Best Time to Visit Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. Trekking through ancient rainforests to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas is both humbling and exhilarating.
These encounters are only possible in three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Uganda and Rwanda offering the most accessible and safest options. However, to truly make the most of your gorilla trekking adventure, choosing the right time to travel is crucial. Seasonal weather patterns can significantly affect trail conditions, visibility, and even the overall comfort of your trip.
Gorilla Trekking Seasons in Uganda and Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda experience a tropical climate, with two main dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, when the trails are less muddy and the chances of a rewarding trek are highest. The long dry season, which runs from June to September, is considered the optimal time. During these months, the weather is typically sunny and dry, making the forest trails more manageable.
The visibility is also excellent, offering ideal conditions for photography and scenic viewing. This period is also peak season for general safaris in Uganda’s savannah parks and Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, allowing for an all-around excellent wildlife experience.
The short dry season from December to February is another favorable time for gorilla trekking. While this period sees slightly warmer temperatures, it still offers dry conditions and accessible trails. One advantage of this window is fewer tourists compared to the mid-year months, creating a quieter and more intimate trekking experience. Both dry seasons are ideal for combining gorilla trekking with other activities such as chimpanzee tracking, birding, and cultural excursions.
Though gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November pose some challenges. Heavy rainfall can make trails slippery and difficult to navigate, and the dense forest canopy may reduce visibility. However, these months also have their own unique appeal. The rainforest is at its lushest, and misty mornings often create an ethereal atmosphere that can be especially beautiful for photography.
Additionally, traveler numbers drop during these months, which means more availability for permits and lower prices on accommodations. In Uganda, gorilla permits are sometimes offered at discounted rates during the rainy season, making this an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers or experienced trekkers.
What is the difference between Trekking Gorilla from Uganda and trekking from Rwanda?
Uganda and Rwanda have similar seasonal patterns, but the trekking experience can vary between the two. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, offering more permit availability. However, the terrain in Bwindi is rugged and often steep, requiring a moderate to high level of fitness.
In contrast, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for its relatively easier treks, thanks to well-maintained trails and more accessible gorilla families. Rwanda’s infrastructure is also highly developed, and the park is only a two-hour drive from Kigali, making it ideal for shorter, luxury-focused itineraries. However, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are significantly more expensive, currently priced at $1,500 per person, compared to $800 in Uganda.
Regardless of when or where you choose to trek, proper preparation is key. Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, and gaiters. Hiring a porter is also highly recommended not only to help with your gear but also to support local livelihoods. During the dry seasons, you’ll enjoy clearer skies, easier trekking, and better lighting for photography. In the rainy seasons, you’ll have the forest largely to yourself and a unique opportunity to experience the gorillas in a quieter, more mystical setting.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months provide the most favorable conditions for trekking and wildlife viewing. However, the experience is deeply rewarding at any time of year. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of dry weather or the solitude of the off-season, mountain gorilla trekking is an unforgettable journey into one of the planet’s last remaining wild places. With the right planning and expectations, any season can offer a life-changing experience.
Can one add a Game Drive on a Gorilla trekking Safari to both Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, absolutely you can add game drives to a gorilla trekking safari in both Uganda and Rwanda, making your trip a more complete African wildlife experience.
In Uganda
Uganda is one of the best countries to combine gorilla trekking with traditional game drives, thanks to its diverse national parks.
Popular Game Drive Destinations:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this is the most commonly added park for those trekking gorillas in Uganda. You can see lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), elephants, buffalo, hippos, and various antelope species.
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in northern Uganda, this park offers fantastic game drives, river safaris, and a chance to see the dramatic Murchison Falls. Wildlife includes giraffes, lions, elephants, and crocodiles.
Lake Mburo National Park
Ideal for shorter safaris and en route to or from Bwindi. Home to zebras, impalas, and hippos. It is the only National Park in Uganda that offers cycling and walking safaris to the travelers seeking for such unique adventures.
Sample Combination:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo
- Optionally, add chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
In Rwanda
While Rwanda is best known for luxury gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, it also offers game drives though on a smaller scale compared to Uganda.
Game Drive Option:
Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five safari park. It offers scenic savannahs, lakes, and wetlands, with game drives to see lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
Akagera is about a 5–6-hour drive from Volcanoes National Park, or a short flight by helicopter or charter plane, making it accessible for high-end or customized itineraries.
Is there a chance of Combining Both Countries?
Yes, you can! Many travelers trek gorillas in Uganda (more availability and lower permit cost at USD 800) and then do a game drive in Rwanda’s Akagera or vice versa. The land border crossings (like Cyanika or Katuna) are manageable with proper visas.
Summary
| Country | Gorilla Trekking | Game Drive Parks | Best Combo |
| Uganda | Bwindi, Mgahinga | Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo | Bwindi + Queen Elizabeth |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes NP | Akagera NP | Volcanoes + Akagera |
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