compared to the typically muddy and slippery conditions of the wet season. This period is known as the peak season, and tourists are encouraged to secure their gorilla permits at least three to six months prior to the trek date. Booking a permit in Rwanda requires a minimum payment of 30% of the total permit price.
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 may be unfavorable.
December to February: I consider this an optimal season for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The brief dry season experiences reduced crowds, 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 migrating 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, due to 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 sole disadvantage of this period is the large crowds, limited and costly lodging if not booked in advance, and it is often an expensive time for 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, as well as from October to November.
It is important to recognize that certain tourists prioritize variables other than the months while selecting the optimal time for primate trekking. 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 in organizing gorilla excursions to Uganda and Rwanda, and our experts are available to address any inquiries regarding gorilla trekking. We can facilitate customized gorilla trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in both nations is feasible year-round, however 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, unlike 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.