Best Months for Gorilla Sightings | Uganda & Rwanda Guide

The Best Months for Gorilla Sightings – Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, has a success rate of over 98 percent. This is mainly due to experienced trackers who monitor the movements of habituated gorilla families every day. While sightings are almost guaranteed, the overall trekking experience changes with the seasons. Weather affects trail conditions, visibility, and ease of taking photos.

The dry seasons run from June to September and from December to February. These months are considered the best for gorilla trekking. The long dry season from June to September has very little rainfall. Trails are drier and firmer, which makes walking easier. Roads leading to the parks are also in better condition, and clearer skies help with photography.

The short dry season from December to February also offers good trekking conditions. December is usually busier because of the holidays. January and February are often quieter and are usually the driest months. During this time, gorillas may stay at higher elevations, which can make the hikes slightly easier.

The wet seasons occur from March to May and from October to November. Trekking during these months is more challenging because trails become muddy and slippery. Rain jackets and walking sticks are important during this time. However, treks can sometimes be shorter because gorillas often feed at lower levels of the forest.

June and July are known as the driest months in Bwindi. Records show that rainfall during these months is usually below 100 millimetres. July can be especially dry, with rainfall sometimes as low as 38 millimetres. This makes the trails firmer and easier to walk on.

Gorillas live in the parks all year. During dry months, lower moisture levels can affect their movement. Gorillas may spread out more and sometimes move to higher ground. This can lead to longer walks, even during the best trekking months.

For the most comfortable gorilla trekking experience, it is best to plan visits during the dry seasons, especially in June, July, August, January, and February. Gorilla sightings are possible throughout the year, but dry months make trekking easier and less tiring. Because demand is high during these periods, permits should be booked well in advance.