Best gorilla trekking time of the year
Best gorilla trekking time of the year : Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting adventure safaris you can treat yourself to once – in a lifetime, to have a great gorilla trekking experience. You need to know about the best time to have this grand experience, when to buy your gorilla permits among other factors as discussed in this article.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking can be done any time of the year as the beautiful country has a warm tropical climate and the daily average temperatures range from 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F). This beautiful country also has good humidity.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda live and are found in two parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the mountainous region of Southwest Uganda. Unlike other regions in the country, Southwest Uganda lies on higher elevations with average temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) at night to only 20°C (68°F) during the day.
This region and Uganda experiences winter season in the middle of the year, so you are not fun of cold. It is advised you avoid June and July. Also, note that regardless of the time of the year you choose to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. Expect a chilly start during your trek and come prepared for coldness and unexpected rainy showers.
Seasons in Uganda
Just other countries found in the East African region, Uganda has two rainy seasons as well as two dry seasons.
Rainy Seasons in Uganda
Uganda’s rainy seasons are experienced from February to the end of May which is the long rainy season and from October to mid – December which is the short rains. These periods experience frequent tropical downpours while they do not last long, the downpours result in to muddy and slippery trekking conditions. Because of these conditions, most travelers prefer to avoid visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking in the rainy seasons.
Dry Seasons in Uganda
Uganda experiences two dry seasons that is short dry season and long dry season.
the long dry season from June to September and during the dry season from mid-December to early February. Because of Uganda’s tropical climate, there are still a shower or two during day, but it is generally drier which makes the ground less slippery.
Best Months for gorilla trekking
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season as the vegetation cover is less dense and the trails used during the adventure of tracking mountain gorillas are less slippery and muddy.
Still, the dry season is a great time to do other Uganda Safari Adventures such as chimpanzee trekking, game viewing safaris and guided nature walks among others.
Monthly breakdown to when is the best gorilla trekking time of the year
DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY (SHORT DRY SEASON)
December is still a festive season in Uganda, this month marks the end of the short rainy season making it an ideal month to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. At this time, the vegetation is lush and beautiful and gorilla parks in Uganda that Mgahinga and Bwindi are very accessible.
December is a great time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Uganda gorilla trekking, also, it is the best time for Uganda birding tours with migratory bird species arriving in the park as well as wildlife viewing.
Note: Being the festive season, safari rates are relatively higher including accommodations in gorilla parks. Also, gorilla permits are in high demand.
Note: December is high season.
JANUARY
January lies between the short dry season which makes it a hot month offering the perfect time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and other safari experiences such as chimpanzee trekking and game viewing in savannah park in Uganda.
In this month, the vegetation cover is short and the hiking trails are dry making it easier to view mountain gorillas.
January is characterized by sunshine, less or no rain and clear blue and white skies
FEBRUARY
February is another excellent month for gorilla trekking in Uganda, the dry weather makes the conditions ideal for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s gorilla parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This month marks the end of the short dry season in Uganda and the number of travelers relatively reduce making the demand for gorilla permits low. However, always book your gorilla permits in advance.
MARCH TO MAY (LONG WET SEASON)
MARCH
March marks the start of the long rainy season in Uganda. Still, spotting of gorillas is very easy as there is plenty of food which attract mountain gorillas to move to the lower slopes of the mountains. However, due to too much rains, gorilla trekking conditions are tough due to the rough and muddy terrain.
March is a good month to catch plenty of flamboyant bird species including migratory species, the advantage of visiting in this month is that the accommodates are low and the demand for gorilla permits is relatively low.
APRIL AND MAY
April is the wettest month in Uganda with the rains continuing to May which is clearly not the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The advantage of visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking in these months is that there are less crowds in the parks including gorilla parks and accommodation rates are relatively low. Also, May is the perfect time to witness birds such as they are in their breeding plumage and the landscape is lush and stunning offering visitors the best scenery for photography safaris and sightseeing.
JUNE TO AUGUST (THE PEAK SEASON)
JUNE
June marks the beginning of the long dry season as well as the peak season in Uganda and is the best time to visit Uganda for a safari experience including gorilla trekking, since this month marks the end of the rainy season, the landscape is green and gorgeous. This means that if you are planning to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, you should book your gorilla safari as well as permit in advance.
Note: June is a peak season so the safari rates are higher and the gorilla permits are in high demand.
JULY
July is a continuation of the peak season in Uganda offering the best time for gorilla trekking, the conditions in the jungles are dry and moist and the hiking are navigable. This month is also a perfect time to see Uganda’s wildlife in savannah parks as the animals congregate near the remaining waterhole which makes seeing them easier.
Note: July is a peak season with hiked prices, warm temperatures, clear skies and breathtaking gorilla sightings.
AUGUST
August offers the best gorilla trekking conditions, this month is also the best time for wildlife viewing in Uganda’s wildlife parks including predator sightings such as the elusive leopards, cheetahs and tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as Murchison Falls National Park.
August is rated among the best time to visit and explore Uganda.
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER (LOW SEASON)
SEPTEMBER
September marks the end of the dry season in Uganda and the start of the short rainy season, in this month gorilla trekking tracks in the gorilla parks are wet. However, it is very much possible to view the Gentle Giants – Mountain gorillas. The accommodations are relatively low which makes it a good time to visit Uganda most especially for budget travelers.
OCTOBER
October is a continuation of the rainy season in Uganda, however the temperatures are relatively warm and gorilla trekking can still be done. Accommodation rates are relatively low and there are few travelers visiting the country.
Note: Due to the rains, gorilla trekking conditions are quite rough hence you come prepared.
NOVEMBER
November marks a beautiful season in Uganda as the vegetation start to flourish due to rainfall being received, this makes the landscape in the countryside verdant and beautiful.
Though gorilla trekking conditions continue to be rough in this month, it can still be done. The advantage of gorilla trekking in this month is that travelers get discounted accommodation rates and get an opportunity to spot migratory bird species which arrive from Northern Africa and America.
Note: November marks the start of the best bird watching season in Uganda lasting up to April.
