The brief rainy season, which begins in October, is marked by erratic rainfall patterns. In Rwanda and Uganda, it is also the shoulder season for gorilla trekking. Showers often occur in brief, intense spurts and shouldn’t significantly disrupt your day, unlike the protracted rains that occur in March and April.
In the worst case scenario, thunderstorms may also occur, which may be quite dramatic, particularly if you are able to observe from the comfort of your lodge.
In October, gorilla permits for trekking gorillas are typically available, lodges will give special discounts, and rooms will be more accessible and less expensive to reserve. The beginning of October may still be warm and dry, making it a suitable time of year to go gorilla trekking, depending on when the rains begin. If going gorilla trekking In October, we recommend preparing for the rains; pack all required rain gear and trekking equipment; Read our article: The practical gorilla Trekking Packing list – it might be beneficial.
Permits for gorillas are easily obtained. November permits are frequently available and less competitive to book than gorilla permits in the peak season months of December, January, February, June, July, and August, when they are extremely difficult to obtain.
It is one thing to want to spend a night at a posh safari lodge, but it is quite another to be able to pay for it. Great October shoulder season savings are available at luxury resorts including Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge.
We like to call this the budget Exclusive travel season for one to enjoy a 5-star Gorilla Safari at the cost of a budget safari. Although fewer people choose to travel in October, those who do enjoy a unique, crowd-free experience with less tourists. There are no other visitors nearby to compete for photography space, so our past guests have even found themselves hiking a private gorilla family with just the two of them before the gorillas.
The first drawback is undoubtedly that October weather is erratic, with the possibility of rain and potentially hazardous driving conditions. But the solution is unquestionably a decent 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser operated by a knowledgeable local driver guide.
Second, compared to the drier months, the forest trails may become much more slick. You will be alright, though, if you pack a pair of good hiking boots (waterproof), hire a local porter to help you on the journey, and use the customary free walking stick that is offered at each gorilla trekking briefing location for additional walking support.
