When to Trek Gorillas in Uganda?
The emerald forest of Bwindi is still heavy with morning mist as you tie up your boots, the sounds of forest waking around you. This is the moment you have been looking forward to, stepping onto a narrow trail that leads into the territory of the Great Apes—mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Journey
What is the best month for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Is a frequently asked question by travelers as they plan to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
With years of organizing gorilla trekking trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, our team has seen and experienced seasons that can shape every detail of the experience. Some months bring clear skies and firm trails; others drench the forest in tropical rain that turns paths into slippery adventures. The right choice of the best month for gorilla trekking in Uganda influences your comfort, photography, and even how far you might hike before meeting a gorilla family assigned to you.
In this guide, we will share a month-by-month breakdown, guided by local expertise so you can match your travel style and secure your permits with confidence.
Gorilla Trekking Seasons in Uganda Explains
Dry Season (June–September, December–February)
Most travelers considered the dry season the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda. Trails through Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga are firmer underfoot, rivers are easier to cross, and the canopy is less likely to drench you before midday. Clear skies mean better views across the Virunga Volcanoes, and photographers relish the soft, misty light filtering through the forest.
Also, these are the busiest months. June, July, and August coincide with peak East African Safari season, while December to February attracts holiday travelers. Gorilla permits in these months sell out quickly. Our team often books them 12-18 months in advance.
Wet Season (March–May, October–November)
With the rains, the forest is transformed into a lush, emerald world. Flowers bloom, bird calls intensify, and gorilla families often feed closer to the trailheads—sometimes making treks shorter. With fewer visitors, encounters can feel more intimate and unhurried.
Of course, there are challenges, as trails can become slick, especially on the steep Nkuringo ridges. Daily showers test stamina and leeches and mud are part of the gorilla trekking adventure. Furthermore, travel logistics like small aircraft connections or rural roads are more vulnerable to delays.
Yet for travelers who don’t mind rain, the rewards are unique: gorilla permits are easy to secure, lodge rates are lower, and the forest is at its most vibrant.
Dry Vs Wet Season—Compare trekking seasons at a glance.
| Factor | Dry Season
(June–Sept, Dec–Feb) |
Wet Season
(March–May, Oct–Nov) |
| Trail Conditions | Firm, easier to hike | Muddy, slippery paths |
| Photography | Clear skies, misty light | Lush greens, dramatic scenes |
| Gorilla Encounters | Longer hikes, predictable routes | Often shorter hikes, closer groups |
| Crowds | High demand, busy trails | Quieter, fewer visitors |
| Permits | Scarce – book 12–18 months early | More availability, easier to secure |
| Lodge Rates | Peak pricing | Lower rates & Seasonal offers |
Gorilla Trekking Permits: What You Must Know
- Limited spots daily: only 8 permits per gorilla family are issued per day
- Minimum age: Travelers must be 15 years or old to trek
- Advance booking is essential: Dry season permits sell out 12-18 months in advance
- Official rules: Trekking time is limited to only 1 hour with gorillas, and always keep 10 meters’ distance; no flash photography.
- Price (2024–2026): USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents (set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority).
Our safari planners handle permit reservations directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and secure the best gorilla trekking sector for your trek so you don’t have to worry about missing out.
Bwindi Forest—The best gorilla destination in the world
Month-by-Month Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
January–February
- Weather: Short dry season; warm days, less rainfall, occasional morning mist
- Trekking Experience: Trails are firm, visibility is good, and photography excellent
- Permits & Lodge: Still high demand—book early
- Best For: Photographers, comfort-focused travelers seeking clear skies and milestone journeys
- Our Insight—January mornings in Bwindi Forest National Park bring golden light through the canopy, ideal for intimate gorilla portraits.
March–May
- Weather: Long rainy seasons, frequent showers, slippery trails, and lush green forests
- Trekking Experience: Harder hikes but gorilla families often forage lower down, reducing trek length.
- Permits & Lodge: Easier to secure permits; many lodges offer off-season rates.
