Best Time For Gorilla Tracking
Best time for gorilla tracking is one of the thing that any tourist with the interest of tracking the gorillas should know for the best gorilla tracking experience. Gorilla tracking is an awe-inspiring adventure that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Whether you are navigating the dense forests of Uganda, the volcanic slopes of Rwanda, or the rugged terrain of the Democratic Republic of Congo, timing your visit is crucial for the best experience.
Understanding the seasonal variations can significantly enhance your chances of a successful and memorable gorilla encounter. Each country provides a distinct experience, and understanding the best time to visit can significantly enhance your adventure.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Bwindi boasts four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park though smaller, it offers the unique experience of tracking the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is well Known for its stunning volcanic landscape and as the base for Dian Fossey’s research.
Home to around 10 habituated gorilla families and Virunga National Park in Congo is the oldest national park in Africa, offering a more adventurous and less commercialized gorilla tracking experience.
Gorilla tracking permits
Gorilla tracking permit in Uganda, non foreign residents pay $800, foreign residents $700, East African citizens 300,000 ugx, and Rest of African citizens $500. In Rwanda, no foreign residents are charged $1,500, foreign residents $500, and East African and Rwandan citizens $200 each.
Democratic Republic of Congo, international visitors pay $400, while residents and citizens pay $200.This range of prices offers various options to experience these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
Best time for gorilla tracking
The best time for gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
These months offer ideal trekking conditions with less rainfall, making the trails more accessible and reducing the density of vegetation. As a result, your chances of encountering gorillas increase significantly, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful tracking experience.
Best tracking months in Uganda
December to February
The short dry season falls between December and February. Similar to the long dry season, these months offer favourable trekking conditions with minimal rainfall.
The trails are more accessible, and the dry weather enhances the overall tracking experience. The gorillas are also more likely to be found in specific areas, as they tend to move less during this period. This season coincides with the holiday period, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.
March
March marks the beginning of the rainy season in Uganda. The increased rainfall makes the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park muddy and slippery, which can make trekking more difficult.
However, the lush, green landscape during this time is incredibly beautiful, providing a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Fewer tourists visit during March, so you may enjoy a quieter and more intimate trekking experience. Gorilla permits are more readily available, and you might even find them at a reduced cost.
April
April is typically the wettest month in Uganda, with heavy rainfall making trekking conditions quite challenging. The forest is at its most vibrant, with dense vegetation and abundant wildlife. The gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations during the rainy season, making them somehow easier to track despite the difficult conditions.
The heavy rains also mean that fewer tourists visit, so you’ll likely have a more private experience. Be prepared with waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and gear to protect your camera and other electronics.
May
May continues the wet season, but the rainfall starts to decrease towards the end of the month. The trails remain muddy and slippery, so trekkers should be prepared for challenging conditions.
The lush scenery and abundant wildlife continue to make the trek worthwhile. As with March and April, the reduced number of tourists in May means a more intimate encounter with the gorillas. It’s also easier to obtain permits, and there may be discounts available. While March, April, and May present some of the most challenging conditions for gorilla tracking due to the heavy rains and muddy trails, they also offer unique benefits.
The lush, vibrant forest provides a stunning backdrop, and the reduced number of tourists allows for a more intimate experience. If you’re well-prepared and up for an adventure, these months can still provide unforgettable gorilla tracking experience.
June to September
This period marks the long dry season in Uganda. During these months, the weather is generally dry with less rainfall, making the forest trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park less muddy and easier to navigate. The reduced vegetation density improves visibility, making it easier to spot the gorillas.
Additionally, the chances of encountering other wildlife and enjoying the breathtaking scenery are higher. This is a peak season for tourism, so it’s essential to book your permits and accommodations well in advance.
October
October is part of the wet season in Uganda. This month typically sees increased rainfall, resulting in muddier and more slippery trails, which can make trekking more challenging. However, the lush and vibrant vegetation during the wet season creates a stunning backdrop for the trek.
