Mountain Gorilla trekking is an all year activity since the elusive Mountain Gorillas survive in their natural habitats.
However these habitats, which are the four national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park can be affected by natural occurrences.
The rainy and dry seasons are used to recommend the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and here is a guide on when to visit each country;
Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Uganda gorilla tours are an all year round activity though just like any other activity there’s always the best time.
The fact is that, gorilla trekking in Uganda is an all year activity and clients get almost the same satisfaction.
However the dry season with less time is the most recommendable best time to trek gorillas in Uganda. The best months for a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari are;
The months of June, July August and September form the long dry season in Uganda. The rains are low and therefore many refer to this as the best time for a Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
During this time, the forest is not so wet therefor much drier and vegetation is at least shorter for clear photography.
During these dry season in the months of June – September, the best gorilla trekking safaris to undertake include; the
These don’t only give you chance to trek gorillas but also visit other wildlife safari parks.
The months of December to February are the short dry months of Uganda. During this time the rains are less though the Uganda gorilla trekking tour parks remain fairly wet during these months.
These months are applicable for both of the two gorilla safari Uganda parks. However, Uganda safari or safari in Uganda tourists should note that Bwindi Forest National Park Uganda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are tropical forests and rains can be expected at any time of the year.
In the short dry season between December – February, the best gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda to choose from include;
These are short but well tailored gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
The months of March –June are considered the wet season of the year and non-recommendable time for a Uganda gorilla trekking tour. Uganda receives most of its rain between March and June, and rainfall totals of more than 500 millimeters (mm) during this season.
October- November is the short wet season of the year and during this time the rains are light.
Although Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are regarded as a year-round activity, the best time to visit Rwanda for a Rwanda gorilla tour is during the short dry season in Rwanda.
However, take note that the gorillas are present all year round, with a great record of sightings that give you chance to interact with these gorillas for a maximum of an hour.
The dry season is the bet time for Rwanda gorilla trekking tours and the country has two seasons.
This is the peak season and the longest dry season in Rwanda. It is apparently one of the best times to trek gorillas in Rwanda.
Getting to the park is easy because the roads are often dry and the hiking trails are not muddy and slippery as it is in the wet season.
Tourists interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda during this time must book their gorilla permits in advance as there is very high demand for permits, so if you book late, you may miss out. This can be done through your Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour operator.
Since the months between June – September are the longest dry season in Rwanda, this 13 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari, is a perfect itinerary to choose. It gives you enough time not only to trek gorillas in Rwanda but also take more safaris in Rwanda to several destinations.
This is the short dry season in Rwanda and also one of the best times to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking trails are also easy to access in this period and Rwanda birding safaris are perfect because migratory birds are present.
Since it’s a dry season remember to carry along sun glasses, a hat and sun screens alongside all of the other necessary safari equipment.
Congo gorilla safaris are an all year round activity however, just like any other activity there is always a recommendable time for Congo tours to the gorilla homeland. Here is a guide of the on the yearly calendar about the weather and climate of Congo that will help you determine what the best time to trek gorillas in Congo;
January – February. These are usually fairly dry months of the year in Congo. This time is considered the short dry season of the country and a good time for Congo gorilla tours. However, it can easily rain at any time during this season though the chances are low and the rains are low / light.
March, April and May. The months of March, April and May form the rainy season of Congo. Many refer to this as the low season and not recommended for travelers to tour Congo in this period.
However, this does not mean that the park is completely closed or trekking cannot be done. If it’s when you have the time for safari, then no reason to worry because at this time, the park is open and in most cases Congo gorilla tour permits are discounted.
Accommodation is in most cases discounted too. Therefore, this is a good time for a Congo safari for budget travelers; you save and yet have the same great experience of spending a full hour in the presence of the elusive giants
June, July and August. These months are considered the best time to trek gorillas in Congo since this is known as the dry season in the country.
The advantage of taking a safari to Congo at this time is that many travelers are in the country, the forest of Virunga National Park is drier and therefore, it’s easier to trek gorillas. The grass is also shorter and therefore photography is easier to do.
September – October are also still one of the best time to trek gorillas in Congo since the rains are low. This season is also great if you are planning to tailor in a Uganda tour, wildlife safari in Uganda or safari to Rwanda because the rains are less in the other countries too. This time is also ideal for a Tanzania safari for a hike to Mount Kilimanjaro.
November experiences light rains but still gorilla trekking in Congo is possible.
By mid-December it’s eased off to light showers and one best time for Congo gorilla trekking safaris. However, this season is a Christmas season and the need for Congo tour permits is high therefore you need to book early.
In summary therefore, the best time to trek gorillas in Congo is during the months of June-October and mid-December – February.
Our popular 3 days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or 3 Days Uganda Gorilla tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are an easy way to plan your Uganda gorilla trekking safari. This popular 13 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari is a perfect way to plan a gorilla trekking safari to both Uganda and Rwanda in a single trip.
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