First we should mention that gorilla tracking can be been all year round, you should also know that a year features two different climate seasons which must be put into consideration before a tourists makes up their mind on the best time to travel for gorilla trekking in Africa. There four spots in the universe where tourists can see gorillas in the jungle including; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park both in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Besides the rare mountain gorillas, DR Congo also offers refuge to the Eastern Lowland gorillas which thrive within Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park in Congo
Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have an equatorial climate which is characterized by 2 seasons; the rainy and dry season. The dry months include December–March and June – October and the rest of the months are wet – April, May and November - This season is characterized by heavy rainfall and there is plenty of food at the park and interestingly, most the gorilla families tend to remain within the foothills of the protected area hence offering a better opportunity for visitors to find the gorillas nearby and in larger groups than the dry season. The rainy season is characterized of slippery pathways and thicker forest cover comprising of a real jungle experience. Packing right for your gorilla tour will help you successfully track gorillas without a hustle. Despite the challenges associated to this season, the amazing part of it is that it can rain and the sun can still rise up and the usual treks can continue as trekkers are always accompanied by experienced trackers and guides.
For budget travelers, the wet season is the perfect time for you to strike your imaginations with these rare apes while they are in their natural habitat. During this season, even safari lodges that operate around the gorilla protected areas will be forced to reduce on their rates meaning, you won’t only enjoy the discounted costs but also explore more about the gorillas with minimal crowds.
The dry season is regarded as the perfect season for gorilla safaris and the pathways are dry but given the current weather changes and the nature of the habitat, it’s not a guarantee that rain wont come that day. While on your gorilla trek, you must always plan for rains at any time of the day whether it is a dry season or wet season. During the dry season, little amount of rainfall is experienced and at times no rains at all but given the nature of the habitat you have to expect rains at any time of the day.
Majority of trekkers flock to East Africa during this season and this is also best referred to as the peak season. Given the high demand for this adventure, trekkers are advised to book for their permits as earlier as possible prior the actual travel date. The dry spell is the best for one to track gorillas as they can be thriving in the temperate weathered areas with high landscapes as climatic conditions remain cool through out the year making it an ideal season for long gorilla trekking adventures. During this season, permits are sold at $600 per person for the case of Uganda, $1500 per visitor for Rwanda and $400 per traveler in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In both seasons, interested trekkers are advised to come with better hiking boots that are waterproof and light weight, waterproof daypack, long trousers, long sleeved shirts/T-shirts, poncho or rain jacket, insect repellents, sun screen, gardening gloves, sweater, hiking stick, energy giving snacks, bottle of water and in case of heavy luggage, you can hire a porter to help you carry your luggage and you only concentrate in enjoying your treks.
In conclusion, gorilla safaris in Africa are all year round experiences. Depending on what your travel interests are in the destination, but the dry season features as ideal time for one to see these unique wild creatures in their habitat. Besides looking at just the season, gorilla experiences are undeniably one of the must to add on adventures to travel plan.
