January 7, 2026
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Complete Travel Guide
One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a safari is:
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The good news is that gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible all year round. However, weather conditions, trail difficulty, crowd levels, and costs vary by season. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best time based on your travel style, fitness level, and budget.
This guide breaks down the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, including monthly insights, dry vs rainy seasons, and expert planning tips to help you enjoy a smooth and unforgettable experience with mountain gorillas.
Why Timing Matters for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking takes place in:
These parks lie in mountainous rainforest zones where:
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Rain can fall at any time
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Trails can become steep and muddy
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Weather directly affects trekking difficulty and comfort
Choosing the right season can mean:
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Easier hiking
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Better photography
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More availability of permits and lodges
Overview of Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking Seasons
Uganda experiences two main seasons that affect gorilla trekking:
Dry Seasons (Best Time)
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June to September
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December to February
Rainy (Wet) Seasons
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March to May
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October to November
Each season has advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you value most.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking: Dry Season (June–September)
Why This Is the Peak Season
The period from June to September is widely regarded as the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Advantages
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Less rainfall
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Drier, more stable trekking trails
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Shorter and easier hikes
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Clearer forest visibility
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Ideal conditions for photography
Because trekking is physically demanding, many travelers prefer these months, especially first-time visitors.
Disadvantages
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High demand for gorilla permits
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Lodges fill up quickly
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Slightly higher accommodation prices
💡 Tip: Gorilla permits should be booked 6–12 months in advance for this season.
December–February: Short Dry Season (Excellent Alternative)
The December to February period is another excellent time for gorilla trekking.
Why It’s a Great Choice
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Warm temperatures
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Relatively dry conditions
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Fewer crowds than June–September
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Perfect for combining gorilla trekking with festive travel or year-end holidays
This season is particularly popular with travelers escaping winter in Europe and North America.
Rainy Season Gorilla Trekking (March–May)
Is Gorilla Trekking Possible in the Rainy Season?
Yes — gorilla trekking is still available and rewarding during the rainy months.
Pros
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Lush, green landscapes
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Fewer tourists
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Easier permit availability
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Discounted lodge rates
Cons
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Heavy rainfall
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Muddy and slippery trails
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Longer trekking times
This season is best suited for:
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Budget travelers
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Experienced hikers
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Photographers who love dramatic rainforest scenery
October–November: Short Rainy Season
This period experiences lighter rainfall compared to March–May.
Why Consider This Time?
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Fewer crowds
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Reasonable weather
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Good balance between cost and comfort
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Ideal for travelers with flexible schedules
Month-by-Month Gorilla Trekking Guide
January – February
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Dry, warm weather
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Excellent trekking conditions
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High demand for permits
March – May
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Heavy rains
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Lowest visitor numbers
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Best deals on accommodation
June – August
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Peak season
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Best trekking conditions
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Permits sell out fast
September
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Still dry
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Slightly fewer crowds than July–August
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Great photography conditions
October – November
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Short rains
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Green landscapes
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Good value season
December
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Dry season begins
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Festive travel peak
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Ideal for holiday safaris
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking vs Permit Availability
Gorilla trekking permits are limited:
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Only 8 permits per gorilla family per day
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Issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority
High-Demand Months
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June
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July
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August
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December
During these months, permits for popular Bwindi sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga) sell out quickly.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi vs Mgahinga
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Dense forest
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Steep and muddy terrain
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Best visited during dry seasons
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
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Open bamboo forest
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Volcano slopes
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Slightly easier trekking year-round
Best Time for Photography & Filming
📸 Best Months for Photography
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June to September
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December to February
Why?
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Less rain
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Better light
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Clearer visibility
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Less fog
However, rainy seasons offer dramatic green backdrops and misty forest scenes — perfect for creative photography.
Best Time for Budget Travelers
If you’re looking to save money:
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Travel during March–May or October–November
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Enjoy discounted lodges
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Easier permit availability
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Fewer tourists on trails
Gorilla sightings remain excellent year-round, regardless of season.
Best Time to Combine Gorilla Trekking with Other Safaris
The dry seasons are ideal for combining gorilla trekking with:
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Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
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Murchison Falls safaris
Does Weather Affect Gorilla Sightings?
No. Gorilla sightings remain consistently high throughout the year:
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Success rate is over 95%
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Gorillas do not migrate
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Trackers locate families daily
Weather only affects trekking comfort, not sighting chances.
So, What Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Quick Summary
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Best overall: June–September
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Best alternative: December–February
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Best for budget: March–May & October–November
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Best for photography: Dry seasons
There is no bad time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda — only different experiences.
Why Travel with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris helps you plan your trek at the best time based on:
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Permit availability
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Your travel dates
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Fitness level
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Budget
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Preferred park and lodge
We offer:
✔ Guaranteed permits
✔ Local expert guides
✔ Tailor-made itineraries
✔ Ethical and responsible tourism
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on your priorities — whether that’s dry weather, lower costs, fewer crowds, or photography. With proper planning and the right local operator, every season offers a magical encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild.
