Best time for gorilla tracking in Uganda

Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda

The best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season from June to September, and from December to February. During these months, you can experience gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though Bwindi is by far the more popular option—of course home to half the world’s mountain gorillas.

When planning an unforgettable gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda, the timing can make all the difference as each season tells a different story.

• High or peak season: June-August
• Low season: April-May and September to November.
• Best weather: Between June and September, and between December and February (June-September are the driest while December-February experience light showers).
• Worst weather: Between March-May and September-November

Dry seasons (High or peak season)

The dry seasons provide favourable hiking conditions with fewer chances of rain falling and fewer muddy trails, making gorilla tracking a much easier experience. However, you can still expect showers at any time because you’ll be trekking in a tropical rainforest with an equatorial climate.

These dry months (June-August) coincide with the peak safari season meaning expect the gorilla parks to get crowdy with limited accommodation options. This is generally due to high-demand, low-capacity lodges that get booked up far in advance. Gorilla permits usually sell out fast, so you should book your trip at least 12 months in advance if you’re looking to travel during the peak season.

Rainy/Wet seasons (Low season

Uganda remains an all-year-round gorilla trekking destination. Those who are interested in fewer crowds and relatively low-cost gorilla trekking would prefer to visit during the rainy season (coincides with the low season).

The two distinct rainy seasons from March to May and September to November can be very soggy with March to May bringing the heaviest rains, making trekking tough – especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is generally steeper, muddier and denser. Although showers are typically heavy downpours intermittently throughout the day, you can still enjoy frequent sunny spells when the sky clears.

The park will be much quieter (with fewer crowds), allowing you to enjoy it all to yourself. Also expect to find some good low season deals/discounts —a great opportunity for budget travelers. Accommodation prices are typically lower and permits are easier to obtain although you still need to purchase them well in advance.

Important

Permit Cost: USD 800 per person for a standard 1-hour gorilla tracking encounter

Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500 per person offers up to 4 hours with gorillas in only Bwindi’s Rushaga sector.

Temperature: Uganda’s temperatures don’t change much year-round, staying between 24°C and 30°C.

Booking Permit: 98% of permits sell out up to 6–12 months in advance during the peak dry season (June–August). Book early to guarantee your spot.

Other things to do after gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is in East Africa, one of the best regions in Africa offering premier wildlife viewing opportunities. Hopefully, during your visit to Uganda, you will also make time to explore the rest of the region. Here are some of the region’s top experiences to add to your bucket list;

The wildebeest migration: July-August is the peak season of the dramatic wildebeest river crossing in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.

Hiking Kilimanjaro: December is the main climbing season for Mt Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania.

Zanzibar beaches: Zanzibar is an all-year-round destination with palm-fringed white sand tropical beaches, making it a prime spot for a remarkable laid-back experience after gorilla trekking.

Kwita Izina: The annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony in Rwanda takes place every September as well as Kwibuka—a 100-day national mourning period in commemoration of the 1994 genocide is held in April.

Ready to meet the gorillas?

Below are tailor-made gorilla tracking safari itineraries showcasing just some of what is possible. Use them as starting points, or to draw inspiration and then get in touch with our expert team to help craft one that suits your preferences.

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