“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the gorillas nap all day… unless you show up during a downpour.”
Gorilla trekking is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have in Africa. But timing your trip right? That’s where the magic happens.
Uganda’s seasons dramatically affect everything from trail conditions to how many other boots will be beside yours in the forest.
In this guide, we break down the dry and wet seasons, how they impact your trek, and what you can expect in terms of crowds, permits, and costs. If you’re wondering when to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, this is the article that cuts through the fluff.
The Best Time to Go: Dry Seasons
Uganda has two main dry seasons, and these are widely considered the best times to go gorilla trekking:
- Mid-December to February
- June to August
During these months, the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga are relatively drier, making the trails less slippery and the trekking conditions more favorable.
You’re less likely to encounter heavy rainfall, which not only helps with visibility but also improves the overall experience—especially for photography.
Why Dry Season Works Best
- Better trail conditions: You’ll be walking through thick, often steep jungle terrain. When the trails are dry, footing is firmer and safer.
- Improved visibility: Gorillas are easier to photograph and observe when you’re not ducking under a poncho or wiping fog off your lens.
- Comfortable temperatures: Uganda’s equatorial climate stays mild, but dry months are less humid and muggy—ideal for hiking.
“The forest doesn’t stop being beautiful in the rain, but trust me—your socks might disagree.”
Gorilla Trekking in the Wet Season: Should You Do It?
Uganda’s rainy seasons fall between:
- March to May
- September to November
These months are considered the “low season” for tourism, but that doesn’t mean they’re off-limits for gorilla trekking. In fact, they come with a few surprising perks.
Pros of Wet Season Trekking
- Fewer tourists: You’ll share the jungle with fewer travelers, making for a quieter and more intimate experience.
- Better permit availability: Permits don’t sell out as quickly. Some tour operators even offer discounted packages.
- Lush, vibrant scenery: The rainforest explodes with life—dense greenery, wildflowers, and more birdlife.
Cons to Consider
- Slippery trails: Expect mud. Lots of it. Trekking becomes more physically demanding, and you’ll need solid waterproof boots and gear.
- Less predictable weather: Rain can come in sudden, heavy bursts—sometimes lasting hours.
- Lower visibility: You might spot gorillas hiding under dense cover, making sightings trickier and photos harder to capture.
How Seasons Affect Trekking Experience
Let’s break it down a little further.
Trail Conditions
In the dry season, trails are easier to hike. In the wet season, the terrain becomes muddy and slippery, especially on steeper paths like those in the Nkuringo or Ruhija sectors of Bwindi. This means longer trekking times, more physical strain, and higher demand for porters.
Gorilla Visibility
Gorillas don’t migrate. They’re in the forest year-round, but in the wet season, they may seek shelter in denser vegetation or lower altitudes. This can either make them easier or harder to find depending on the group assigned to your trek.
Comfort and Gear
The season you choose will impact your packing list. During the dry season, you’ll need sun protection, while in the wet season, waterproof layers are non-negotiable. If you’re trekking in shoulder months, prepare for a bit of both.
The season you choose will also affect what you need to wear and carry. Our detailed checklist on what to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda breaks it all down—boots, waterproofs, insect repellent, and more.
Tourist Traffic and Permit Availability
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are limited to only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day. This means availability can be tight, especially in high season.
Dry Season = High Demand
From June to August and December to February, permits for popular sectors like Buhoma or Rushaga often sell out months in advance. You’ll also see more travelers in lodges, on trails, and in the surrounding parks.
If you’re planning for this period, book your permits and accommodation early—at least 3–6 months ahead.
Wet Season = Easier Access
During the rainy months of March–May and September–November, there’s lower demand. That translates to:
- Easier access to permits
- More flexibility in choosing your trekking sector
- Fewer people on your trek
Some tour operators may also offer low-season discounts or budget-friendly packages—though permit prices set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority remain the same.
Seasonal Travel Costs and Accommodation
High Season (Dry Months)
- Accommodation rates are at their peak—especially in lodges close to gorilla trekking headquarters.
- Some luxury lodges may require a minimum night stay, especially around holidays.
- Transfers and tour packages are also priced higher due to increased demand.
Low Season (Rainy Months)
- Many mid-range and even luxury lodges offer seasonal discounts.
- You’ll often have more choices in accommodation and can negotiate better rates.
- For travelers on a tighter budget, this is a great time to visit without compromising too much on experience.
If you’re still deciding where to see gorillas in Uganda, from the misty hills of Bwindi to the slopes of Mgahinga, check out our in-depth guide to compare both parks.
So When Should You Go?
If your main goal is easier trekking, clear photos, and comfortable weather, go during the dry seasons—especially June to August. But if you’re after solitude, lower travel costs, and lush jungle backdrops, consider the shoulder months or wet season.
“There’s no bad time to meet a mountain gorilla—just different flavors of adventure.”
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Season | Trekking Conditions | Permit Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry | Excellent | High |
| February | Dry | Excellent | High |
| March | Wet | Slippery trails, low traffic | Low |
| April | Wet | Heavy rains, fewer tourists | Low |
| May | Wet | Lush forest, discounted travel | Low |
| June | Dry | Great weather, popular time | Very High |
| July | Dry | Peak season, advance booking needed | Very High |
| August | Dry | Ideal trekking, lots of tourists | Very High |
| September | Wet | Start of rains, quiet trails | Medium |
| October | Wet | Occasional storms, lush jungle | Low |
| November | Wet | Misty mornings, low traffic | Low |
| December | Dry (late) | High demand, festive period | High |
Uganda’s gorillas are waiting—rain or shine. The best time to go gorilla trekking depends on your preferences: Do you want solitude or sunshine? Budget deals or clear hiking trails?
No matter when you go, trekking to see these gentle giants in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Just remember: book your permits early, pack right, and bring a good attitude—because the gorillas won’t care what season it is. They’ll still be unforgettable.
