PLAN YOUR TREK · BEST TIME TO GO
You can trek gorillas all year round in Uganda and Rwanda, but the season shapes your experience, your budget and how muddy your boots get.
Quick answer: the best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, June to September and December to February, when trails are firmer and easier. Travel in Uganda's low season (April, May, November) for cheaper permits and fewer visitors.
The most popular time to trek. Drier trails, pleasant temperatures and great photography. July to September is peak season, so permits and the best lodges book out early.
Another excellent window with good trekking conditions, ideal for a holiday-season adventure. Book well ahead for Christmas and New Year.
Heavier rain makes trails steeper and muddier, but the forest is lush, visitor numbers are low and Uganda's discounted April and May permits can save you money.
Showers come and go, often in the afternoon. A good value time to travel, with Uganda's discounted November permits and quieter parks.
January and February: short dry season, good trails, busy around New Year.
March: the long rains begin, trails get muddier and visitor numbers drop.
April and May: long rains, lush forest, and Uganda permits at US$600 in 2026 and 2027.
June: the long dry season starts and permits begin to book out.
July and August: peak season with the driest trails; book 9 to 12 months ahead.
September: still dry and popular, and overlaps the Great Migration.
October: the short rains start and the parks are quieter.
November: short rains, and Uganda permits at US$600 in 2026 and 2027.
December: drier again, and busy over Christmas and New Year.
No. Gorillas are seen year-round, and rangers track the families every day. In the dry season gorillas sometimes move higher up the slopes, which can make treks a little longer; in the wet season they may stay lower but trails are slippery. It can rain at any time in the rainforest, so always pack a rain jacket.
Late July to October is the best time to see the Great Migration's river crossings in the northern Serengeti, and it overlaps perfectly with the dry gorilla trekking season. Our Gorillas and Great Migration Package is timed for late August.
See the Gorillas and Great Migration Package✓ The easiest trekking: June to August, when trails are at their driest
✓ Photography: June to September and December to February, when you're least likely to be shooting in the rain
✓ Saving money: April, May and November in Uganda, when permits drop to US$600
✓ Fewer crowds: March to May and October to November
✓ Adding the Great Migration: late July to October
✓ Adding chimpanzees: any month, as Kibale's chimps can be tracked year-round
Permits for July, August and the Christmas and New Year period sell out first, often 9 to 12 months ahead, and so do the best lodges near the parks. If you need those dates, confirm your trip early so we can secure your permits straight away. Easter can be busy too, even though it falls in the long rains.
Whatever the month, pack a waterproof jacket: it can rain in the rainforest on any day. In the wet season add rain pants, gaiters and gardening gloves for grabbing muddy vegetation. In the dry season you'll still want long sleeves against nettles and thorny plants. Our gorilla trekking fitness and packing guide has the full list.
For many travelers, yes. You'll see the gorillas just as reliably, the forest is at its greenest and the parks are quieter. In Uganda you'll pay US$600 instead of US$800 for a permit in April, May and November 2026 and 2027. Expect muddier, more slippery trails.
Gorillas are born throughout the year, so there's no special season. Many gorilla families include young gorillas whenever you visit.
Mornings are cool at altitude, so bring a warm layer for the early start. It usually warms up as you trek, and you'll be grateful for breathable clothing on the climb.
April, May and November in Uganda, when permits cost US$600 in 2026 and 2027. Rwanda's permit stays at US$1,500, but combination discounts have been offered in the low season. Our gorilla permits and cost guide explains the options, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority sets Uganda's prices.
Permit prices are set by UWA and RDB and can change. Correct as of October 2026.
