Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda / What is the best time for gorilla trekking; Gorilla trekking attraction is the major tourist attraction done on Uganda Safari and the best time to visit Uganda Gorillas is during its two dry seasons between June and Mid-September and December and February when conditions are particularly good for Gorilla trekking thus enjoying the experience of meeting up with our closest relatives the unique mountain gorillas.
In general, Gorilla trekking can be carried out all year around in these three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. But the best time to enjoy gorilla trekking in tropical rain forest or bamboo forest is during the months of July, July, August, September and December to February thus making trekking easy to access the gorilla family.
Climate; Uganda has a warm tropical climate and daily average temperature ranges between 25 to 29 degree Celsius that gives a good deal of humidity.
However, Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in two national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in the southwestern region of Uganda, approximately 8 to 9 hours’ drive. Alternatively, you can use a domestic flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to fly you to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip within 1:30hours.
Gorilla trekking Experience
This is an outstanding activity that attracts millions of visitors on annual safari to Uganda’s Gorilla Tours. Gorilla trekking activity starts early in the morning after visitor’s aroma tea breakfast, then after you will be picked by your safari driver guide with packed lunch boxes and be dropped to park headquarters for a short briefing about the don’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking. After briefing you will meet up with park range guide to lead you to forest trail heads in search for mountain gorillas, an activity which can lasts about 30 to 7 hours depending on where were last seen the previous day. Once you locate them one hour will be given to you to observe them and learn from them how they play, feed, behavior and survive in the jungle. Still it will be a nice time for photo shoot and video recording.
Uganda Gorilla trekking permits costs USD700 per person per trek foreign nonresidents, USD600 for foreign resident and UGX250,000 For east African members.
Other activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park includes; Gorilla habituation experience, Hiking and nature walks, Mountain gorilla trekking, Bird watching tours among others.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
Wash your hands before and after gorilla trekking activities
Don’t touch gorillas are wild animals
Respect the limited time given to watch gorilla ‘’one hour’’
Do not litter rubbish in the park just carry them back.
There is a limited number of 8 people allowed per group
Try to keep your voices at lower level
Must keep a minimum of 7 meters from the Mountain Gorillas.
Stay in tight groups when you are near the rare mountain gorillas
There is a limited age limit of about 15 years of age.
Ill visitors won’t be allowed to trek gorillas if symptoms of a cold are seen in you.
Eating, drinking and smoking is not allowed in the park.
Flash photography are not allowed in use while in forest because that light scares away gorillas.
What to carry with you on Gorilla Safari Uganda?
Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for hiking in steep muddy slopes.
Carry packed lunch box, enough energy snacks and enough drinking water.
Pack rain gear, sunscreen lotion, insect repellents and a hat.
Walking stick can be given at the lodge or at the park headquarters by the guides. They will keep you upright.
How to get a gorilla permit?
Uganda gorilla permits which are used as tickets to allow you track mountain gorillas in their nature environment and without it you can’t access gorillas. The best way to get a Uganda gorilla permits is to book directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through help of tour operator. It’s better to start the reservation in advance like 3 to 6month and to avoid disappoints, that’s the right way to do it.