- Best For: Budget-conscious, adventurous travelers, visitors who enjoy solitude and don’t mind mud
- Our Insight: Guides note the forest chorus is loudest after rain—birds, frogs, and insects combine into a symphony.
June–July
- Weather: Start of long dry season; cool mornings, sunny days, minimal rainfall.
- Trekking Experience: Best trail conditions of the year; longer but steady hikes
- Permits & Lodge: Peak demand—permits sell out 12-18 months in advance
- Best For: Families on summer holidays, milestone travelers, honeymooners
- Our Insight: Clear skies mean views of the Virunga Volcanoes from your Bwindi Lodge are at their most breathtaking
August–September
- Weather: Still dry, with occasional showers late September
- Trekking Experience: Easier hikes continue, wildlife active, gorillas mobile
- Permits & Lodge: Demand remains high but slightly easier than June/July
- Best For: Travelers looking for peak conditions without July crowds; long-haul travelers combining East Africa safaris.
- Our Insight—September often delivers quiet trails; guides sometimes describe it as the “sweet spot” between high season and the rains.
October–November
- Weather: Short rains return; muddy trails and afternoon showers are common
- Trekking Experience: Challenging hikes but dramatic forest scene—thick mist and vibrant greens
- Permits & Lodge: Good availability; lodges often run seasonal offers
- Best For: Adventures and photographers chasing moody, atmospheric shots.
- Our Insight—Guides recall gorillas nesting closer to the foothills of the volcanoes during these months, sometimes reducing trekking times to under two hours.
December
- Weather: Dry season resumes; pleasant conditions, cooler evenings
- Trekking Experience: Trails easier again, gorillas highly active
- Permits & Lodge: Peak festive demand—book far in advance.
- Best For: travelers on Christmas/NewYear journeys, multigenerational families, and couples marking special occasions.
- Our Insight: December treks often end with festive evenings at your lodge, storytelling by the fire under clear starry skies.
Quick Glance: Best Months to Trek Gorilla in Uganda
| Month(s) | Conditions & Trek Experience | Best For | Permits/Lodges |
| Jan–Feb | Short dry spell; firm trails; bright mornings; excellent visibility. | Photographers; comfort-focused travelers; milestone trips. | High demand—book early. |
| Mar–May | Long rains; lush forest; trails slick; hikes can be shorter as groups feed lower. | Budget-savvy solitude seekers and adventurous trekkers. | Easier permits; seasonal lodge offers. |
| Jun–Jul | Start of a long dry spell; coolest mornings; prime trail conditions. | Families on summer holidays; honeymooners; first-timers. | Peak demand—secure 12–18 months ahead. |
| Aug–Sep | Dry continues; a few showers late Sep; balanced conditions. | Travelers wanting peak feel without July crowds. | Still busy, slightly easier than Jun/Jul. |
| Oct–Nov | Short rains; dramatic mist; muddy paths; fewer people. | Photographers chasing mood; seasoned hikers. | Good availability and value on rooms. |
| Dec | Dry resumes; pleasant days; active encounters. | Festive-season travelers; multigenerational families. | Peak festive bookings—plan far ahead. |
What is the Cheapest Month for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The most budget-friendly months to trek gorillas in Uganda are during the wet seasons—March to May and October to November. During these periods, gorilla permits are easier to secure, lodges often reduce their rates, and trails are quieter. While treks can be muddier and more challenging, many travelers find the lush forest and intimate encounters worth cherishing.
What is the Best Month for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
There is no single “perfect” month to trek gorillas in Uganda, only the month that fits your style of travel. The dry seasons (June–September, December–February) bring firmer trails and higher demand, while the wet seasons (March–May, October–November) offer lush landscapes, fewer crowds, easier permit access, and more budget-friendly lodge rates.
What matters most is securing your place early and shaping your trek around your expectations, whether it is clear skies for photography, solitude on quiet trails, or a festive holiday adventure.
Remember, every gorilla permit purchased directly supports conservation of the mountain gorillas and the livelihoods of communities living around Bwindi.
Ready to plan your Gorilla Trekking adventure in Uganda? Talk to our safari experts about the best month for your trek and let us help secure your permits before they sell out.
