Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The ideal time of year to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda: Gorilla trekking is the most well-known activity that draws large crowds to Uganda. Searching for mountain gorillas in the tropical jungle on foot and spending an hour with them in their natural environment is known as gorilla trekking.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is conducted in two locations: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In addition to Uganda, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks are also popular destinations for gorilla trekking.
Most travelers who are organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda wonder when would be the best time to visit the mountain gorillas. This article will tell you about the benefits and drawbacks of going during the rainy or dry season.
The ideal time of year to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking
Because the mountain gorillas’ movements are unaffected by the changing of the seasons, gorilla trekking is an exciting sport that can be done at any time of year. Uganda has two distinct seasons: the rainy/low season, which lasts from March to May and October to November, and the dry or peak season, which lasts from June to August, September, December, January, and February.
Trekking with gorillas in the dry or busy season
Because there is less or no rainfall in the gorilla destinations during the dry season (June to September and December to February), access roads to the national parks and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable. This is in contrast to the rainy season, when the trails are muddy and slippery, making gorilla trekking challenging.
The greatest time of year to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season since there will be less vegetation and less rainfall, making it easier to see the mountain gorillas and taking crisp, high-quality pictures.
There are certain drawbacks to gorilla trekking during the dry season, including as the challenge of obtaining permits, particularly for last-minute visitors, as these are typically competitive and sell out rapidly; consequently, it is recommended that travelers make reservations in advance.
Trekking with gorillas in the rainy or off-season
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is also possible during the rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November. This is because there are fewer tourists visiting the gorilla hotspots during these times, which allows you to explore the park with fewer people.
Some lodging establishments use discounts to draw guests during the rainy season, which appeals to tourists on a tight budget. Additionally, gorilla trekking permits are less in demand than they are during the dry season, making it easier for last-minute visitors to secure them.
However, visitors should be aware that as gorilla trekking is done in tropical rainforests, it is possible for it to rain at any time of day, regardless of the season, and the activity can still go after it has rained. Therefore, it is recommended that travelers bring the necessary gear for gorilla trekking, such as hiking boots, a warm sweater, and a waterproof rain jacket or poncho.
Gorilla trekking
At the park headquarters, gorilla trekking in Uganda begins very early in the morning with a briefing on the rules and regulations. You will be split up into groups of eight after the briefing, and each group will be assigned a habituated gorilla family to trek with and a park guide who is familiar with the gorilla pathways to follow.
Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, gorilla trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Trekking will allow you to see a variety of animals, birds, and other primate species. You will be able to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat after they have been located.
This will allow you to observe their daily activities, such as feeding, nursing, playing, and grooming their young, as well as take pictures and document the amazing moments to share with people back home after the safari.Since gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible at any time of year, it is up to the tourists to choose the ideal time to travel. You can browse our website for reasonably priced gorilla trekking programs or get in touch with us at All In Africa Safaris for more information.
