It’s a lifetime experience trekking to see mountain gorillas but knowing the best time to trek these endangered species is very essential. In Uganda, mountain gorilla trekking is done in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both situated in southwestern Uganda. On the other hand, Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are trekked in the volcanoes national park north east of the country. However in both countries, Mountain gorillas are trekked all year round but knowing the right time saves a trekker from either higher expenses (low season) or else helps to enjoy the trek (high season).
About Uganda the pearl of Africa is blessed with a conducive climate made up of two rainy seasons, the short one in October and November whereas the long one from mid March to May. The remaining months are dry though the current variations in weather patterns make it difficult to forecast the seasons.
High season
This is in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December where there are lesser or no rains at all. Most travelers choose to travel during this season due to the positive weather. Due to this, there is always high demand for the gorilla permits requiring travelers to book for the permits in advance and pay 30% of the total cost as booking fee. The dry season is perfect for trekking mountain gorillas though very expensive and luxurious for budget travelers. More still mountain gorillas live in weathered regions with raised landscape, which make its climate cool all year round despite some thoughtful leg labor. However, trekking mountain gorilla in high season is expensive, a permit in Uganda costs 600usd compared to 450usd in the low season making it luxurious to budget travelers
Low season
This is the best time for budget trekkers; many people have loved to travel during this season. During this time, trekking permits are offered at a discounted rate reduced from 600usd to 450uds for non-resident travelers. However, the season is known for heavy rains between the months of March, April, May and November, which rains may discourage most travelers.
Concerning lodge costs in this season, they are very favorable since occupancy rate is also low hence low prices charged to attract travelers. More still, with less people trekking mountain gorillas in the low season, the few who trek are allocated to different gorilla families, which provide them with close interaction without congestion.
However despite the advantages during this season, rains make trekking difficult. The grounds become slippery and muddy, together with the showers and droplets, which wet trekkers.
Importantly still, even when low season is identified for rain, there has not ever been a whole day lost to the rain. This means that the sun shines shortly after the rain enabling trekkers to continue with the activity. In both Uganda and Rwanda, mountain gorilla trekking is done every day not minding whether it’s raining or shining. For all the years that gorilla trekking has been done, no single day has ever been cancelled because of bad weather.
Reminder: Trekking Uganda’s mountain gorillas in low season are pocket friendly since for travelers enabling them to save 150usd but this is not a case in Rwanda. The cost for Rwanda’s gorilla permit is 750usd whether in low or high season.
Conclusively therefore, despite the season, mountain gorilla trekking is the best time wildlife encounter a traveler can ever have.
