Which Month is Best For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Trekking with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild is the most mesmerizing experience, a reason this is a must-do adventure on Uganda safaris. The best time or month of the year for gorilla trekking in Uganda is around the dry or peak months: June, July, August, September and December, January to February.

The weather and climatic conditions in the gorilla safari parks are more favorable during the dry months of the year than if you visited during the rainy or wet season- March, April, May, October and November. Take note that Uganda is crossed by the Equator and enjoys tropical like climatic conditions, and is regarded as an all-year-round destination.

June to September –the longest dry season/months of the year

The longest dry months of the year are June, July, August to September –these are also ideal months for tourists to enjoy the best of Uganda gorilla trekking. They are the peak months of the year and offer conducive ground for visitors to search for gorillas in the wild. These are the months of the year when the cost of accommodation can be high due to high demand. Considering the high demand, we recommend that you have everything booked in advance right from gorilla permits, transportation and accommodation facilities for your overnight stay.

December to February –Shortest dry months

December to February are short peak or dry months of the year and offer excellent gorilla trekking experiences to enthusiastic primate lovers on Uganda tour. These months come with conducive weather and climatic conditions making them ideal for outdoor adventures such as gorilla trekking. ‘

Tips to planning a successful gorilla safari in Uganda

Pack well- with knowledge on when to visit gorillas in Uganda, next should be considering essentials on your packing list for gorilla trekking safari. The essentials to pack include waterproof daypack, hiking boots, a camera, long sleeved shirts, trousers, long pants, insect repellents, snacks, bottled water, rain jacket, medical/first aid kit, snacks, and many others.

Gorilla safari destination in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is best done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). BINP and MGNP are found in Southwestern Uganda and accessible by road or air. By road, it can take you 8-9 hours to drive from Kampala or Entebbe city to Southwestern Uganda to track gorillas.

Bwindi and Mgahinga were all gazetted in the same period that is 1991 and offer refuge to half of the 1063 mountain gorilla population that still survive in the world today. The 2 protected areas support up to 24 habituated gorilla families and treks are done in the five regions –Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ntebeko.

What month is best to visit gorillas?

June, July, August, September, December, January and February are the best months of the year to visit gorillas in the wild. You can travel to Uganda from Rwanda, South Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world to see mountain gorillas are affordable rates- gorilla permits cost only USD 800 per person.

Which season is best for gorilla trekking?

The dry season is with no doubt the most favorable season of the year for gorilla watching. This runs from December to February, and June to September. What is remarkable about these months is that you can combine normal gorilla treks and other safaris like game viewing in savanna parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, etc.

Which is better for gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda?

Uganda has more habituated gorilla families than Rwanda thus presenting plenty of opportunities to several guests to be part of the memorable gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla permits are also obtainable at relatively cheaper cost in Uganda

than Rwanda –in Uganda a valid permit for gorilla trekking is issued at USD 700 per person, and in Rwanda at USD 1500.

Getting there for Gorilla Trekking

Road and air transportation are two alternatives available for guests to reach Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking. By road, you can set off from Kampala/Entebbe through Masaka-Mbarara route for 8-9 hours or 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali city via Katuna or Chanika border.

By air, a scheduled/charter flight departs from Entebbe International Airport –EBB or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, then you will get picked up by your driver guide who will transfer you up to the pre-booked lodge in or around Bwindi/Mgahinga National Park.