Gorilla trekking is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters offering visitors a one of a kind encounter with endangered mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat. These majestic creatures are only found in the Central – Eastern rainforests, in three countries – Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found only in two national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla are social animals living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male and are majestic, highly intelligent, and social creatures. They communicate through a repertoire of up to 25 distinct sounds. They share strong family bonds and are known to create and use to tools such as stones and sticks. Seeing them build nests on the ground or in trees using branches and leaves is fascinating, they build nests during day and at night. Sadly, they are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. A gorilla family dives its day between rest periods and traveling or feeding, covering a small home range on any given day. Tracking them is, therefore, reasonably manageable.
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Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is arguably the best destination for gorilla trekking adventure in the world, home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of the country covers hills and valleys covered in misty rainforests and is home to 18 families of mountain gorilla which are habituated for gorilla trekking.
Located at the very southern point of Uganda, in the valley of the Great Rift Valley. Bwindi Forest covers 32,000 hectares and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many species of birds and butterflies can also be found here, as well as many endangered species, including the Mountain Gorillas.
The park is divided in 4 sectors that Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga Sectors where gorilla trekking is done. Trek in small groups of up to eight people to spend an hour with these gentle giants, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is top of most safari goers bucket lists.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Home to one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda, offering a unique adventure. The home of this beautiful gorilla family’s home range covers Mgahinga and the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The group has remained in Uganda for the past three years, making gorilla trekking from here another good option.
When to Go Gorilla Trekking
July to October and late – December to February are the optimal dry seasons in Uganda. The trails are less muddy, the vegetation is sparser, and the gorillas tend to stay in the lower altitudes, making them easier to spot. Also, the dry seasons offer clear views and favourable photography conditions.
Peak-season gorilla trekking means higher trekking permits and lodges costs.
The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, are more challenging but possible. As a result, the trails can be more challenging. However, the wet seasons have advantages, such as discounted prices on accommodations and fewer crowds, while the forests are lush green.
Good To Know
Fitness And Etiquette
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a physically demanding adventure that can take 30 minutes to eight hours. You will be hiking up and down steep slopes, on muddy trails, and through thick vegetation, often at high altitudes. Exercising at least six months before your trip is essential to prepare for gorilla trekking, by hiking with a backpack and getting used to the shores you plan to wear.
By following the above guidelines, you can enjoy a memorable gorilla encounter and contribute to their conservation and protection. Always remember, you are a guest in their forest.
What to Expect
After an earl breakfast at your lodge in Bwindi, you will be driven to the park headquarters depending on the sector you chose for gorilla trekking to meet your park ranger and the team accompanying your trek. Here, you will be provided with a briefing about the gorilla group you will be visiting and how to behave when you are with the group. Then you depart, often by road or on foot to the starting point, for the start of your trek.
Your trek can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to 6 hours and more, through a varying vegetation levels, often including bamboo forests, giant stinging nettle zones and some steep muddy slopes.
Once you find the gorilla group, you are permitted to spend a maximum of one hour with the gorilla family. Sometimes the gorillas will be in small sub-groups, with sub-adults playing in a forest clearing, or lounging and feeding as a family, and sometimes they will be on the move. As with any kind of wildlife experience, when to find the gorillas is hard to predict, but we have never had guests report anything other than absolute delight and amazement at the experience.
The hour passes quickly and your park ranger will signal when it is time to depart. You will trek back to the starting point where your guide and vehicle will await. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved shower and rest, before dinner reminiscing the day’s incredible encounter.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Uganda – the pearl of Africa is home to half of the endangered mountain gorillas offering the incredible wildlife experience, seeing these endangered species and gentle giants in their natural habitat is a unique and unforgettable experience that is on every nature lover’s bucket list.
The timing to go for gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda as well as Bwindi can either make or break your experience, the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season running from December to February and June to September.
During these months, the trails are dry making the treks easy and gorillas tend to stay in the lower altitudes making them easier to track and find.
Travel tip – gorilla treks are possible year-round and each season offers its own unique experience and advantages, this article explains the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and what you can expect during each season from the lush greenery of the wet season to the clear views of the dry season.
Why Timing is Everything
Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park requires traversing steep, uneven and unmarked trails beneath thick, misty vegetation.
The dry season which runs from December to February and June to September makes the trails much easier to navigate than during the wet season.
Gorillas spend most of their time beneath the forest canopy where they find food, however the rainforest jungle can be misty during the rainy season making photography of the gentle giants and the thick forest.
For photographers, the best time to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry months when the weather is favorable for excellent image captures.
Gorilla trekking typically start early in the morning at 08:00 am with trekkers gathering at the park’s headquarters by 07:00 am for briefing about the rules and regulations from the park warden. It can be cold and damp in the morning especially during the wet season, if you are sensitive to cold weather, it is advised to avoid gorilla trekking during the coldest months.
For some travelers who can withstand occasional downpours during the adventure and head into the misty jungle regardless of the weather. Additionally, gorilla trekking excursions occur every day regardless of the weather.
During the wet season, travelers can take advantage of low-season discounts on accommodations offered by most gorilla lodges in Uganda and Rwanda.
Factors to Consider When Deciding the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
Planning the perfect time of the year to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda requires careful considerations for several factors
The Peak Season – it is important to consider the peak and low season for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, this can impact the availability and cost of gorilla permits.
