Mountain gorillas are among the rare and endangered species in the world and are found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga mountain ranges which are shared amongst three nations, for example, Uganda (Mgahinga National Park) Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park) and Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park. And due to the fact that mountain gorillas are highly endangered, tourists from different parts of the world pay highly to visit them in their natural habitat. Due to the current cost of gorilla permits which are at USD750.00 in Rwanda and USD600.00 in Uganda, tourists would love to maximize their experience when it comes to tracking mountain gorillas and the best time to visit them.
Many tourists from different parts of the world always ask about the best time to visit Africa for gorilla tours. Whether you are going gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, here is all the information you have to know about the times to see gorillas in Africa.
Rwanda is a famous safari destination offering some of the most amazing scenery in Africa. Whether you’re taking a gorilla-tracking safari or exploring through the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda offers a stunning experience. Rwanda is a whole year-round tourist destination and can be visited at any time of the year. Here is some handy information that will help you arrange a perfect Rwanda safari.
In view of its high altitude, Rwanda has a charming tropical highland climate, with a daily temperature range as great as 14°c (25°f). The temperature in the country may differ considerably from area to area due to the variations in altitude. The average daytime temperature in the country is around 30°c except in the highlands where it is much cooler. Rwanda has four seasons; long rains from mid-March to mid-May, short rains from mid-October to November; a long dry period from mid-May to mid-October, and a short dry season from December to mid-March. The northeastern part of the country receives more rainfall than the other parts of the country. It is still splendidly possible to travel during the rainy season, to be sure the view could be stunning and the flora lush and it can be perfect for photography of both the gorillas and the landscape. There is no “best time to visit Rwanda”, as each season has its advantages.
Within Rwanda, the first rains are experienced at the end of February, March, April, and May, and therefore most of the tourists don’t visit during that time since it is sloppy and really wet while tracking the mountain gorillas. But during this same month, since it is raining, there is a lot of food for the gorillas on the lower slopes and also temperatures are lower on the lower slopes. In view of that, mountain gorillas stay on the lower slopes since food is easily accessible and it is wormer. Therefore if you decide to take gorilla trekking in these months, you won’t have a long trek and really most trackers find the gorillas just after three hours of trekking meaning by 2:00 pm they are back at their lodge. Regardless of what your explanation is, experience shows that gorilla trekking can be enjoyed throughout the entire year and you will surely enjoy a memorable experience.
Uganda is an amazingly rich and fertile country offering extensive savannah plains and thick rainforests and as well as big cats and mountain gorillas. It is a great destination to visit year-round but the wettest months of April, May, and October, November, may make some plans slightly trickier.
Since it found on the equator, Uganda has a warm climate throughout the whole year and seasonal variations are insignificant. The average temperature of the country is 21.5°c (71°f) with the highest temperatures reached in January, February, March and the lowest in July, August, and September.
The rainfall pattern is the main consideration when planning to Uganda safari. The country receives high rainfall in the months of April, May, and October, November. Camping and traveling on some roads in these months may be difficult.