The Best Time To Go To Uganda For Gorilla Trekking : The dry seasons in Uganda, which run from December to February and June to August, are the ideal times to visit the country and go gorilla trekking. This special window presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel back in time and experience these magnificent animals in their native environment. In search of the elusive mountain gorillas, walking through impenetrable jungles becomes simpler when the weather is dry and there are fewer muddy and hazardous pathways.
The discussion surrounding the optimal time for trekking or tracking gorillas in Uganda continues to evolve. Various arguments and opinions have been expressed across different platforms, including online forums like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet, among others. Gorillas in Uganda can be tracked year-round, providing clients with a consistently satisfying experience. Clients often overlook the rainy season, forgetting that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in an Equatorial Forest, where the likelihood of daily rain is quite high. Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Parks in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively, are primarily composed of bamboo forests.
The ideal period for trekking gorillas in Uganda is typically during the drier months of June, July, August, and early September. In these months, there is a decrease in rainfall when compared to months like April, May, and November. During these months, people tend to prefer booking their gorilla treks, resulting in increased competition. Gorilla permits often sell out rapidly, so anyone interested in trekking gorillas during this season should secure their permits ahead of time.
Mountain gorillas, among the most endangered species on our planet, are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga ranges, which span three countries: Uganda (Mgahinga National Park), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Due to the high endangerment status of these primates, clients are willing to pay a premium to observe or trek among them. The current price of gorilla permits stands at USD1500.00 in Rwanda and USD800.00 in Uganda, prompting clients to seek to enhance their experience during gorilla trekking and to choose the optimal time for their visit.
Uganda, intersected by the equator, experiences a modified equatorial climate characterized by two rainy seasons. As a result, many people consider the drier seasons to be the optimal time for trekking gorillas. When it rains, hiking and trekking in the impenetrable forest becomes challenging due to the heavy downpours that render the trails excessively slippery. The roads leading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park often become slippery, and rivers can flood, which makes accessibility challenging.
What is the optimal month for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking is a premier activity for tourists visiting Uganda, available throughout the year. Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs exclusively in two national parks: Bwindi and Mgahinga, as well as in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These locations are among the top tourist attractions primarily because they are home to these endangered species, which can only be found in three countries within the Virunga region. This rarity contributes to the high prices tourists are willing to pay for the opportunity to trek the gorillas. However, you will need a permit to access the gorillas, which must be booked in advance. The permits were implemented to decrease poaching and limit the number of visitors to the gorillas during each session. This article will explore the best times for gorilla trekking in Uganda assisting you in making informed decisions and planning your gorilla adventure.
THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT UGANDA
The dry seasons, which run from December to February and June to August, are the ideal times of year to travel to Uganda. The best weather is available throughout these months, allowing you to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and see the nation’s breathtaking surroundings. The dry season is perfect for trekking, wildlife viewing, and other excursions since it has warm, sunny days with little to no rain. Wildlife gathers around water sources during this time of year, which increases the likelihood of seeing a variety of animals, including the critically endangered chimpanzee and mountain gorillas.
WORST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA
September is the worst month to travel to Uganda because of the intense rainy season. Nonetheless, Uganda experiences favorable weather for most of the year, with most sites remaining open even throughout the rainy season.
When to travel to Uganda may depend on the kind of wildlife you want to see. The equatorial part of Uganda has a warm, tropical environment with few seasonal variations.
Uganda experiences highs of 71 degrees Fahrenheit on average and lows of 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Even during the rainy months, Uganda does not experience consistent rain due to its equatorial location. This area receives between 40 and 80 inches of rain annually on average.
But there are sunny, clear skies in between the showers. The prices of restaurants in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, are fixed throughout the year; however, during the rainy season, you can find discounts in the parks’ hotels and camps.
