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Which Month is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Endowed with half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, Uganda is a year-round safari destination for gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the most popular Uganda safari tour, taking tourists through the dense tropical jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks to share one-on-one moments with the endangered mountain gorillas. A Uganda gorilla trek is one of the most thrilling advent vacations you can ever embark on and most people are often debating on which month of the year is best for gorilla trekking. Endowed with half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, Uganda is a year-round safari destination for gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region.

Uganda experiences an equatorial climate with two climate seasons: the dry and rainy/wet season with daily temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. On the other hand, Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which protect the most indigenous tropical rain forests seated on the hilly and mountainous landscape. As a result, the altitudes are higher than the average; typical temperatures range from 7°C at night to 20°C during the day. Moreover, during the rainy season, trekking the gorillas is quite difficult given the slippery and muddy slopes.

Generally, Uganda is best visited between its two dry seasons December to February and June to August. These are the finest months to go gorilla trekking and also enjoy other safaris including chimpanzee trekking and game viewing. On the other hand, game viewing in most of Uganda’s savannah parks is greatest during the dry seasons, which are February, as well as September/early October, when wildlife congregates around water sources. Moreover, the rainy season in Uganda comes around March to May and mid-October through November. However, gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done at any time of the year throughout all gorilla trekking sector including the wet seasons; as long as you have the right gear to help you navigate through the wet jungles. Moreover, each season comes with its advantages and disadvantages as we are going to see below.

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December 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 the gorilla parks are accessible. Furthermore, December is a great time to explore Uganda’s savannah parks for game viewing; it is the best time for Uganda birding tours with many migratory species. However, being the festive season in Uganda, the month comes with many travelers; thus, the increase in safari rates including gorilla accommodation, and a high demand for gorilla tours. Tourists ought to book in advance.

January lies in the middle of the shirt dry season which makes it a hot month. Aside from gorilla trekking, January is also the perfect time to visit chimpanzees, as well as enjoy prime game viewing in the savannah national parks. The vegetation is short and the trekking trails are dry, making it easier to view the gorilla families. January is characterized by sunshine, less or no rain, and clear blue and white skies – the perfect time to be on a safari in Uganda.

February is also an excellent month to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda given the relatively dry weather which makes for the ideal trekking conditions in the gorilla parks. Wildlife viewing is also perfect during this time of the year; however, take note the northern region of the country being in an arid area is very dry and dusty. However, since it is at the end of the short dry season, travelers begin to decrease in numbers and rates are relatively low. Moreover, gorilla trekking permits are also accessible; though you always have to book a gorilla permit in advance.

March marks the beginning of the long rainy season in Uganda and spotting gorillas at this time is very easy as there is plenty of food and the mountain gorillas extend to the lower slopes of the mountains. However, because of too much rain, trekking conditions are tough due to the rough and muddy terrain. Nonetheless, March is a good month to catch plenty of flamboyant bird species including migratory species. Moreover, accommodation rates are low, and the demand for gorilla permits is relatively low.

April is by far the wettest month and the rains continue until May which might not be the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. However, there are fewer crowds in the national parks and discounts on hotels, lodges, and Uganda safaris. More so, May is perfect to witness birds in breeding plumage. The landscape is lush and stunning offering you the best scenery for photography tours and sightseeing.

Marking the beginning of the long dry season, June also marks the start of the peak season; and this is the best time to visit Uganda for a safari including gorilla trekking. Moreover, since the month comes at the end of the rainy season, the landscape in Uganda is green and gorgeous. This means that if you are planning to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, you ought to book your gorilla permit in advance. And this also applies to other things such as accommodation and other safaris: given the peak season, safari rates are higher and gorilla permits are in high demand.

Still, in the peak season, this is also an equally given month for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The conditions in the jungles are dry and moist and the hiking trails are navigable. Moreover, game viewing during this month is fantastic as animals in the wildlife parks congregate near the various waterholes making them easier to view. However, July also comes with hiked prices; nonetheless, the warm temperatures, clear skies, and breathtaking gorilla sightings are worth visiting at this time.

As much as August also offers great conditions for Uganda gorilla trekking tours, it also serves as the finest time for wildlife viewing especially for predator sightings of the elusive leopards, cheetahs, and the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. August is ranked the best time to explore Uganda. However, it tends to rain towards the end of August; thus, it is safe to come prepared for the downpours.

Marking the end of the dry season, the short rainy season starts in September and gorilla trekking in Uganda’s gorilla parks may feature experiencing wet treks; nonetheless, it is possible to view the apes. More so, the prices of lodging and other safari costs have come down, which makes it a good time to visit Uganda too. Is gorilla trekking in Uganda better than Rwanda?

Although there are rains during this month, temperatures are relatively warm and all safari activities are accessible including gorilla trekking. Plus, accommodation prices are low and there are few travelers to the country. Nonetheless, given the rains, gorilla trekking conditions are quite rough, hence you ought to come prepared.

November marks the beautiful season, as Uganda’s vegetation starts to flourish, making the landscape in the countryside verdant and beautiful: thanks to the rains. While the gorilla trekking conditions continue to be rough at this time, it can still be done. Moreover, travelers can enjoy discounted safari rates and the bird-watchers can take advantage of the opportunity to spot migratory bird species. November marks the beginning of the bird-watching season which lasts in April. Uganda is a popular destination for African birding safaris, boasting a plethora of bird species.

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Which Month is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

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