Want to know what gorilla trekking in the rain feels like? It’s awesome! Finding gorillas is much easier because they have food close to them. They will not move far away in the forest to search for food as they do in the dry season. Gorilla trekking is an activity that almost all world travelers look forward to. Globetrotters book safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo just to have close encounters with these mountain gorillas in the forest.
Nearly all tourists to Uganda visit the country during the summer season, ideally because it coincides with their summer holidays. They avoid trips in the rainy season or prefer to enjoy the benefits of trekking in the high season. Trekking gorillas in the high season comes with benefits like clear views of the scenery without hindrances of fog and mist. Trekkers also walk through dry trails with low chances of rain disruptions, yet with enough company, making it more enjoyable and safer.
Note that Uganda’s dry season peaks from June to September and December to February, while the low or rainy season spans from April to May and October to early December. However, Uganda experiences some rainfall even during the dry season and occasional dry spells in the rainy season.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves walking on slippery and rugged forest trails in search of these mighty apes of the jungle. Hiking through the impenetrable forest amidst the sounds of birds and falling tree leaves and branches makes the whole experience amazing, whether in the dry or wet season.
Nevertheless, trekking gorillas in the rainy season has its advantages. Even though Uganda Wildlife Authority discontinued the discounted gorilla permits in the low season after Rwanda increased its gorilla permit prices from $750 USD to $1500 USD, there are still significant benefits that trekkers enjoy in the low season.
Low season gorilla trekking saves trekkers from crowded trekking groups. According to gorilla trekking regulations, only eight trekkers can visit a gorilla family per day. However, in the low season, trekkers may find that only two visitors are present along with the ranger, making the trek more flexible and intimate.
Gorilla permits are more readily available in the low season. During the high season, permits must be booked 3-6 months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments. In contrast, trekkers in the low season can often purchase permits upon arrival in Uganda for their safari. Since fewer people trek during this period, permits are generally easier to obtain.
During the low season, visitors on gorilla safaris in Uganda enjoy discounted accommodation rates. With fewer tourists, hotels often offer reduced rates to attract visitors, making the entire Uganda safari more affordable than during the high season.
In the low season, trekkers can easily add on other activities after gorilla trekking. During the high season, popular activities like Batwa cultural encounters, nature walks, or visits to Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda are often fully booked, limiting flexibility. In contrast, fewer travelers in the low season means more opportunities to explore these attractions.
Additionally, travelers in the low season benefit from lower prices on souvenirs. Local artisans often sell handcrafts and souvenirs at reduced prices during this period.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to more than 700 mighty apes, nearly three-quarters of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas. This makes Uganda the premier gorilla trekking destination in Africa. While on a Uganda gorilla safari, one can also trek with the apes in Mgahinga National Park. Uganda truly offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking experience. Book your safari now!
