Best month for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Considering the best month to trek for mountain gorillas in Uganda is one of the key aspects that every tourist planning a safari should decide wisely. Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that involves walking through the natural habitats of the mountain gorillas as you search for them until you eventually find them and spend approximately one hour in their midst, observing them while maintaining the required distance between you and the gorillas, as guided by the officials.

Uganda is referred to as a premier destination for gorilla trekking, which offers a unique opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in places such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The experience is regarded as one of the remarkable wildlife adventures, enhancing unique memories of observing mountain gorilla family ways of life, such as grooming, feeding, and play.

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to September and December to February, where these periods offer optimal conditions for trekking with clear skies and dry trails.

Best months for Gorilla Trekking

June to September: These months offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking with dry trails, better wildlife visibility, and clear skies.

December to February: These months are also suitable for gorilla trekking with relatively dry conditions, less rain, easier trekking, and fewer tourists.

Why Trek during the Dry Season?

Peak season demand: The dry season is considered a peak time for tourism due to favourable weather, despite the higher permit costs; therefore, booking in advance is highly recommended for tourists.

Favourable weather:  The months of June to September and December to February are part of Uganda’s short dry season, characterised by minimal rain, hence leading to drier weather conditions in National Parks.

More accessible trails: During the dry season, trails are less slippery and more accessible, which reduces the risk of injuries and accidents.

Better Visibility: Clear skies and dry weather conditions provide better visibility, which allows stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and also improves photography opportunities.

Increased Gorilla sightings: During the dry season, Gorillas are more active and easier to track, which increases the chances of a successful trek.

Best places for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Explore the best places to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda and these are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; with Mgahinga being part of the larger Virunga conservation areas and a great option for seeking unique surrounding volcanoes hence providing a more scheduled experience with one habituated mountain gorilla family and Bwindi being rich in biodiversity and having a large population of gorillas offers more than one family of gorilla options across the four sectors.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Why it’s best: It’s referred to as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, the sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are divided into four; Buhoma which is the oldest and established trekking area known for having several mountain gorillas making it easier for visibility and photography in the forest, Ruhija which is considered one of the easiest trekking areas with gentle terrains where gorillas are found in open bamboo forest trees, Nkuringo which offers reliable sightings even though it’s the most challenging with steep terrains hence making it the best for an adventurous trek, Rushaga which has the highest number of habituated gorilla families offering Gorilla Habituation Experience thus increasing sighting probabilities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Why it’s best: Mgahinga National Park is a vital habitat for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas, offering gorilla trekking and opportunities to see golden monkeys and extinct volcanoes. A smaller but captivating park, Mgahinga is, offering a more scheduled experience with fewer visitors and a chance to see mountain gorillas amidst the Virunga volcanoes. You can track the one habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi group and also get to see other wildlife like the golden monkeys, white-tailed monkeys, and so much more.

Are there other Gorilla Trekking Destinations?

Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Looking at Rwanda as one of the best destinations for Gorilla trekking, and this takes place in Volcanoes National Park, where tourists track mountain gorillas for a fee of $1,500 USD per person with a maximum of eight people per group per hour. Here, a portion of the permit fee contributes to gorilla conservation and local community development, and tourists are advised to book the gorilla trekking permits in advance through a trusted tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board. During the trek, guides allocate groups, and each trek goes for over four hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location and movements.

Volcanoes National Park is based in the northwestern part of Rwanda, covering 160 square kilometres of rainforests bordering Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It encompasses five of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, which include Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. This park is known to be home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Virunga National Park – The Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers two well-defined gorilla experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Beiga National Park, where trekkers are involved in an early briefing, guided hike, and a one-hour encounter with the gorillas. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking permits for $400 USD and are purchased through local tour operators.

Virunga National Park is located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and this is the only place to see mountain gorillas in Congo. Kahuzi-Beiga National Park is located in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a location for seeing lowland gorillas in Eastern Congo.

Tips for a successful Trek

• Book in advance both the permit and accommodation, especially during the peak seasons.
• Pack accordingly: Bring waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, and long-sleeved trousers and shirts.
• Stay healthy: consult your doctors about medications and vaccinations before travelling to certain regions.

By planning your gorilla trekking adventure during the dry seasons, you can increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable experience. Book your permit and accommodations in advance and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with the magnificent mountain gorillas.