What happens when it rains during gorilla trekking?

Trekking to see mountain gorillas in the wild remains as one of Africa’s unrivaled wildlife safari activities that many travelers wish to experience before they retire. Mountain gorilla trekking is done in three major countries in East Africa; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although this activity unfolds with a lot of anticipation and excitement, mountain gorilla trekking is an expensive experience in Africa. Being an expensive activity, many visitors would like to experience it at the best time of the year. Generally, gorilla trekking is at its best during the dry season (June to October) although the activity can be done all year round. Since they live in tropical rainforests, rain can be expected at any time regardless of the season and thus many visitors ask; What happens when it rains during gorilla trekking?

What happens when it rains during gorilla trekking? The experience becomes more challenging, the trails become muddy and slippery. In case the rain finds you in the forest looking for mountain gorillas, it is advisable to put on your rain gear including a waterproof jacket, pants, and cover for your camera and backpack. Although generally, the rain does not bother the gorillas, it is essential for visitors to stay dry. During the rain, gorillas may seek for shelter under the trees or areas with denser foliage which makes gorilla sighting difficult.

When it rains during the trek, your ranger guide will guide you in accordance with the situation. He/she will generally reduce the pace of the trek since in most cases the trails become slippery and less visible to the trekkers. He or she will ensure your safety during the trek by navigating you through all the challenging terrains during your adventure.

What do gorillas do when it rains? – What happens when it rains during gorilla trekking?

Just like many other apes, mountain gorillas cannot swim naturally and in most cases, they tend to avoid areas that are water lodged. In case they are surprised by rain, mountain gorillas usually seek shelter under trees or in areas with much foliage. They do not move when it is raining and in most cases stay motionless until rain finishes.

In case you are trekking to see gorillas on a rainy day, you are likely not to have the same experience as someone who treks gorillas on a sunny day. Sighting gorillas when it is raining becomes difficult and you are likely not to see the primates exercise their normal routines since they will be in one place and motionless. If you are lucky enough to locate them when it rains, you will however still spend the same allocated one hour to view these primates. When the one hour elapses, you will start your trek back to the visitors center where you will receive your certificate of participation as a congratulation.

Although generally, rain can complicate the trek it also adds to the adventure in the jungles as you will witness a unique experience in a rainforest environment – all of which is part of the wild beauty of gorilla trekking safaris in Africa!

When is the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

All that said, by now you are surely interested to know when is the best time to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda. Although mountain gorilla trekking safari holiday tours in Uganda and Rwanda can be conducted all year round, there are specific seasons of the year that offer more ideal gorilla trekking conditions and perhaps promise the best gorilla trekking experience. Uganda and East Africa in general receive two seasons which include; the wet season and the dry season. Each of these seasons has their different advantages and disadvantages as discussed below;

Trekking mountain gorillas during the dry season – Best time to go for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda generally receive two dry seasons; the long dry season that lasts between June and October (this is also the peak seasons for gorilla trekking) and the short dry season between December and February. During the dry seasons in Uganda and Rwanda, the weather conditions are generally favorable for safaris with less downpours at major gorilla trekking parks in Uganda and Rwanda.

The dry season is also known as the peak season for gorilla trekking safaris and African safaris in general so it is important to know that the gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during this time. To book your spot to see gorillas during the peak season or in the dry season, it is best advised to book your gorilla permit well in advance (6 months prior to trekking dates). During the dry season, the trails in the parks are dry, less muddy, and slippery compared to the rainy season. It is therefore easy to navigate through the forest during the dry season.

It is also important to know that gorilla viewing is also perfect during the dry season. During the dry season, some trees shed off their leaves making the foliage less compared to the wet season – making gorilla sightings much better and stunning. You are also likely to encounter these majestic creatures doing their normal routine unlike when it rains and they become motionless. The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is between June and October which is the long dry season and also between December and February the shorter dry season in both Rwanda and Uganda.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda during the rainy season – What happens when it rains during gorilla trekking?

Although generally, trekking mountain gorillas during the rainy season is not recommended by most travel experts; the rainy season in Uganda and Rwanda come with a number of gorilla trekking advantages that many visitors would love to take up. Despite the fact that the weather conditions may not be at the best to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure, there are several other opportunities that come with the rainy season.

During the rainy season, the trails become muddy, slippery, and more challenging. Sighting the gorillas also becomes more challenging in the bush however, for adventure lovers, this is a worth challenge to take. During the rainy seasons, there is usually availability of gorilla permits compared to the dry season which is also the peak season. Many accommodations facilities also offer discounted rates for visitors during the wet season, an opportunity that you may be interested in seizing if you can not afford to travel on a high budget that comes with the dry season.

For those who wish to have the whole forest to themselves, the wet season is the best time to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda. A few individuals trek during this time and you will entirely enjoy an exclusive encounter with the primates more intimately. For those interested in gorilla photography, there is no better time to immerse yourselves in the lush tropical rainforest for gorilla trekking than the rainy season. The lush greenery creates an unrivaled background for the gorilla portrait.

Although the rainy season does not offer the best gorilla trekking conditions, it is important to keep in mind that you can still embark on gorilla trekking during this time of the year. Are you planning your gorilla trekking adventure, book your safaris tour with Acacia Safaris Limited and experience a primate adventure filled with excitement and long-lasting memories of the untamed Africa.