Which Month Is Best For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?

Uganda – the pearl of Africa is endowed with half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population which makes it the best gorilla trekking destination in the world.  Uganda has two gorilla trekking destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both hosting over 600 mountain gorilla individuals. Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling safari activities/adventures in the world and Uganda is a year-round destination for gorilla trekking tours. 

Uganda as a country experiences an equatorial climate with two climate seasons that dry and rainy season with temperatures ranging from 24℃ to 29℃. Mountain gorillas live in the dense tropical rainforests seated on the hilly and mountainous landscape, because of the higher altitudes, typical temperatures range from 7℃ at night and 20℃ during the day.  Generally, the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the two dry seasons of December to February and June to August, the are the finest months for other Uganda safari activities like chimpanzee trekking and game viewing.  Uganda’s rainy season is from March to May and mid-October to November.  Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done all year round, here is the break down for each month in year. 

DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY (SHORT DRY SEASON)

December is still a festive season in Uganda, this month marks the end of the short rainy season making it an ideal month to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. At this time, the vegetation is lush and beautiful and gorilla parks in Uganda are very accessible.  December is a great time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, it is also the best time for Uganda birding tours with migratory species as well wildlife viewing.  Note: Being the festive season, safari rates are relatively higher including the gorilla accommodations. Also, gorilla permits are in high demand. 

DECEMBER (HIGH SEASON)

JANUARY 

January lies between the short dry season which makes it a hot month, this month offers the perfect time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and other safari experiences like chimpanzee trekking and game viewing in Uganda’s savannah parks.  In this month, the vegetation cover is short and the hiking trails are dry making it easier to views mountain gorillas.  January is characterized by sunshine, less or no rain and clear blue and white skies.  

FEBRUARY

February is another excellent month for gorilla trekking in Uganda because of the dry weather which makes the conditions ideal for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s gorilla parks – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.  Since this month is the end of the short dry season in Uganda, the number of travelers relatively reduce making the demand for gorilla permits low. However, always book your gorilla permit in advance. 

MARCH TO MAY (LONG WET SEASON)

MARCH  March marks the beginning of the long rainy season in Uganda, in this time of the year, spotting of gorillas is very easy as there is plenty of food which attracts mountain gorillas to move to the lower slopes of the mountains.  However, due to the too much rains. Gorilla trekking conditions are tough due to the rough and muddy terrain.  March is a good month to catch plenty of flamboyant bird species including migratory species. The advantage of visiting in this month is that the accommodation rates are low and the demand for gorilla permits is relatively low. 

APRIL AND MAY 

April is the wettest month in Uganda with the rains continuing to May which is clearly not the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. The advantage of visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking in these months is that there are less crowds in the parks including gorilla parks and accommodation rates are discounted. Also, May is the perfect time to witness birds in breeding plumage and the landscape is lush and stunning offering you the best scenery for photography safaris and sightseeing. 

JUNE TO AUGUST (THE PEAK SEASON)

JUNE 

This month marks the beginning of the long dry season as well as the peak season, June is the best time to visit Uganda for a safari including gorilla trekking. Since this month marks the end of the rainy season, the landscape in Uganda is green and gorgeous, this means that if you are planning to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you should book for your gorilla permit in advance as well as accommodation and other Uganda safari activities.  Note: June is a peak season so the safari rates are higher and the gorilla permits in high demand. 

JULY

July is a continuation of the peak season in Uganda and offers the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, the conditions in the jungles are dry and moist and the hiking are navigable.  This month is also a fantastic time to see animals in Uganda’s wildlife parks as they congregate near the remaining waterhole which makes seeing the easier.  Note: July also comes with hiked prices, warm temperatures, clear skies and breathtaking gorilla sightings. 

AUGUST

Still, August offers the best conditions for gorilla trekking tour. Also serves as the best time for wildlife viewing in Uganda’s wildlife parks most especially for predator sightings such as the elusive leopards, cheetahs and tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. August is recognized among the best time to visit and explore Uganda. Note: it is safe to come prepared for the downpours. 

SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER (LOW SEASON)

SEPTEMBER  September marks the end of the dry season in Uganda and the start of the short rainy season, in this month the gorilla trekking parks in Uganda experience wet tracks. However, it is very much possible to view the Gentle Giants – Mountain gorillas, the accommodation rate come relatively down which makes it a good time to visit Uganda most especially for budget travelers. 

OCTOBER

The rains continue in the month of October, however the temperatures are relatively warm and gorilla trekking can still be done. Accommodation rates are relatively low and there are few travelers in the country. Note that due to rains, gorilla trekking conditions are quite rough hence you out to come prepared. 

NOVEMBER 

November marks a beautiful season in Uganda as the vegetation starts to flourish due to rainfall being received, this makes the landscape in the countryside verdant and beautiful.  Though gorilla trekking conditions continue to be rough in this month, it can still be done. The advantage of this month is that travelers get to enough discounted accommodation rates and get an opportunity to spot migratory bird species which arrive from Northern Africa and America.  November marks the start of the best bird watching season in Uganda lasting up to April.