What is the best season to come see the Gorillas in Uganda?

Are you interested and planning to visit Uganda to see Mountain Gorillas and you want to know what is the best season to come see the Gorillas in Uganda? Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is done all the days and months throughout the year so basically the best time to visit Uganda to see gorillas largely depends on your preferences and priorities however the best time is still during the dry season months from June to September. Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is one of the top attractions in the country. The two main seasons to consider for visiting Uganda to see Mountain Gorillas are:

1. Dry Season (June to September and December to February):
   • This is considered the peak tourist season for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
   • The weather is generally drier and more stable during these months, making trekking conditions more comfortable.
   • The trails are less muddy, and the chances of rain disrupting your trek are lower.
   • It’s also easier to spot gorillas as they may venture closer to the trails in search of food.
   • Accommodation and permits can be in high demand during this period, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
2. Wet Season (March to May and October to November):
   • While the wet season is less popular for gorilla trekking, it can still be a good time to visit Uganda for those who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
   • The lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes are at their peak during this time.
   • Gorillas are still accessible, but you should be prepared for rainy and sometimes muddy conditions.
   • Trekking may require more effort and time due to the challenging terrain.
   • Accommodation and permit availability may be easier to secure, and you might find better deals.

What is the best season to come see the Gorillas in Uganda? Ultimately, the choice of when to visit to see gorillas in Uganda depends on your personal preferences regarding weather, budget, and your tolerance for trekking in varying conditions. No matter the season, it’s essential to obtain a gorilla trekking permit well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.

About Bwindi best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda sharing border with Congo, it is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world, it is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest National Park is divided into different sections/sectors where you can do the Gorilla tracking experience namely Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija and Nkuringo sector. Bwindi Forest National Park has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience, each gorilla family has different gorilla individuals, and each gorilla family is headed and controlled by the dominant male gorilla the silver back. For you to go on the trek, you are required to have a Gorilla permit valid for trekking that day. Gorilla permits are limited in number per day given it is only 8 people allowed to trek per gorilla family per day in Bwindi Forest National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four gorilla trekking regions namely Ruhija, Buhoma and Rushaga gorilla regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking means visiting the gorillas in their natural habitat in the forest, the trek in Uganda starts at 7:00am with a briefing on the dos and don’ts while moving in the forest and with the gorillas. After briefing, the park guides, rangers, and trackers lead you to the forest to find the gorillas. You are allowed one hour of viewing the gorillas when found and later you return to the starting point to receive a certificate for the successful gorilla trekking in Uganda.

The gorillas are amazing to watch as they have 95% of the human DNA. Only eight visitors are allowed to see gorillas per habituated family per day according to Uganda Wildlife Authority policy so as to conserve the gorillas. To be allowed to do gorilla trekking, you must be aged 12 years and above as per the policy and minors are not allowed to trek since they may not easy be controlled in the forest and may easily transmit diseases to the gorillas. Uganda is good for gorilla trekking, policies and guidelines are in place for trekking and conservation which as Eco Adventure Safaris we always share with you while planning your 3 day gorilla tour to Bwindi National Park with a fair price.

What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The Uganda gorilla permit costs USD700 per person for Non-Foreign Residents, USD600 for Foreign Residents and Shs.250, 000 for East African Citizens. The gorilla habituation permits cost USD1500 per person for Non- Foreign Residents, USD1000 for Foreign Residents, and Uganda Shs. 750,000 per person for East African Citizens.  This habituation permit allows you to view the gorillas for four hours once you find them as you see the way they move, feed, rest, and live in families.

Where to stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda?

On gorilla trekking in Uganda you will stay at eco lodges depending on the sector where you are going to trek the gorillas. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga gorilla camp, Gorilla safari lodge, four gorillas lodge, in Nkuringo you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, Gorilla Heights lodge. In Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma havens, Buhoma lodge, Bwindi lodge, Buhoma community rest camp. In Ruhija sector you can stay at Trekkers tavern Lodge, Bakiga lodge and Ruhija community Rest camp.

Why book gorilla trekking in Uganda Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris offers amazing gorilla safari experiences to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Contact us on here for our discounted packages and also tailor-made Gorilla trips from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi, Cultural experiences. Our magic in organizing authentic experience stems from the fact that we have overtime assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well-experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled. Contact us here for more information about What is the best season to come see the Gorillas in Uganda.