Why Visit the Gorillas During the Dry Season

Many people prefer tracking the mountain gorillas during the dry season.  In Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the dry seasons attract a considerable number of tourists. This has led to the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February to be refered to as the peak months. Though gorilla tracking is an all year round activity, the sun period is described as the best time to track the mountain gorillas in the famous four national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda,  Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda  and the Virunga national Park National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Below are some of the benefits of encountering Gorilla in Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo:

Driving to the parks in dry season is much easier in dry season compared to the nature of the roads in rainy seasons. Roads are always dry but dusty allowing easy flow of vehicles from where ever they are coming from to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National park.

Gorilla trekking in dry season is not much strenuous as in rainy seasons. The ground is not slippery and as such hiking or trekking becomes a little bit easier. It should however be noted that even during dry seasons, rain is still received in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park because it is a tropical rain forest where it rains throughout the year but the amount of rainfall is minimal compared to that in rainy season.

In dry season, the forest experience less undergrowth which makes the forest clear for proper movement and clear photography. Some tree shade off leaves to make the forest clear hence proper view of a variety of wildlife.

Trekking gorillas in dry seasons has some disadvantages due to the fact that most services are very expensive. Gorilla permits in Uganda are sold at USD600.00 compared to USD450.00 in low or rainy seasons. Accommodation properties tend to be expensive their rates in the above mentioned months hence making the overall gorilla trekking in dry seasons a bit expensive.

TIP: Planning to visit the mountain gorillas during the dry season? Please make sure that you book your gorilla permit early enough. Most guidebooks advise booking gorilla permits as early as 3 months given that many tourists take gorilla safaris during these months. Therefore to avoid high prices, booking your gorilla safari early enough will save your day!