Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo differs from one traveler to another. Trekking to view mountain gorillas or Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild is magical and undoubtedly unforgettable experience. A gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can be carried out at any time of the year but every holidaymaker should keep in mind the 2 seasons; the dry and wet seasons.
The dry and wet seasons all come in 2 phases each year and they should be considered when planning for your gorilla safari trip. The dry season to most visitors on gorilla safari is considered to be the best time because of the low/no rain the gorilla habitats record. The longest dry season starts from June to September and the shortest dry months commence from December to February. They are the favorite months for trekkers to enjoy a trek to view mountain gorillas without worries of muddy ground/slippery steep slopes.
It is during the dry months when most gorilla safari parks record the highest number of tourists on gorilla safari. They are regarded as the peak months of the year and if you plan to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo during these months, we advise you to have your gorilla permit booked at 2-6 months early. The rates for gorilla permits vary depending on the gorilla destination you plan to visit and Uganda issues her gorilla permits at $700. Rwanda gorilla safari permits cost $1500 and Congo gorilla permits both for mountain gorilla and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking cost $450 per person.
The wet/low season is considerably the best time for budget travelers or backpackers to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. It is during the rainy/low/wet season when gorilla safari parks register the lowest number of trekkers on gorilla trekking holiday. It is ideal for budget visitors in that most accommodation facilities are forced to reduce on their rates in order to lure more clients. There are 2 wet season phases; the longest starting from March to May and the shortest begins from October to November.
Essential things to carry on gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Regardless of when you plan to travel for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, how you pack is very significant. Always consider essential items on your packing list include among others first aid kit, camera (carry the one with no flashlight), extra batteries for your camera, long-sleeved shirts, hat, rain jacket or poncho, valid passport, trousers, gorilla permits, visas, gardening gloves, trousers, insect repellents, sunscreen, toiletries, snacks, sweater, bottled drinking water. At the park offices/at your lodge, ensure that you have a walking stick.
Best places to go for gorilla trekking
In Africa, 5 major destinations offer a memorable gorilla encounter to holidaymakers on gorilla safari. They include 2 parks in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwestern part of the country; Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri-Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the DR Congo. These 4 parks offer refuge to the world’s 1063 remaining population of mountain gorillas.
The 5th place to visit for gorilla trekking is Kahuzi-Biega National Park and this is specifically for holidaymakers with a plan to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas while in their natural habitat. Kahuzi-Biega is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.