Mountain gorillas live in tropical and subtropical rainforests that receive rain throughout the year. Even during the dry season, rain can still fall, so tourists should be prepared for wet weather while trekking.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to trekking mountain gorillas during the rainy season, as explained below.
Advantages of gorilla trekking in the rainy season
- Trekking mountain gorillas during the rainy season gives visitors a chance to trek in smaller groups, sometimes with fewer than eight people. In some cases, you may even be allowed to choose the gorilla family you want to visit.
- During the rainy season, mountain gorillas are easier to find because there is plenty of food on the lower mountain slopes. This means they do not move far or climb to higher elevations like they often do in the dry season.
- Some lodges and hotels offer discounted rates during the rainy season, which helps budget travelers save money.
- It is also easier to get gorilla permits during the wet season. You can often book a permit even within the same month of your trekking date, unlike in the dry season when permits may sell out three months in advance.
Disadvantages of gorilla trekking in the rainy season
- Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude areas that receive 1,000 to 2,000 mm of rain every year.
- During the rainy season, the trekking trails become slippery and muddy, which makes walking through the forest more difficult.
In conclusion, mountain gorillas can be visited all year round, but the best time to trek is during the dry season, from June to September and from December to February.
Trekking in the rainy season needs good preparation. Be sure to carry waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, a raincoat, long-sleeved clothes, insect repellent, energy snacks, and a walking stick to help you during the hike.
The cost of gorilla permits depends on the country where you go trekking:
- In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500 per person.
- In Uganda, it costs $800 per person.
- In Congo, permits cost $400 per person, and during the rainy season, discounted permits are available at $200 per person.
