The best time to go gorilla trekking | Natural World Kenya Safaris

Written by: Yuna Tiya, Local Expert

Mountain gorilla trekking can be enjoyed any time of year, with sightings in both Rwanda and Uganda during every calendar month. Mountain gorillas are a resilient bunch. These magnificent mammals can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns so their movements are largely unaffected by the changing seasons. The best time to go gorilla trekking will likely have more to do with the availability of trekking permits (and your schedule, of course) than anything else.

There are, however, pros and cons to each season. Global warming has affected the planet’s weather patterns so much that it’s increasingly difficult to predict the beginning and end of the rainy and dry seasons. And it’s important to remember that the rainforests where mountain gorillas live are very wet, even during the dry season, so you can’t avoid rain completely. Be that as it may, there are still a few basic truths for every traveler to consider when planning to track gorillas in East Africa.

During the more expensive dry season, which takes place from mid-December to February and June to September in both Rwanda and Uganda, you’re less likely to get rained upon and the terrain isn’t as slippery. However, if you go during the rainy season in November or from March – May, you’ll get a break on rates and you may have the gorillas all to yourself.

Here is our month by month guide on what to expect when you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

January and February are generally dry in both Rwanda and Uganda. These are good conditions for a gorilla trek during what is considered by most tourists to be the low season. In both Rwanda’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you may see light clouds and encounter refreshing short bursts of rain. You can expect fairly dry terrain, but weather can be a little unpredictable, and rain can come at any time.

March, April and May are the rainy season in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda might be discounted in April and May. Although wildlife in the national parks and reserves is easier to spot during the dry season, you’ll still see plenty in the wet season. An added bonus during this time is that you’ll also see many newborn animals. And if you plan to go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda before or after you go gorilla tracking, the chance for seeing chimps is always better in the wet season.

If you do travel during this long rainy season, a gorilla trekking packing list will come in handy so you’re prepared for whatever weather you encounter.

June, July and August are optimum months for gorilla trekking, and considered peak season. The warm and dry weather make this a popular time to go, and also translates into easier trekking. In Rwanda, if you travel to Akagera National Park for game drives after your gorilla safari, vegetation is less dense, making wildlife easier to spot.

Also, if you’re planning on making the safari circuit in Tanzania either before or after gorilla trekking, you can catch another great wildlife spectacle in the Serengeti plains: The Wildebeest Migration. Remember to book ahead as gorilla permits during these months often sell out quickly.

September and October would both be ideal months to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda if you’re also planning a Mount Kilimanjaro climb across the border in Tanzania. Conditions are good for both activities during this time.

In November it is likely to rain, but the mountain gorillas don’t mind! During the rainy seasons, Uganda often lowers the price of its trekking permits so you have the added advantage of saving money. November is also the onset of the birdwatching season (November-April) in Uganda as migratory birds begin to arrive. If birding is something that you are particularly interested in, please tell your guides and they will be able to point out some unique species.

By mid-December, the rains have slowed and trekkers mainly experience only light showers. The landscape is lush and photograph-ready. Many international tourists plan their gorilla safari around the Christmas vacation and with Ugandan and Rwandan families also on holiday during this time, it’s a busy time . If you decide to travel during this time, be sure to book in advance to secure gorilla tracking permits and to ensure that your preferred lodges are available.

So now the only decision you need to make is where you’ll go to experience the majesty of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Read our guide to decide whether Uganda or Rwanda is best for you