Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Knowing the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda is the first concern for intending gorilla trekkers and to be sincere, it is an important factor to note for memorable experiences. Several websites and other online forums (such as TripAdvisor and the lonely planet) have indicated their opinions on the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is an all-year-round activity. Whether it’s January, February, June, October, or December, gorilla trekking is conducted but the time of the year will have an effect on your ultimate satisfaction and experience. The Dry months-January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are however the perfect time to trek Uganda gorillas because during these months there is little or no rain, hiking trails are less muddy and slippery as well as vegetation is more open hence making trekking easier.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

The rainy season months of March, April, May, October, and November are usually avoided because temperatures tend to drop making it extremely cold, the vegetation becomes denser, hiking trails slippery and muddy thus making trekking more difficult. It is for this reason that most tourists avoid trekking during the rainy season hence the reason the months are considered low season. However given the heavy rains, vegetation grows faster thus more food for the mountain gorillas making it easier to sight them since they don’t move far in a bid to find food. Mountain gorillas during these months also move to lower elevations because there is plenty of food and to avoid cold temperatures.

Whether it’s the rainy season, it doesn’t rain all day and night, and park activities including gorilla trekking go on as planned. At whatever time you choose to trek the gorillas in Uganda, make sure to pack long-sleeved shirts, pants, gardening gloves, waterproof backpack, non-flash camera, pair of binoculars, cotton socks, a wide-brimmed hat, strong waterproof hiking boots, and sunglasses among others. The rainy season is usually the low season with most safari lodges offering discounted rates hence perfect for budget travelers but is also good for birding.