Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga national parks respectively.

Mountain gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Uganda and Rwanda. Most visitors go to these destinations to see the endemic gorillas for everlasting experiences on your African safari

During gorilla trekking, there are no trails to follow when searching for mountain gorillas however; rangers cut dense foliage with a machete to create a path for the visitors. Uganda and Rwanda experiences two distinct seasons; the dry season (always peak season) and the rain season which is normally known as the low season. Therefore, it is important to understand how these seasons affect gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Africa hence helping in choosing the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking in the dry season

This is considered as the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. This happens from December to February and June to September when the trails and forest cover is dry due to less rainfall that makes it easier for hiking in the rainforests on foot. However; visitors should expect longer and tough treks because mountain gorillas are likely to move frequently and deep into the forests in search for fresh vegetation. Longer treks we mean hiking for 3-5 hours before you actually meet your allocated mountain gorilla family.

During dry season, temperatures tend to be warm due to intense scotching sun but at nights in Bwindi for example the temperatures are extremely cold. Therefore, we advise you to pack light weight and well-ventilated clothing for the day and warm layers for the night. You also need to carry enough drinking water during trekking.

Gorilla trekking in the rain season

Most visitors ask if they can go gorilla trekking in the rain season. The answer is absolutely yes because rain does not affect gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla trekking normally start in the morning and it usually rains in the afternoon or evening for a short duration. By the time it rains, most guests are probably through with this amazing experience.

The wet season happened from March to May and October to November; rain is more frequent and quite heavy hence making trails muddy and slippery while hiking.

During wet season mountain gorillas normally don’t frequently move due to abundance of enough foliage for feeding hence making them stay close to park boundaries. Therefore; there are higher chances of meeting the gorillas within fewer hours compared to dry seasons.

Roads to the park tend to be muddy especially along the way from kisoro to Rushaga sector or from Bwindi to Queen via Ishasha wilderness. Tour operators must use 4 *4 safari vehicles to navigate these roads smoothly without getting stuck along the way or getting off to push the vehicle.

Mountain gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year hence it is upon the visitor’s choice to decide when to come for gorilla safaris. At Africa Adventure Vacations, we call upon our guests to take note of the following;

Gorillas live in thick forests and steep slopes mountains.

Guests should be physically fit because it can be challenging.

Senior citizens (Elders) who may not make it to the gorillas, may plan be to be lifted at a cost.