Best Time For Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Time is one of the key factors that determine a successful and enjoyable gorilla safari in Africa. YES knowing the best time for gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the things you should be sure of when planning your Africa gorilla safari. Superfine Safaris brings you a complete guide on the best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area.

If you are interested in mountain gorilla safaris, which are conducted only in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR), then the dry and wet seasons are the 2 two) seasons important seasons any visitor on an African safari should take note of. Each season features its own impacts as far as this breathtaking adventure is concerned. The wet season in Uganda for instance, is experienced twice a year with a short rainy season which kicks off from October-November while the long one begins from March to May.

During this season, most gorilla habitats experience heavy rainfall, which make it hard to trek through the jungle forests.  The wet season is characterized by slippery, steep slopes and muddy ground which all make it very challenging for one to hike through the thick forest and slippery steep slopes to look out for a habituated gorilla family.  Also,  during wet season, there is a plenty of food for gorillas in the lower slopes of the mountains, which makes it easy to find them unlike in dry season when gorillas move far in search for the endangered primates.

For bird lovers, the wet season is perfect for you to sight out most of the avian species as most of them are attracted to most national parks to feed and breed, including migratory birds

Usually, the rainy season experiences a temperature range of about 21 degrees Celsius and a rainfall amount of about 1000 to 2000mm. These changes have been attributed to change in changes in weather and this makes it a big challenge for one to determine which season to embark on gorilla adventure in Africa. This season is also best known as a ‘low season,’ as few visitors are normally registered in most destinations, and cost of accommodation at times is reduced. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park; in Rwanda, it is done in Volcanoes National Park, and the Virunga National Park in eastern DRC and eastern lowland gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Therefore, most visitors today prefer traveling during the dry season, which begins from June to September and December to February. This season is characterized by very low rainfall, and it is sunny in most tourist sites. But given the kind of gorilla habitat, you have to expect it to rain at any time of the day and this equally requires you to be well prepared with your rain jacket/poncho, hat, walking stick, waterproof hiking boots and day pack.

This season is usually considered the best for this adventure a fact that the habitat remains dry which makes it a bit easier for one to hike through the forest and steep slopes to look for gorillas. Note that this is a peak season in almost all the parks and you are advised to book for your permit in advance to avoid any disappointments.  December is the busiest month of the year across all the protected areas. The demand for gorilla permits and accommodations goes high during this period.

In conclusion, gorilla tours in Africa can be done at any time of the year. However, for one to have the most memorable experiences then you should take note of the above information and you won’t regret in life.