Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda; Gorilla trekking is the most famous activity that attracts big numbers of people to visit Uganda. Gorilla trekking involves moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Apart from Uganda gorilla trekking is also done in Rwanda in volcanoes national park and Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the questions that most tourists planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda ask and this article will guide you on the advantages and disadvantages of visiting the mountain gorillas during the dry season or rainy season.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that can be done any time of the year because movement of the mountain gorillas are not affected by the changing seasons. Uganda experiences two seasons that is the dry or peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, February and the rainy/low season in the months of March to May and October to November.
Gorilla trekking during the dry or peak season
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is best done in the dry season during the months of June to September and December to February because that’s the period when there is less or little rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore access roads to the national parks and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make gorilla trekking difficult.
The dry season is the best period for gorilla trekking in Uganda in that vegetation will be thin due to less rainfall which makes viewing of the mountain gorillas will be easy and you will be able to take good and clear photos.
Gorilla trekking during the dry season has some disadvantages like difficulty in booking gorilla trekking permits especially the last minute travelers because the permits are usually competitive and get sold out quickly therefore tourists are advised to book in advance.
Gorilla trekking during the rainy or low season
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done in the rainy season during the months of March to May and October to November because during this period there are few travelers in the gorilla destinations therefore you will be able to explore the park with fewer crowds.
During the rainy season some accommodation facilities offer discounts as a way to attract visitors which favors budget travelers and gorilla trekking permits are not on high demand like in the dry season therefore last minute tourists will be able to purchase the gorilla trekking permits easily.
Tourists should however note that gorilla trekking is carried out in tropical rainforests therefore it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season and gorilla trekking activity can still be done because after rainfall. Tourists are therefore advised to carry gorilla trekking essentials like hiking boots, waterproof rain jacket/poncho, warm sweater among others.
Gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla trekking in Uganda starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trails to follow. Gorilla trekking takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, birds, animals among others. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their habits, behaviors, lifestyle, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, playing, take photos and record the breathtaking moments to show people back home after the safari.
The decision for the best time for gorilla trekking is up to the tourists as gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done anytime throughout the year. For more information you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable gorilla trekking packages.
