What is the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Booking a gorilla permit alone isn’t enough to make your gorilla safari successful. When you think of trekking these great apes, you have to think when best is it for you to visit that dream destination to realize your dreams with these rare creatures while in their natural habitat. That said, by getting to know the perfect time to view gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda means you know how best you can explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park/Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Besides, it guides you on what is expected of you in the course of gorilla trek and gorilla trip in either Uganda or Rwanda.
For any plans to track mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, seasonality is one most important factor you have to put into consideration if your primate safari in Africa is to be a successful one. And this means that, the dry and wet seasons are the two significant seasons that you have to put into consideration. However, take note that what might seem preferable time for you to visit Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking may not be the case to another person. The fact that each traveler has his or her travel needs in a particular destination, the two seasons should be put into consideration when planning for this primate adventure. Both the dry and wet/rainy seasons are experienced twice a year with a dry season usually experienced from June to September and this is regarded as the longest dry spell and the second of it kick starts from December to February.
As each season comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage with dry season when it comes to gorilla trekking is that the habitat for these creatures remains relatively drier making it ideal for one to track through the dense rainforest and steep slopes while in search for the rare mountain gorillas. However, the disadvantage with it is that, it is a period that is characterized by limited food supply and these creatures are forced to always move to long distance in search of what to eat in the course of the day. This means that your trek may last you long too but it is usually regarded as the best when it comes to this primate adventure.
On the other hand, the wet or rainy season is experienced from March to May and this is normally the longest rainy season in these creatures’ habitat. The short wet season occurs from October to November. This season is advantageous to trekkers the fact that it comes with plenty of forage for mountain gorillas to depend on and hence make them keep around something which also shortens the length of your trek. But the disadvantage part of it is that it is a season that is characterized by heavy rainfall and this means that there is dense vegetation and ground becomes muddy, slippery thus making it more challenging for one to hike through the steep slopes while in search for these remarkable apes in the wild. However, what you ought to know is that regardless of which season you wish to take part in this primate experience, looking at the nature of gorilla habitat, you have to expect it to rain at any time. But usually, it rains even when you think that it is a dry season and after sometime it stops. This allows you to proceed with your adventure.
However, it brings as to important question-what items are ideal to pack for this particular adventure? That said, in your packing list, it is important the following items don’t miss out-first you need good waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirts or t-shirt, trousers, gardening gloves, sun glasses, camera with no flash light, hat, insect repellent, socks, bottled water, energy giving snacks, waterproof daypack, walking stick which you do not need to carry from your home country because you can find it at the park headquarters or lodge where you will spend a night. In case you have heavy luggage, you can hire a porter to help you carry and this will allow you concentrate on your adventure. Porters can be hired at about $10 or $15.
For those of you who prefer tracking mountain gorillas with less crowds the wet season is the best option for you. This is also regarded as the low season as fewer visitors pay a visit to Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park as well as Rwanda Volcanoes National Park to track these creatures. During this period, some lodges even cut down the cost of accommodation as a way to attract more clients.
In conclusion, pay a visit to Uganda and Rwanda at any time of the year and have the best of mountain gorilla trekking experiences.