The gorillas are still active, and the experience remains rewarding, but trekkers should be prepared for the added difficulty and bring appropriate gear, such as waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. The advantage of trekking in October is that permits are often more readily available, and the reduced number of tourists can offer a more intimate experience.
November
November falls within the wet season in Uganda. Like October, this month sees significant rainfall, which can make gorilla tracking more challenging due to muddy and slippery trails. However, the lush, green vegetation during this time adds a unique beauty to the trekking experience.
The heavy rainfall also means the gorillas are more likely to stay in lower elevations, making them somehow easier to track. Despite the challenges, November offers several advantages. The forest is vibrant and teeming with life, providing a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.
fewer tourists visit during the wet season, meaning you may have a more intimate and less crowded experience. It’s also easier to obtain permits during this time, and they may even be available at a reduced cost though tracking during wet season needs when one is very physically fit.
The best time for gorilla tracking in Rwanda
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is best experienced during the dry seasons, which span from June to September and December to February while Volcanoes National Park Situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda is the prime destination for gorilla tracking in the country. This park is renowned for its stunning volcanic landscape and the presence of around 10 habituated gorilla families.
Why Dry Season is the best time for gorilla tracking
June to September
These months see the least amount of rainfall, which means the trails are dry, less muddy, and easier to navigate with reduced vegetation density, spotting gorillas becomes more straightforward, increasing the chances of a successful encounter. The mild and pleasant weather conditions make the trekking experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
December to February:
This period also experiences minimal rainfall, ensuring the trails remain accessible and less slippery. The dry conditions encourage gorillas to stay in more open areas, making it easier for trekkers to locate them. The drier weather results in fewer insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies, enhancing the overall experience.
Detailed Look at Each Month
June
The start of the long dry season, with cool and pleasant weather. The vegetation begins to thin out, making tracking more manageable.
July
Ideal trekking conditions continue, with clear skies and dry trails. This is a peak tourist month, so booking permits in advance is crucial.
August
The weather remains favourable, with excellent trekking conditions. The chances of encountering gorillas are high due to their predictable movements during the dry season.
September
The tail end of the long dry season. The conditions remain optimal for tracking, though some light showers may begin towards the end of the month.
December
The start of the short dry season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. This is a popular time for tourists, so early booking is recommended.
January
Dry and mild weather continues, making it one of the best months for gorilla tracking. Trails are clear and visibility is excellent.
February
The short dry season concludes, but the conditions remain favourable for tracking. The vegetation is still manageable, and the weather is pleasant. Tracking during these dry months ensures you have the best possible conditions for an encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
The best time for gorilla tracking in Democratic Republic of Congo
The best time for gorilla tracking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. Because these months experience minimal rainfall, making the trails in Virunga National Park less muddy and easier to navigate.
Dry conditions ensure that the trails are more accessible and safer, reducing the risk of slipping and making the trek less strenuous. With reduced vegetation density, it’s easier to spot the gorillas, increasing the likelihood of a successful encounter. The dry and mild weather makes the trekking experience more pleasant and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the adventure.
Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to several habituated gorilla families, offering a more adventurous and less commercialized tracking experience.
Detailed Look at Each Month
June
Marks the beginning of the long dry season with cool and pleasant weather, making the trails more accessible.
July Ideal trekking conditions continue, with clear skies and dry trails. This is a peak tourist month, so booking permits in advance is crucial.
August
The weather remains favourable, with excellent trekking conditions. The chances of encountering gorillas are high due to their predictable movements during the dry season.
September
The tail end of the long dry season, with conditions remaining optimal for tracking, though some light showers may begin towards the end of the month.
December
The start of the short dry season, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. This is a popular time for tourists, so early booking is recommended.
January
Dry and mild weather continues, making it one of the best months for gorilla tracking. Trails are clear, and visibility is excellent.
February
The short dry season concludes, but the conditions remain favourable for tracking. The vegetation is still manageable, and the weather is pleasant.
