Mountain gorillas live in tropical and subtropical rain-forests that sometimes experience a tropical climate, with rainfall occurring throughout the year.
This means that tourists trekking gorillas in the dry season can still expect rain during the trekking.
There are advantages and disadvantages to trekking mountain gorillas during the wet season, and some of them can be seen below.
Advantages of gorilla trekking in rainy seasons
Trekking mountain gorillas during the wet season provides visitors with the chance to trek gorillas in smaller groups of fewer than eight people, and you can also choose your own gorilla family to trek.
During the wet seasons, tourists also find it easier to trek mountain gorillas because they can be easily found, as food is always abundant on the mountain slopes compared to the dry seasons when they have to move to higher elevations in search of food.
One of the advantages of trekking mountain gorillas in the rainy season is that some lodges and hotels in the park offer discount rates, which is beneficial for budget tourists.
Trekking mountain gorillas during the wet season can also be advantageous because you are less likely to struggle or miss gorilla permits, meaning you can book them in the same month as your trekking date, unlike during the peak season when gorilla permits are usually sold out three months in advance.
Disadvantages of trekking gorillas in rainy seasons
Mountain gorillas live at higher elevations that receive 1000-2000 mm of rain annually.
Trekking during the rainy seasons makes the trekking trails slippery and muddy, making it difficult to traverse the jungle.
In conclusion, mountain gorillas can be trekked all year round, but the best time is during the dry season from June to September and December to February.
Trekking mountain gorillas in the rainy season requires preparation, and you should not forget to bring waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, raincoats, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellents, energy-giving snacks, and never forget to carry a walking stick during the trek.
The cost of gorilla permits differs depending on the country where you are going to trek mountain gorillas.
Rwanda’s gorilla permits cost $1500, Uganda charges $700 per person, while Congo offers permits at $400 per person and provides discount rates at $200 per person during the rainy season.
