Gorilla Tracking takes place all year long, come rain or shine. The best and busiest time of the year is during the Dry and High Seasons in Uganda, July through September, and Mid-December through March
The high or dry seasons come with disadvantages such as scarcity of permits, more tourists, higher, mostly luxury lodging prices. In Uganda, you track gorillas in the Rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on the sides of Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Both are in the Gorilla Highlands of Uganda, where due to the elevation, you have cooler temperatures. Whether dry or rainy season, it can rain at any time in a rainforest, and it does. However, the sun will come out soon after.
For many, the Best Time of the Year is the two Off-Seasons, the Rainy Seasons, when there are fewer people and lower prices, especially for up market lodges.
For many, the Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is during the Rainy Season, from April to May and November to Mid-December. There are fewer Tourists, meaning more permits are available, and luxury Lodges adjust their prices. The dates for the discounts will vary lodge by lodge.
The term Rainy Season is not as dreadful for many as it may sound – the temperatures are milder, the parks are even greener, wildlife often more abundant, and the Gentle Giants of the Forest, the Mountain Gorillas, are used to a bit of rain.
When is the Best Time of the Year to track Gorillas in Uganda?
Select the month that suits you best for your Gorilla Tracking Safari via [email protected]
Gorilla Tracking from January through February
January and February are part of the dry season. It is one of the best times to track gorillas in Uganda, although rainfall can be expected here during any month.
January and February have become some of the most popular months with Gorilla Trekkers. There are more gorilla trackers in January or February than during July and August during some years.
Gorilla Tracking from March through May
It is the time referred to as the long rains, one of its two wet seasons. The trails will be muddier as you track gorillas. Still, you will be overwhelmed by the rich and lush foliage, flowers, and Afro-montane plants that you will see trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
The advantage of fewer tourists, readily available gorilla permits, and lower luxury lodging prices will outweigh the benefits of the dry season. Many enjoy the rainy seasons, and even Winston Churchill wrote about the rains in his 1908 Book “My African Journey.” Even the Rainy Seasons are not like you might imagine them to be.”
Gorilla tracking from June through August
June through August is the high and dry season and one of the best times to track Gorillas in Uganda. You might find that it rains here and there at night or during the early morning hours before sunrise, with the sun coming out during the morning.
On the negative side, gorilla permits will be harder to obtain, and you must book your safari well in advance to get them. The same can be said when it comes to the availability of lodging. Should June and August be your months of choice, then plan your gorilla safari early with us.
Gorilla Tracking from September through October
September and October are great months to visit Uganda. There are fewer tourists, but the weather remains nice until the latter part of October when the short rains arrive. With more available permits, September and October are good months for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Tracking during November
November is a rainy season month with the so-called short rains arriving. You will have muddy trails will need a poncho and waterproof boots. However, you will have permits and a choice of lodging at a discount.
Gorilla Tracking during December, including the Holiday Season
You can expect some rainfall during December, but it is an excellent month for trekking to see mountain gorillas, especially during the latter part of the month.
From Mid-December on, there is an increase in tourists, and once again, gorilla permits become scarce. It is best to plan and book your safari well in advance to ensure both permit and lodging availability.
When is the Best Time of the Year to track Gorillas in Uganda?
It is up to you; the choice is for you to make. The best Weather Months of the year are also the busiest months for gorilla tracking. More tourists and fewer permits are available, and you must plan with your gorilla safari dates.
The Shoulder months are an excellent choice if you want nice weather, yet fewer tourists, and more permits.
We like to point out Climate Change has affected the Weather Patterns in the Country. The Dry and Rainy Seasons are no longer as predictable as they once were, and Rainstorms can happen during the dry Seasons.
Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – The reality is that a Gorilla Trek is never canceled
Current Weather and Forecast for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park
The Weather for both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga is unlike in much of Sub-Saharan Africa. You are not trekking in a steamy jungle. The daytime temperature rarely exceeds 26 degrees Celsius during the day and drops down to 12 degrees Celsius or lower at night, depending on the elevation. You are in what is called the Switzerland of Africa. The weather usually is suitable for Gorilla Trekking and hiking.
For more information about Gorilla trekking safari in Africa, Kindly contact [email protected] or www.davsafaris.com whatsapp us via +256701412430
