The Best Time to See Gorillas
When to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
The best time to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are during the dry (but hot) seasons between June – September, and December – February.
Summary of The Best Time to See Gorillas
High / peak season: June-August.
Low season: April-May and September to November.
Best weather: Between June-September, and between December-February.
Worst weather: Between March-May and September-November.
When to see Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda
Climate, Seasons and best months to visit
The gorilla trekking conditions, tourism seasons and climate in Uganda and Rwanda are more or less the same. Gorilla Trekking is a year –round activity, however there are some important considerations when timing your trip.
The overall best weather is during the two dry seasons, which run from June – September, and December – February. Still, you can expect some rain during these periods, but conditions are generally more comfortable and the trails are less muddy.
Of the two, June – September are the driest, with light showers during December – February.
The rainy seasons, from March – May and September – November, can be very soggy. March – May brings the heaviest rains, and the going can be tough – especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is generally steeper, muddier and more dense than in Rwanda.
That said, gorilla tourism remains open year-round. It will be much quieter during the rainy/off season and you might find some good deals.
When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda can be done year – round, however, rainfall is heavier in September – November and March – May, when paths can be muddy and difficult to hike.
Visitors should know that they are visiting a rainforest, so it will be well all year round.
That said, there is still a marked difference between the dry and rainy seasons. The weather is generally drier and hotter between June and September, and again from December to February. These are visitors’ most preferred months to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
During March and May, and again from September to November you can expect more frequent and heavier rain showers. Muddy roads and paths can become tricky to handle.
Year round, the temperatures are fixed round between 21°C (70 F) and 30°C (86 F), dropping to 10°C (50 F) at higher altitudes. Although it is chilly at night, the exertion of hiking and climbing will keep you warm during the day.
The advantages of visiting in dry season are less muddy paths, easier hiking and clearer views of the wildlife. The disadvantage is that this is peak tracking season and therefore gorilla permit availability is lower. You will need to book well in advance.
Peak Season and When to Book
Since Rwanda’s gorilla permit doubles the price of gorilla trekking permits, it has become more difficult to secure gorilla permits in Uganda.
If you plan to travel during peak season or if you are in a large group. I strongly recommend you book six months or even a year in advance. Peak seasons are June to October and Christmas and the NewYear. The earlier you book the more choice you have on where you stay and where you track. Last-minute bookings may be possible during low season or with smaller groups, but cannot be guaranteed.
Gorillas can be tracked throughout the year, however, rainfall is heavier in November and April/May. During those times, it can be very muddy. The upside is that permits are a little easier to obtain plus you may find few tourists on your trail.
Permit Availability
During the peak summer months of June – August, permits and accommodations sell out a long way in advance. If you are set on visiting during the peak months you may need to book at least a year in advance.
Other things to do
Since you are going all the way to East Africa, you are hopefully also making time for the rest of the year.
July – August is normally peak Wildebeest River crossing season in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, when the herd makes its epic crossings of the Mara River.
December is the main Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing season in neighboring Tanzania.
In Rwanda, the annual Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony takes place every September. A more solemn occasion is Kwibuka, a series of events held in April in commemoration of the 1994 genocide. Visitors are welcome at both events.