The Weather Patterns – it is important to consider the weather patterns in Uganda and how they might affect your gorilla trekking experience.
Personal preferences and schedule – your personal travel preferences as well as schedule should be considered when planning your gorilla trekking safari.
To ensure an unforgettable and successful gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda, consider the following factors.
Month – by – Month breakdown for When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
January – Peak/dry season – best weather
January lies in the short dry season thus providing an incredible time for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, January is also incredible for game viewing in both countries.
The dry trails and routes make driving to the gorilla destinations and walking the jungle effortless, despite being one of the hottest months of the year, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park is pleasant because the cooler temperatures dump down the heat at high altitudes.
There may be some rainfall because of the tropical weather but it is unlikely to affect your gorilla adventure and safari game activities. Therefore, January is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. This month falls within the peak season when most travelers visit Uganda and Rwanda’s travel and safari destinations.
Also, January is the best time to combine the exceptional big five game drives in Serengeti national park and Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.
February – Peak/dry season – best weather
February is part of the dry season, however the number of travelers drop a little bit when compared to January. This month is the best time for gorilla trekking, bird watching and taking a game drive to view to wildlife in the savannah parks of Rwanda and Uganda.
During this month the vegetation cover becomes lights there it is easy to spot wildlife as they start to gather around the barely remaining waterholes. Therefore, the best time to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
March – Low/wet season – bad weather
March marks the start of a three-month long low travel season and the beginning of the wet season across the region. However, this does not mean that gorilla trekking is entirely off limits.
Although, safari adventure activities across East Africa are at their optimum during this time, some travelers find this time still favorable for gorilla trekking as the month lies outside of the high season as the travel prices are likely to be lower. There are plenty of availability of a wide selection of lodges and also, there is plenty of availability of gorilla permits during this time of the year.
Even though it is during the wet season, it is unlikely to rain for more than two hours a day before the skies brighten up for cool, relaxing weather during your gorilla trek.
March is the best time for seeing gorillas that is if you are traveling on a budget.
Travel Tip – travel with waterproofing can save you from drenching, still you have plenty of time to relax at your safari lodge.
April & May – Low/wet season – worst weather
The heavy downpours continue to April and May, disrupting walking adventures. April and May is considered to be the worst time for gorilla trekking and game drive. However, if you are not afraid of walking under the rain in the thick jungles, it can be a delightful time to explore the region’s dazzling landscapes and see mountain gorillas.
During this time of the year, the beautiful terraced rugged slopes will be lush and verdant after long rainy periods creating charming backdrops for photography. Gorilla permits are widely available and you will get the best offers on accommodation during this time.
June & July – Peak/dry season, best weather
June marks the start the peak safari season in Uganda as well as Rwanda that extends into September, but June and July have the best weather to go gorilla trekking in both countries. There will be little to no rainfall during that time making the trek to find the gorillas manageable for most travelers. Since it is a peak season, cost of gorilla trekking will be higher and you will need to book your permit in advance.
The peak season offers intimate and extraordinary experience in Uganda and Rwanda without feeling overcrowded. Gorilla treks are limited to a maximum of eight people per group allowing more personal connections during the precious hour spent with the gorillas.
In this period, it is recommended to book your safari lodges early to secure your room as well your gorilla permit.
June being the first month after the rainy season, you will enjoy leady landscapes so it can be a great time to travel if you have combined the gorilla adventure with game viewing and scenery photography.
August – Peak/dry season, good weather
August is a fantastic time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, because it lies far late in the dry season navigating the steep jungle slope is manageable. Adding a game drive to your gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda is a great idea as the animals are easier to spot in the game drives.
Travel Tip: it may still rain at some points in August so it is best to pack for all weather conditions.
September – end of peak season, fairly good weather
September is usually the end of dry season, however depending on when the short rains arrive, it may be that three will be some downpours during your gorilla trekking adventure.
Despite the weather conditions, gorilla trekking takes place every day of the year so come prepared to walk in the during this time.
October & November – Low/wet season, worst weather
October is the start of the shoulder/low season, therefore prices for lodges will come down and lodging availability will start to free up. This means the weather conditions will be more unfriendly with torrential downpours. Despite the rain, temperatures are likely to remain warm during this time.
October and November is not the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda because very few can withstand a surprise downpour while marveling at the magnificence of silverbacks. Some access roads and forest trails may become hard to navigate as the rains make the trails slippery.
December – Peak/dry season, best weather
The December is the an ideal time for gorilla trekking as the November’s short rains have stopped. The rugged and terraced landscapes around the gorilla perks are lush, photogenic and very accessible.
The rainforest will also start to dry out during this time meaning gorilla trekking experience is managed. It is a holiday season, December gets particularly busy for family safaris in Uganda as well as Rwanda.
Many travelers from the Western Countries escape the Christmas Winter to Uganda and Rwanda, so consider booking your trip with us in advance to secure your gorilla permits and ensure the availability of your safari lodge.
In conclusion
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February. During this time, hiking the steep slopes is more manageable and rain is less like to interrupt your incredible time with mountain gorillas.
Important Note: this peak season attracts many travelers and lodging and permit availability can be scare. Therefore it is advisable to book in advance to secure your permit as well as accommodation.