What is the best time for trekking gorillas in Rwanda?
What is the best time for trekking gorillas in Rwanda, Rwanda is a small, organized, and amazing country located in the central part of Africa. It is bordered by Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is endowed with stunning scenery, extraordinary biodiversity, and incredible wildlife, thus rendering it to be referred to as the’ Land of a Thousand Hills’. The northwestern part of Rwanda is covered by misty volcanoes that are part of the Virunga ranges. In the Virungas lies Volcanoes National Park, a prominent home for mountain gorillas, one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Rwanda and the whole of East Africa.
Gorilla trekking is considered one of the most popular wildlife activities in Rwanda. It is a special experience that allows visitors to spend one hour with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat. As most tourists plan their adventure in Rwanda, one of the questions in their minds is: What is the best time for gorilla tracking?
Best time for tracking gorillas in Rwanda.
It is important to note that gorilla tracking can be done at any time of the year because gorilla movements are not affected by weather changes. The East African countries that house mountain gorillas experience a tropical climate that comes with two seasons, the rainy and dry season. As regards tourism, the dry season is referred to as the high / peak season whereas the rainy season is the low season.
The high season.
June to September: This period is considered the longest dry season. Many visitors always consider travelling during this time because getting to the park is easy, and the hiking trails are dry.
December to February: This is the short dry season in rwanda and other gorilla tracking destinations. This period is also convenient for birders as there are many migratory birds seen in the park.
These two dry seasons are always crowded with visitors, and if one needs to track within this time range, gorilla permits should be booked at least three months earlier to the tracking date. However, transport and accommodation are a bit expensive due to the high influx of tourists. Gorilla permits are not easy to get since there are limited or no chances of acquiring last-minute gorilla permits. If you are elderly or disabled and targeting a gorilla family close to the park center, you should inform your tour agent to make an advance booking.
The low season
March- May: This is the longest wet season. Th tracking trails tend to be muddy and slippery but with the help of the appropriate tracking gear, you can trek to the gorilla family. during this period, the temperature tends to rise in the high altitudinal zones leading the gorillas to slope down to lower altitudes thus making tracking easier.
October -November: This is the short rainy season in Rwanda. Tracking can easily be done as the rain pours are always in the morning hours and the afternoons are often dry or when it falls in the night, the mornings have a clear sky are clear a It is also favorable for birding and photography as the vegetation is fresh green, and many migratory birds can be seen.
Travelling in the low season is otherwise less expensive compared to the dry season as hotels give reduced accommodation costs as a way of attracting guests.
At times in Rwanda, there are chances of acquiring discounted gorilla permits, especially in the low season. This is usually done for visitors who have provided proof of combining their gorilla trekking safari with two nights wildlife safari in Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park.
As you are planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda, you must know that Volcanoes National Park is covered by a tropical forest where rainfall is expected at any time of the day, so, it’s not guaranteed that there is no rain in what is considered as the dry season.
Trekkers should be well equipped with the best tracking gear like waterproof clothing, good sturdy hiking boots, garden gloves, warm cotton clothing, insect repellents, sunglasses, hats, hair bands, cameras, binoculars and should be able to hire porters to help them carry their backpacks.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1500 regardless of the season. Your budget will largely determine the type of accommodation you will stay in while on your safari. There are various accommodations close to the park, such as the luxury, mid-range, and budget standards, all providing quality and affordable services, so you should not miss out on this memorable life-time experience, gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.