Many tourists will ask, so what is the best time to track gorillas in Uganda? We are happy to answer that for you. One can track gorillas in Uganda throughout the year, with almost always the same satisfaction.
It is true that the best time to track gorillas in Uganda is during the months of June, July, August, and early September which experience less rainfall compared to April, May, and November for example. Because of this most tourists prefer to book tracking permits during that time making it peak season and more competitive. So, if you are planning to track gorillas during this time, advance booking is advised.
There is a normally overlooked fact, which is that both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ngahinga Gorilla National Park are located in equatorial forests where chances of rain are very high.
Uganda, being crossed by the equator, has a modified equatorial type of climate with two rainy seasons, and because of this, people tend to associate the drier seasons with being the best time to trek gorillas. This is true because when it is raining, it becomes hard to hike and trek in the impenetrable forest because of the heavy rains that make the trails too slippery. Roads to Bwindi impenetrable National Park tend to become slippery, and rivers flood, making accessibility hard.
Uganda has over 52% of the world’s mountain gorillas with the rest shared between Rwanda and DRC Congo. Because these primates are highly endangered, clients pay highly to view them.
The current price of gorilla permits in Uganda are:
UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
USD 500 for citizens from the Rest of Africa
USD 700 for Foreign Residents
USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
Sunset Adventures Ltd organises gorilla trekking trips all year, and we have recorded success with all our gorilla tours. Do not let the weather stand in the way of your gorilla tracking experience.
Gorilla Trekking Safari Packing List
- Facemask & Sanitizer
- Hiking Boots.
- A Pair of Gaiters
- Hiking Gloves
- Waterproof Jacket
- Long-Sleeved Shirt/Blouse
- Hiking Pants/Trousers
- Energy Snacks
- Cameras and Extra Batteries
- Pair of Binoculars.
- Light Backpack
Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
- Get your trekking permit from a registered tour company such as Sunset Adventures Ltd
- Ensure that you are in good health and do not have symptoms of a cold or other infectious illness.
- Anybody with a permit and above 15 years of age can trek gorillas
- Tourists must sanitise hands, wear a facemask and observe social distancing before, during, and after the briefing at the trailhead.
- Keep your voices low and listen to the guide’s instructions and information as you trek through the jungle.
- DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- When you find the gorilla family, your guide will ask you to leave your backpack and gadgets about 50 meters from the gorillas and will allow you to calmly approach with only your camera or phone.
- Keep not less than 10 metres (32 feet) away from the gorillas. Although the gorillas may not observe this rule, the tourist should at least try to avoid contact. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- You will be ordered to wear your facemask before approaching the gorillas and keeping it on during your stay. Make sure you carry two facemasks because you’ll be required to wear a fresh one at this point.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes when they’re agitated and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk of the gorilla tackling you down.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals and do not understand your modern gadgets, tools and expressions.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide may end the visit early.
- After the visit, keep your voices down until you are 300 meters away from the gorillas.
Please note:
Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
We look forward to organising your next gorilla trekking safari.