When is the ideal time to travel to Africa on a gorilla trekking?

One of the region’s dry seasons—which vary from country to country and species to species—is the best time to go gorilla trekking. Even though going to the gorilla is a year-round activity that is available seven days a week, thirty-one days a week, thirty-one days a month, and three hundred and sixty days a year, the best time to visit will depend on your preferences, the weather, safety, cost, and other extras, and demand.

While June to September and December to February in East Africa are considered the best months, these dry months are also marked by high demand for gorilla permits, which require months-long reservations in contrast to the rainy season, when gorilla trekking can be added on-the-spot. It is often recognized that gorilla trekking is only possible in a select few locations around Africa, which include:

Countries home to mountain gorillas

Rwanda gorilla trekking

Even though gorilla permit costs $1500, Rwanda’s Volcano National Park is thought to be among the safest locations for gorilla trekking. One of the earliest volcano parks established from Virunga National Park is Volcanoes. In addition to providing habitat for the endangered golden monkey species, the park requires visitors to be at least 15 years old in order to participate in gorilla trekking.

Uganda gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking at Impenetrable Bwindi

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is split into five sectors, all of which are accessible for gorilla trekking, in contrast to its neighbor Volcanos Park. Among them are Buhoma,

Buhoma

Back in 1992, gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation began in Buhoma, Uganda, with the Rushegula gorilla family being the first to become acclimated. There are already more than three gorilla families in Buhoma, since other families readapted to accommodate the growing number of tourists that wished to go gorilla trekking.

Ruhijja.

Between Rushaga and Buhoma, where over five distinct gorilla families may be found via public transportation, sits Ruhijja.

One of the most recently opened locations for gorilla trekking and gorilla acclimatization is Rushaga Rushaga. There are around seven gorilla families in this area, two of which are accessible to anyone interested in the unique experience known as mountain gorilla habituation.

Nkuringo

This site is the furthest away from all the others, situated in the southern region of Bwindi. This is the location of two gorilla families where visitors can embark on typical gorilla trekking.

Mgahinga.

This famous park is sometimes referred to as the location where “gold meets silver.” Because of the presence of both silverback gorillas and golden monkeys, the park was given this name. The park is located inside the Virunga Mountain range and is home to nine gorillas, including youngsters, babies, subadults, and three silverbacks.

The park is home to only one gorillas family, the Nyakagezi gorillas family. Since the great Albert Cook, National Park was subdivided to create the volcanoes national park, the Mgahinga National Park, and the great Virunga national park, the park shares 100% of the same natural environment and terrain.

gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The exciting wildlife adventure of gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the chance to witness both mountain and lowland gorillas, which are threatened with extinction, in their natural habitats. You may trek with gorillas in Congo at Virunga National Park, where you can see both mountain and lowland gorillas. You can go on walks with eight habituated gorilla families. As part of this activity, park rangers and experienced trackers would typically conduct excursions into dense forests. Visitors may see gorilla life up close and assist with conservation efforts at the same time by participating in sustainable tourism practices.

The solution to our day’s query is finally here.

Gorilla trekking March through January and June through September

You may go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, two countries in East Africa, any month of the year. The dry seasons of January to February and June to September are much better, with beautiful skies and manageable hiking; nevertheless, because to high visitor demand, you must book well in advance and obtain your permits early. which makes accessibility exceedingly challenging.

With rather dry weather, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is situated in Central Africa, also provides ideal trekking conditions throughout these months. This facilitates access to mountain gorilla habitats in Virunga National Park, as well as in Rwanda and Uganda.

April to May

In several places of the world, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is the wettest period of year. Due to the possibility of muddy trails, which would make the walk more challenging, this is the low to moderate traffic time for gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits are not in high demand during this time, so securing a permit and lodging will be simple.

From October until December

The greatest time to undertake gorilla trekking in East Africa (Rwanda and Uganda) is during the dry season, when you can expect nice weather and the opportunity to explore mountain gorilla habitats like Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There is still a lot of rainy days in Rwanda and Uganda during this period. But D.R.C. has a dry season, which is advantageous but also quite popular. Additionally, East African nations provide pleasant experiences with minimal demand for visas and lodging, allowing you the flexibility to make a last-minute reservation.

To sum up gorilla trekking

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitats and contribute to their protection is gorilla trekking in Africa. Knowing when to travel is essential for a great and memorable experience, as it depends on hiking conditions and weather patterns. Every location offers different opportunities for gorilla sightings, whether you’re in the far-off wildness of the Republic of Congo, the foggy mountains of Rwanda, or the deep jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travelers arrange their travels well, they might potentially contribute to the conservation of these endangered animals, and gorilla trekking can be an immensely fulfilling experience. Depending on your schedule, you can go gorilla trekking at any time of year.