Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda             

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

When planning a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda or Uganda with Dorokai tours and travels, you can choose between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The time of year you visit can affect both your experience and your budget. Below is a guide to help you plan your trip.

Can You Trek Gorillas Any Time of the Year?

Yes, you can go gorilla trekking any time of the year since the gorillas are always present. However, the weather and season play a role. During the rainy months, fewer tourists go trekking.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

The best time to trek gorillas is during the dry season

June to September: These are the most popular months because of less rain and more sunshine.

January and February: These months are also a good time to visit.

Rainy months like March to May and November see fewer visitors due to heavier rains which can make trekking more challenging.

December is a busy time as many people visit parks during Christmas. Be sure to book your accommodation and permits early to avoid disappointment.

Why Choose the Dry Season?

The dry season offers:

Easier trekking  conditions with less mud.

Better chances of spotting gorillas in good weather.

Cooler, comfortable  temperatures year-round.

Why Visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is one of the best places in Africa to see mountain gorillas. The park covers around 16,000 hectares and includes beautiful landscapes like bamboo forests, savannah grasslands, swamps and five volcanoes:

Mount Bisoke

Mount Mgahinga

Mount Muhabura

Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Karisimbi (one of Africa’s tallest mountains)

The park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, forest elephants, buffaloes, and many other animals.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through thick bamboo forests and climbing steep mountain slopes to find gorilla families. Once you meet the gorillas, it’s an unforgettable wildlife encounter and one of Africa’s most memorable experiences.

Other Gorilla Trekking Destinations

While Rwanda is famous for gorilla trekking, you can also trek mountain gorillas in:

1. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

2. Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park (home to eastern lowland gorillas). Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda