Gorilla trekking during the rainy season.
Gorilla trekking during the rainy season: Wondering whether gorilla trekking can be done during the rain season, yes gorilla trekking is a complete life time changing experience and it can be done at any time of the year however understanding the necessary logistics and planning helps grant an ultimate experience. Whether you trek gorillas during the dry or wet season, the gorilla trekking experience remains one of the best activities that grant untouched feelings ever while on any African safari.
In this guide we have provided a detailed guide about gorilla trekking during the rainy season and how it really entails.
When is the rainy Season?
The rainy season in Uganda usually takes place during the months of March – May and September to November while in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): March–May and October–November. During these periods the rains tend to be more, with clear spells in between so you need to plan well, pack the necessary items for a smooth transfer. Tourists can still trek to view gorillas in spite of the unpredictability of the weather.
Why Trek Gorillas During the Rainy Season?
Vast accessibility of gorilla Groups: The best advantage of trekking gorillas during the rain season is accessibility of gorilla groups. Please be aware that during the rainy months, food becomes abundant at lower altitude thus gorillas tend to remain closer to starting points, which makes treks noticeably shorter and easier. In the dry season, they may move deeper into the forest in search of fresh shoots. This implies that trekking time may tend to be little depending on the gorilla family being assigned to you.
Fewer crowds: This still lies among the reasons why different people tend to participate in gorilla trekking during the rainy season. During the wet season fewer people tend to visit the gorillas this implies that people will completely be few. Travellers interested in solitude and authenticity this is the perfect time to involve in to gorilla trekking.
Lush, Vibrant Landscapes: one of the additive advantages of trekking gorillas in the rainy season is vibrant landscapes. The rain forms a misty atmosphere, brilliant green foliage, and dramatic mountain backdrops thus creating magical encounters and perfect places for photography.
Increased Chances of Spotting Other Wildlife: There are more advantages of carrying out gorilla trekking in the rainy season is the high chances of viewing other wildlife. Some of the other wildlife include insects, birds, amphibians, and forest mammals thrive during the rainy months. Many bird species are vast since it happens to be the gestation period of gorillas.
Minimized Budget: Gorilla trekking during the rainy season helps to minimize the budget. This is because some accommodation options tend to reduce on their prices or at times discounts.
This is the best time for travellers to enjoy substantial savings while still experiencing world-class trekking.
What the rainy season really means?
While the rainy season has clear advantages, it does come with challenges that travellers should be prepared for.
Unpredictable Weather: Downpours can occur with little warning. Though they are rarely all-day storms, hikers must be ready for sudden rain, mist, and cool temperatures.
Limited Photography Light: Trekking gorillas in the rainy season at some time the skies tend to overcast thus making photograph very difficult. This means for one to get a clear picture he /she will need to use wider apertures.
Potential Rescheduling: Heavy rains can sometimes delay the start of a trek or require brief rerouting. Flexibility is key.
Slippery Trails and Mud: Expect to have muddy and slippery routes thus causing difficulty in the trekking experience.
Tip: Make sure you carry good hiking shoes and you have trekking poles.
What the gorilla trekking experience Iooks like?
On the day of trekking, early in the morning visitors will report to the park headquarters for the briefing from the park rangers. The briefing enlightens on the perfect conduct, safety protocols to follow while they are with the gorillas.
You will then be assigned group family to trek though they are usually selected basing on one’s fitness level and interest. From here ready with the necessary trekking gears and armed ranger you will then go to the jungle.
Trekking in the rainy season may be a bit strenuous due to slippery and mud trails but you may locate your gorilla family faster since they tend not move to far areas since food is available with in the jungle.
The hike usually involves navigating through slippery mountain paths, walking through dense foliage, listening to the hum of insects and distant calls of wildlife
Upon locating the gorilla family, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and photograph them. The rain often softens to a drizzle, creating a peaceful, reflective atmosphere. Seeing gorillas in the rain is completely breathtaking as you watch their dark fur glistening with droplets. You will still see them feeding, grooming, or playing unfazed by the weather. Once the one-hour elapses, your gorilla trekking experience will have ended, then descend down to the park headquarters to meet up with your guide.
Top Gorilla Trekking destinations in the Rainy Season.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This densely forested National Park is located in Uganda’s far southwestern parts of Uganda encompassing an area of approximately 327 square kilometers of files with tangled vegetation that has culminated over time.
Nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in this enormous jungle. About 18 gorilla families are currently open for tourism, with two more reserved for the gorilla habituation experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to more than 350 bird species, 300 tree species, 88 months, 51 reptile species, 310 butterflies, and more forest inhabitants. Furthermore, the Park is home to around ten different kinds of primates, including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-checked mangabeys, chimpanzees, and blue monkeys.
The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non residents is $ 800.
Volcanoes national park: One of the best places to do gorilla trekking from is Rwanda’s park (volcanoes). The park was gazetted during 1925 thus making volcanoes np one of the oldest African parks. Situated in the north western parts of Rwanda, the park still remains more accessible even during the rainy seasons. The park harbors plenty of bio diversity and it’s a home to third of the world’s population of gorillas. With over 12 habituated gorilla families visiting this area for gorilla trekking is one of the best decisions.
The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non residents is $ 1500.
Mgahinga National Park
Despite its modest size, this forested national park is a biosphere reserve and one of the perfect places for gorilla trekking. Some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas can be found in Mgahinga National Park and its a home to the Nyakagezi group.
This National Park is part of Virunga volcanoes such as Gahinga, Sabyinyo and others. Different tourists tend to do an eight-hour excursion hike to see these volcanoes.
Several other primates are residents here, including golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, and others.
This forested National Park hosts an array of birds, especially the Gorge trail, which connects to Mountain Sabyinyo. Over 115 bird species have been recorded, but the list is still expanding as more bird research is being done. You may spot birds like Rwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush, Malachite birds, Montane Double-collared Sunbird, and others here.
The cost of a gorilla permit for foreign non residents is $ 800.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in the Rainy Season
Here is an essential Packing List baring a bit of the necessary requirements that you can follow while on your gorilla trekking adventure and they include
waterproof hiking boots with strong grip
Gaiters (to keep mud out of boots)
A lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Quick-dry hiking clothing clothes
Carry gloves for gripping vegetation
Backpack rain cover
Drinking water and energy snacks
Trekking poles usually found at the park to help you while on your trekking adventure.
Waterproofing for cameras and electronics in order not create inconveniences during the photographing session.
Physical Preparation: Even with shorter treks, rainforest terrain can be demanding. Build stamina through hiking, stair climbing, or regular aerobic activity.
Mental Readiness: Expect mud, unexpected rain, and varying trail conditions. Embrace the adventure this is part of the magic of gorilla trekking.