Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Best Time to Go

Rwanda gorilla trekking best time to go is usually pondered on by travelers intending to visit the country for gorilla trekking particularly. Rwanda gorilla trekking best time to go is dependent on travelers’ tastes and preferences. Those travelers who do not mind hiking through muddy rainforests can prefer to visit the park in the wet season, while some cannot bare to trek through such muddy areas and would rather do gorilla trekking in the dry season. Rwanda, and the Volcanoes National Park in particular receives two different seasons throughout the year. The dry season which runs through the peak season months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February see more visitors and the low season months of October, November, March, April and may which are particularly wet and represent the wet season receive relatively low travelers. Irrespective of when one decides to do gorilla trekking, the experience is still exciting and thrilling.

Below are some of the comparisons that travelers can take a look at and decide for themselves on what is the Rwanda gorilla trekking best time to go;

Dry season

The dry season which like earlier mentioned is in the months of June-August and December-February. The dry season is the peak season that sees large numbers of travelers visiting the park and on holidays all over the world. Many of the visitors coming into Rwanda do so to particularly do gorilla trekking. Given that gorilla permits are few in number and thus sell out very fast due to the high demand, booking one’s gorilla trekking in advance is required so as to secure one’s spot.

Advantages of doing gorilla trekking in the dry season;

The roads to the park are more passable and not muddy and slippery. 4WD vehicles are still recommended for a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park
The ground in volcanoes national park during the dry season is dry and very passable during the trek.
The vegetation cover in the forest is not overgrown
Consequently, clear photography is possible

Disadvantages of gorilla trekking in the dry season;

Gorilla permits are hard to find during this season or when planning to visit in this period as they are few in number and yet there are very many travelers that need to purchase Rwanda gorilla trekking permits
The crowd in the park during the dry season, which is the peak season as well is very big
The accommodation rates in this season are also very high due to the demand, and they too get fully booked very fast. Booking in advance in recommended.
The marram roads get dusty in the dry season which is also uncomfortable

Wet season

The wet season, which is the low season as well has rains falling almost everyday. The wet or low season sets in during the months of October and November, and March, April and May. It is often rainy and muddy in the park and there are not so many travelers that opt to visit at this time. Gorilla trekking in the wet season is quite strenuous but adventurous and thrilling to those travelers that are more adventurous.

Advantages of gorilla trekking in the wet season

Gorilla permit availability in the wet season is often times positive. One can get a permit even a few weeks to the start of the start in this season.
Last-minute booking is possible during the low season as there are not so many travelers that are scavenging for the few or limited resources.
The crowds in the park are also not so alarming as they are in the peak season
The lodging options in the park are also discounted and so travelers can have a significant cut in their budget.
There are pocket friendly services available, say discount on transportation.
Travelers can in most cases choose the gorilla family they want to trek as there are relatively fewer travelers
Given the lush vegetation cover in the wet season, gorillas do not over far distances thus making it very easy to find them. It is in the dry season that the gorillas move to further places to get what to eat.

Disadvantages of gorilla trekking in the wet season

The roads and paths in the park are slippery and muddy, making the trek quite hard
Given the fogy conditions sometimes and the over grown vegetation, photography is not so good

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda needs one to purchase gorilla permits which cost $1,500 for all travelers visiting the park irrespective of the season. Booking in advance is required to secure one’s permit.

Travelers are advised to pack the recommended essentials for a successful gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda, no matter the season. Those visiting the pack in the wet season should remember to include cotton clothing, ponchos and sweaters on the essentials of gorilla trekking list.

Irrespective of when one chooses to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari, be sure to have the best experience. Gorilla trekking is considered by many as a once in a lifetime experience, thrilling and highly recommend it. Take time to plan for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and use the Rwanda gorilla trekking best time to go guide above to help you choose the best time you’d rather trek in.