Guide For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is a must do activity for whoever intends to have a safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda is the best place for Gorilla Trekking. This is because it has half of the Worlds remaining gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park and the other country being Rwanda. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in the Volcanoes National Park.
It is important to note that these gorillas are endangered species which is why it is the most expensive tourist activity in both Uganda and Rwanda. One needs a permit to be able to trek these primates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
The price of gorilla permits in Uganda is $800 and $1500 in Rwanda, this gives clients a chance to maximize their gorilla experience since they spend an hour in the presence of these endangered primate species.
Which Is The Best Month Of The Year For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda
Uganda is an all-year-round tourist destination for all visitors planning on visiting the country. Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular safari activities. And Uganda is the best gorilla trekking destination because it has half the population of mountain gorillas in the World. Uganda experiences two seasons, which are the dry season (peak or high) and the wet or rainy season (low season). The dry season is always an expensive time to travel, whereas the low season sees some of the lodges close. Therefore making it an affordable time to trek the gorillas.
The dry season
Two dry seasons are experienced in Uganda from June to October and January to February. This is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and other national parks in the country. June and July are the busiest months for gorilla trekking.
The rainy season
Uganda has two rainy seasons like most of the East African countries. These are the long rainy season and the short rainy season. The short rainy season is experienced from late October to around mid-December. And the long rainy season, which receives heavy rainfall starts in late February until the end of May. There are frequent downpours, and although they do not last long, they always leave the trek routes muddy and slippery. And in most cases, hikers tend to miss out on the whole gorilla trekking experience during the wet season. Guide For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda and Rwanda
January: This is the beginning of the short dry season, with little showers of rain now and again. This is a good time to go gorilla trekking because the trek routes are clear and not slippery as compared to the wet season. Unlike the second dry season, which is also known as the peak season, there are few visitors in January, and the cost is reasonable.
February: February is similar to January in both Bwindi and Mgahinga, experiencing the same climate. Both January and February are good times to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and also take other general safaris around the country.
March: March is the start of the first wet season. This might not be the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. This is because the rains come in heavy, making it hard to hike through the dense forests. The routes are muddy and slippery, the cost of the safari is low, and hard to find gorillas because they also try to get shelter from the rain.
April: April is the wettest month in Uganda and the worst month for gorilla trekking. Most of the roads and some accommodation facilities are closed down due to the heavy rains. Therefore reducing the cost of the safari during this time for both gorilla trekking and general African safaris.
May: The rains continue throughout May, although they are not as heavy as they were in April. It is still a low season with reasonable costs, and for visitors who do not mind the rain, this is the best time.
June and July: This is the peak season in Uganda, which sees many tourists visiting the country for a safari. June is the beginning of the dry season with little or no rainfall. Therefore, it makes it easy to trek the gorillas in both Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks. During this time, the cost of gorilla trekking is high and also permits are in high demand. In ither words, you need to book them at least six or more months before your trek date.
August: August marks the end of the high or peak season. And also it is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The hiking routes are easier to trek and navigate. And this still being the dry season, makes it the best time to visit the country.
September: This marks the end of the dry season. And during this period, the large crowds start narrowing down as light showers of rain start. Since the weather is unpredictable, it might still be the dry season, you need to book your permit in advance.
October is usually not a busy month. And also the pricing during this period is reasonable as compared to the previous months. It is a good time to get that special gorilla trekking permit. However, be ready for the unpredictable bouts of rain. If you do not mind the on-and-off rainfall, slippery and muddy trek trails, then this is the best time. Also note that other national parks are always open during this time.
November: The rains continue throughout November, increasing the green foliage in the national parks. This is a low season that has few visitors because of the less-than-ideal weather. However, it is the best time for visitors on a low budget.
December: December marks the end of the wet season with the rains easing off a bit. It is a great time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking. And not only that, you get to see a variety of bird species, including migratory birds flying into the area.
Vibrant Holiday Safaris does safaris in the East African region during all seasons of the year. We ensure you get the best experience regardless of the season. For more information, visit www.vibrantholidaysafaris.com. Guide For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda and Rwanda