Best Time To See Mountain Gorillas In Africa
Best Time To See Mountain Gorillas In Africa | Bwindi | Mgahinga | VolcanoesÂ
Best Time To See Mountain Gorillas In Africa ; Gorilla trekking is among the popular wildlife encounters in the world and this has set it as one of the ideal safari destinations for the gorilla experience. Gorilla trekking takes place in countries like Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. Each of these destinations provides an extraordinary trekking conditions but the seasonal patterns are quite similar all over the region. These offer tourists an opportunity to come face to face with these gentle giants in the misty forested habitat. For tourists, gorilla trekking is the major highlight of an african safari.
Therefore, tourists planning for their journey, knowing the perfect time for gorilla trekking in Africa is important. The climate, seasonal variations and travel conditions all determine what kind of experience you will get. Whether you are searching for dry trails, fewer crowds or lush scenery, knowing when to go will help you make the most of your african safari.
CLIMATE AND SEASONS
The climate changes widely depending on the location, altitude and the closeness to the equator. Therefore, understanding the climate and the seasons is important for tourists planning an african safari. contrary to other parts of the world that have 4 different seasons, Africa has two different season. These seasons shape the landscapes, wildlife behaviour, travel conditions and the whole safari experiences.
Africa’s climate is determined by major zones each providing a unique environment for tourists. The equatorial regions such as Rwanda, Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo, the climate is tropical and is characterised by the warm temperatures all year round and regular rainfall.
Mountain gorillas live within the high altitudes most especially in areas like Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga national park in the democratic republic of Congo.
All these regions experience two major seasons that is two dry seasons and two wet seasons;
- Long dry season (June to September); this season is widely known as the best time for the gorilla trekking safaris. This is so because the trails are drier, visibility is better and the whole trekking experience is more easier.
- Short dry season (December to February); this is a second season of good conditions for gorilla trekking. even though its short, the season is famous with tourists who are planning an african safari that blends gorilla encounters with a warm holiday.
- Long rainy season in the months of march to May; these are months where there is heavy rainfall hence making the trails more slippery and more challenging.
- Shorter rainy season in the months of October to November; the rainfall is still present but light. Gorilla trekking in this period is unpredictable but tourists who intend to travel enjoy a more quiet experience with the gorillas and the rich misty vegetation.
However, its well known that the endangered mountain gorillas live in the montane rainforests, ecosystems where the rain is a must, Inspite of the season. Although the months are dry, trekkers need to be prepared for the daily rainfall. This uncertainty is included in the gorilla trekking experience and it adds on the adventure of the african safari.
BEST TIME FOR GORILLA TREKKING
- June to September (long dry season)
The season is recognised as the best time for gorilla trekking in the 3 countries. The dry season offers clear skies, less rainfall and dry forest trails. The dry months are famous because they tend to align with the summer holidays in other countries like north America and Europe hence attracting international tourists on their african safari.
In this season, the weather is cool and more pleasing hence making the difficult hikes to reach the gorillas easier. The dry seasons also collide with the peak wildlife spotting season as wildlife in different national parks such as queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda, animals gather around water sources hence providing better opportunities to blend gorilla trekking with the savanna style african safari.
The major reasons why tourists can choose the months of June to September is because of the better trekking conditions, high chances of observing mountain views clearer and easier photography in bright conditions.
- December to February (short dry season)
The other best period for gorilla trekking is in the months of December and February. These months offer dry conditions although the regions get irregular rains. Many of the tourists prefer this time because it has less rains of march to may while offering green scenery after the short rains of October to November. December as well brings tourists for a holiday hence making the countries more busier, so early booking of gorilla permits and lodges is essential.
This season receives fewer rains compared to march to May, green landscaped for perfect photographs and good for birdwatching as migratory species are present.
- March to May (long rain season)
The months of march, April and may are the heaviest rainy season. The forest trails become more muddy and slippery hence making the trekking more physically demanding. Photographers are being challenged because of the mist in these forests and the frequent down pours.
However, the season has an advantage of fewer tourists, gorilla permits and lodges are easy to secure and some of the accommodations may offer discounted rates. Therefore, tourists who aren’t scared of the rain, this is the chance to enjoy a more intimate african safari experience.
Mountain Gorilla
The reasons as to why tourists choose this season is because of the less crowds meaning its more peaceful, lodge discounts, the parks vegetation is thick and green thus making it more attractive for the nature lovers.
- October to November (short rain season)
The seasons of October to November are short thus bringing less rains contrary to the long rainy season. The conditions for gorilla trekking are challenging with muddy trails but the rains are moderate and short. The period offers a balance between the rich thick scenery and less crowds. Photographers enjoy the misty forests and the wonderful scenery while budget conscious tourists take advantage of the seasons rates.
Tourists choose the season because the national parks are less crowded, lower rates for the accommodation and the rich scenery for perfect photos.
Therefore, the best time for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa is the dry season. The months offer the most comfortable gorilla trekking conditions, perfect opportunities for photography and clearer views. the rainy seasons as well have their enchants hence offering rich scenery, fewer tourists and a more private experience.
