When planning to go for gorilla trekking in Africa, knowing the best time is a great guide for any traveler. Mountain gorillas live almost within the same zone therefore the seasons do not vary so much making it generally almost the same best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
The best time or when to go gorilla trekking in Africa should be in the dry seasons as detailed below;
Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the short and long dry seasons, though the activity is available all year round. The short dry season is from the time of mid-December to early February. The long dry season is from June to September. Both the short and long dry seasons are best times for gorilla trekking Rwanda.
The months between June to September is the longest dry season in Rwanda. During this time hiking is easier as the trails are not so muddy and slippery. There are also few chances of rain pouring during this season of the year but since it is a tropical jungle anything can happen and it can rain.
During the dry season it offers the easiest hiking or walking conditions in the forest. The malaria risk is also low during this time. For the easier less muddy hike, low malaria risk and warmer environment the dry season becomes the favorite time of the year for a gorilla trek.
However, during the rainy season the activity is still done. If you want an experience with very minimal people then this is the time to book for your trek. The rainy season is also associated with low rates as permits are sometimes discounted as well as accommodation facilities giving out discounts.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
After choosing to plan a gorilla tour to Uganda, there are suitable months of the year when you should prefer to undertake the activity because of the low rains. However, this doesn’t mean that the other times of the year there isn’t gorilla trekking, the activity is open all year round. Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda for both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during the dry season months of June, July, August to early September which is the long dry season and the short dry season which is December, January and February.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Just like most counties lying along the equator zone, Congo has two dry and wet seasons. The dry season falls in the months between December to February (short) and between June to September (long). The dry season is more comfortable for gorilla trekking.
However, don’t be completely put off by the rain season, the treks actually go on and in sometimes at a lower cost. You may even be lucky to have a trek without any rain within the known rain season.
Why the Dry Season is best for Gorilla Trekking
- The dry season months are preferred for gorilla trekking because;
- There are less rains therefore the trails are not slippery making it easier to trek
- The temperatures are warmer therefore the gorillas are out to play and therefore more fun
- With the temperatures being warm it’s more comfortable to trek as compared to trekking and shivering in coldness.
- There is a low malaria risk during the dry season
- Vegetation is not very thick making photography better
- With the clear weather, taking photos is better and gadgets are not at a risk of getting damaged by the rain
However, is it possible to have a gorilla trek in Africa during the wet season? Yes, it is very possible and you will meet the gorilla family and spend 1 hour just like it is during the dry season.
The best time for gorilla tours to Africa can generally be categorized as the dry season. Make your reservation with Vacanza adventure Safaris and plan a trip during the right time to either Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.
