The Best Time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
It is important to note that Silverback Mountain gorillas can be tracked at any time of the year because their movements are not affected by changing seasons of the year. Even though we will be discussing the pros and cons of visiting at a particular time of the year, tourists shouldn’t be too selective on which month to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
From our previous Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, we realized the best time to track gorillas is just after the rainy season has ended. Uganda lies along the equator zone, which has two dry and wet seasons.
The dry season falls in the months between December to February and between June to September. Gorilla trekking during the dry season has its advantages. Visitors can easily combine gorilla trekking with another wildlife safari in East Africa such as to see the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania.
This season is the best time to spot wildlife esp the big five, wildebeest, bird life, and most importantly to track and spot the Mountain Gorillas. The hiking tracks are dry, easy to maneuver, as well as easy to see Gorillas since they come out of the forests.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
So what is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? We have detailed month-by-month times of the year to spot gorillas in Bwindi National Park. First, let’s get to know Bwindi National Park and how effective and essential it is to Gorilla Conservation and their protection.
About Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley, covering 32,092 ha, and is one of the largest wildlife-protected areas in East Africa.
Bwindi National Park protects an approx 300+ population of mountain gorillas, approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.
Home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, the national park represents a conservation frontline as Community benefits arising from the mountain gorilla and other ecotourism may be the only hope for the future conservation of this unique site.
Month by Month Gorilla Trekking Guide
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January to February (Dry Season – Best Time to Visit):-
January lies in the region’s short dry period, meaning it is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The dry paths make driving the untarmacked roads to the gorillas and walking in the jungle effortless.
Despite being one of the hottest months of the year, gorilla trekking in the Bwindi National Park forest is pleasant because of the cooler environment that brings down the heat while trekking.
Although February is part of the dry season, we begin to see a drop in the number of travelers during the month. As with January, February is the best time for gorilla trekking, bird watching, and taking a game drive to view the savannah animals before the March rains disperse them.
This is the best time to do a combined wildlife safari within East Africa, visiting Kenya for the Big Cats’ sightings, Tanzania for the wildebeest calving season, and Uganda for the Gorilla Trekking expeditions.
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March to May (Wet Season – Worst Time to Visit):-
March Ends is the start of the long rains and wet season in Bwindi National Park. This marks the entry of the low season, the rains during this season make it hard for vehicles and trekking becomes hard to do.
As the rain continues to pound the equatorial forest, the more it becomes hard to go on a gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. It’s advisable to avoid the park during this season and visit other wildlife parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale National Park.
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June to September (Dry Season – Best Time to Visit):-
June to Sept can be a fantastic time for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Because it lies far late in the dry season, navigating the steep jungle slope is manageable. Adding a game drive to your all-inclusive safari holiday would be a great idea because animals are easier to spot in national parks and game reserves.
This season coincides well with the Wildebeest Migration and crossing season in Kenya and Tanzania. Can be a good combination for a complete East Africa Safari and Adventure. As well you can add a few days for a beach holiday after spending a lot of time with the wild animals in the bush.
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October to November (Wet Season – Worst Time to Visit):-
October is not a busy month when visiting Uganda. This is after the end of the peak season from June to September. Gorilla Tours Prices are reasonable and easy to book this time as the permits tend to be on offer and discount. The entry of the wet season with short rains within the Forest hinders trekking and driving.
During November the rain continues to pound and hit hard on the parks around Uganda. Due to the proximity of the park being in the equatorial region, it receives enough rain that makes other parks lush green and alive.
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December (Dry Season – Best Time to Visit):-
December is the end of the wet season when rainfall reduces to pave way for the dry season that extends to January, making it a great month to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking. This is also a recommended time to visit Uganda for bird watching and other wildlife sightings such as the elephants and big cats.
In conclusion:-
June to September is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking. It offers a better chance to spot and spend with the Mountain Gorillas. It also gives you a chance to add some nights in Kenya and Tanzania for the wildebeest migration.
But you can as well consider doing a less expensive safari between January and February but have an extraordinary Gorilla Tour in Uganda and combine it with other safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania.
