Best time to visit Gorillas
Best time to visit Gorillas is that period whereby going for gorilla trekking is not so hard because of different factors.
Gorilla trekking is an activity where visitors move in the dense tropical forests in search of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and once found visitors will spend 1 hour in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas taking photos, learning about the gorillas among others. Mountain gorillas in Africa are only found in four national parks namely Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda. Bwindi national park is the only gorilla destination that harbors half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Visitors interested in gorilla trekking will have to first purchase a gorilla trekking permit which will allow them to visit the habituated gorilla family in any national park. Gorilla trekking permits vary depending on the country where you are going to trek the gorillas from for example a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs $1500 for all nationalities and is the highest gorilla trekking permit of the three countries. However, a single gorilla trekking permit in Uganda in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park costs $600 for the Foreign Non Residents and a gorilla trekking permit in Virunga national park costs $400 for the Foreign Non Residents and $200 during the low season. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination that offers a cheap gorilla trekking permit in the peak season and a discounted permit during the low season so as to attract more visitors.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done any time throughout the year because Uganda is blessed with a pleasant and conducive climate which is characterized by two rainy seasons with the short rainy season in the months of October to November and the long rainy season in the months of mid-March to May. Uganda also experiences two dry seasons with the short dry season in the months of December to February and the long dry season in the months of June to September.
Peak season / High season
This is also known as the dry season during the months of June to September and December to February. This is the best time for gorilla trekking activity in Bwindi national park, Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes national park, and Virunga national park because during these months there is little or less rainfall in the forests. This is, however, the period when most visitors choose to travel for gorilla trekking activity in Africa and other activities like hiking, nature walks, boat cruise among others due to favorable weather in Uganda and Rwanda. During the peak season or dry season, the forest grounds will not be wet, muddy and slippery like during the wet season hence the gorilla trekking trails will be passable and gorillas will be easily viewed due to short grass in the jungle.
Due to the fact that the gorilla destinations in Africa are on a high altitude or elevation and covered with dense tropical rainforests, it can rain any time of the day and will shine after it has rained therefore visitors to engage in gorilla trekking activity are encouraged to carry gorilla trekking equipment’s like the rain jackets, hiking shoes, warm clothes among others because it sometimes gets so cold especially early in the morning and at night.
Peak season which is also the dry season is the best time to visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi national park, Mgahinga national park and others gorilla destinations in Africa such as Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park. However, during the peak season, the gorilla trekking permits are usually competitive and get sold out quickly compared to the wet season hence visitors should book the gorilla trekking permits 4 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date so as to avoid disappointments.
Low season
The low season is also known as the wet season and this is during the months of mid-March to May and October to November. During the low season, there is heavy rainfall and the gorilla trekking trails in the jungle are always wet, muddy, slippery and rain droplets which make the gorilla trekkers wet and gorilla trekking activity hard and difficult. During the low or wet season, the lodges near the gorilla destinations offer discounts so as to attract more visitors and this is an added advantage for the budget travelers because the lodges will be affordable and not fully booked like during the peak season.
It is easy to trek mountain gorillas during the low season especially in Volcanoes national park and Mgahinga national park because the gorillas will move to the lower altitude areas due to plenty of food to eat hence making trekking easy. During the low season the gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi national park, Mgahinga national park, Virunga national park, and Volcanoes national park will not be competitive like during the peak season and the national parks will not be so congested therefore the visitors will enjoy the jungle with fewer crowds.
During the wet season, it normally rains in the morning and shines shortly and later rains again in the late afternoon and Gorilla trekking activity in Bwindi national park, Mgahinga national park, and Volcanoes national park is carried out daily regardless of the rains. It is, however, the best time for bird watching where you will get an opportunity to view migratory birds in the forest during the months of November to April.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking safari
Due to the cool climate and weather in Africa, you are recommended to pack various equipment’s on your gorilla trekking safari including
- Gorilla trekking permit, this is a document that allows a person above the age of 15 years to participate in gorilla trekking activity. Without a valid gorilla trekking permit is any of the national parks, you will not be allowed to visit the gorillas hence it’s the essential requirement for gorilla trekking activity in Africa.
- Hiking shoes, these will help you during the wet season due to muddy and slippery grounds and during the dry season since it can rain any time in the jungle therefore the hiking shoes will help you to keep your feet dry.
- Garden gloves, the gloves will keep your hands cleans and free from germs because due to muddy and slippery grounds, you will be touching different plants in the jungle for support such as the thorny tress and bushes which might injure your hands.
- Long sleeved shirt and trousers, these clothes are used to give you warmth because its sometimes cold and also protect you from the thorny tree branches in the jungle.
- Insect repellent, this will help you from forest insects such as the tsetse flies and the safari ants.
- Camera, this is very important for visitors on a safari in that the camera it will be used to record all the moments and will also be used to take pictures for memories and showing people at home after the safari.
- Waterproof rain jacket, the jacket will help you in case it rains especially during the wet season to protect you and your items like the camera.
- Back pack, this is used to pack all the equipment’s that you will use during you gorilla trekking safari such as the camera, insect repellent, drinking water, packed lunch among others.
- Walking stick, this walking stick is provided at the starting point and you can bring your own walking stick if you want too. The walking stick will help you to trek on rough and slippery areas in the jungle.
- Porter, this is a person that will help to carry your back pack and also give you a push and a pull on the steep areas especially during the wet season when the grounds are wet, muddy and slippery. The porters are found at the starting point for gorilla trekking and are hired at an affordable fee.
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and fascinating activity that can be enjoyed all year round and the activity offers great and unforgettable experiences to visitors on a gorilla trekking safari despite the season.
