What are the best months for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best months for gorilla trekking in Uganda are during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to February. During these times, the weather is generally more stable and the trekking trails are less muddy, making it easier to find and observe the gorillas. Uganda, located on the equator, has two main seasons: dry and rainy. However, even in the dry seasons, rain can still occur in the rainforests where the gorillas live, due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather patterns.
Although the rainy seasons from March to May and around November can be wetter, you can still enjoy gorilla trekking during these periods. The rainforests where the gorillas live are lush and vibrant, and trekking can still be rewarding. While the trails might be more challenging and muddy, the lush scenery and fewer tourists can make for a unique and special experience. Regardless of when you visit, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any weather conditions to fully enjoy your gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking in the Dry Season in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda during the dry season is really fun because the weather is nice, which makes it easier to find the gorillas. The dry season is from June to October. During this time, lots of people visit Uganda to see gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park. It’s smart to book your permits and accommodation early because many tourists come then.
July is a busy month for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The trails are good, so it’s easy to find the gorillas and spend time with them in their homes. August is also a good time to visit. Expect to see many other tourists searching for gorillas too.
In September, there are still lots of tourists, but the weather is still nice. The trails in the forests are easy to walk through, so it’s a good time for gorilla trekking. October starts off dry, but it might rain later in the month. The trails could get muddy, especially towards the end of October.
December is part of the dry season and a festive time in Uganda. Many tourists come during this month to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The gorilla areas are easy to get to in December. January is also part of the short dry season. It’s a good time to see gorillas because the forests aren’t too thick.
February is still part of the dry season, so it’s a good time for gorilla trekking too. Towards the end of October, accommodation rates near Bwindi and Mgahinga might be cheaper. This makes it a good time for budget travelers to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking.
When you’re packing for gorilla trekking during the dry season, bring good hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, sunglasses, a camera, water, and snacks.
Gorilla Trekking in the Rainy Season in Uganda
Gorilla trekking can take place in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, even during the rainy season. There are two rainy seasons: a short one in November, and a longer one from March to May. In March, the gorillas move closer to the forests because there’s plenty of food, making them easier to find during tours. But in April and May, there’s a lot of rain, making the trails muddy and slippery. Because of this, fewer tourists go trekking in the forests to see the gorillas.
In March, it’s not just the gorillas that are exciting to see; there are also many different kinds of birds around the forests. Plus, during the rainy season, accommodation prices are lower because fewer tourists visit the parks. This means people on a budget have a better chance to see the gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Even though it’s rainy, there are still good things about visiting during this time. For one, there are fewer people around, so you get more space and time with the gorillas. And because it’s quieter, the prices are cheaper too. Also, photographers might find it’s easier to take pictures during the rainy season.
November is part of the short rainy season, but you can still go gorilla trekking then. It might be a bit wet, but it’s still possible to have a good time. Besides gorilla trekking, there are other things to do around these parks, like watching gorillas being habituated, looking at birds, trekking for golden monkeys, hiking, taking nature walks with a guide, and visiting nearby communities.
