Gorilla Safaris: Rwanda, Uganda, Congo Trekking

The best time  to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry season. The dry season runs from December to March and June to October. During the dry season the trails are drier making gorilla trekking easier. Within the dry season, the mountain gorillas tend to stay at the lower altitudes, making it easier track and find the apes in their natural habitat. If you’re unable to visit during the dry season, don’t worry gorilla treks are possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique advantages.

Mountain Gorillas in the wild are not considered dangerous, as long as they feel comfortable and relaxed. Although powerful and strong, mountain gorillas have a gentle and shy nature. The mountain gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda, which travelers get to visit, have also become used to the presence of humans. The gorilla habituation process takes close to two years and the habituated gorilla family in particular are considered secure to be around.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be careful and adhere to certain regulations. You must obey all instructions given by your guide. Your Bwindi Guides have a strong knowledge of the gorillas, and will direct you as to where it’s secure to stand or sit.

The two most popular destinations for gorilla trekking are Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries host mountain gorillas and the opportunity to see them is equal. Uganda and Rwanda are best the countries for gorilla trekking in Africa because both countries inhabit similar rugged terrain and have similar habitats. Individual mountain gorilla groups vary in their accessibility and that is why it is important to be physically fit.

The regulations and quality of local guides and rangers is similar in Rwanda and Uganda but there are as many factors to consider in picking your location between one of these countries.

The chances to meet the mountain gorillas on a guided trek are over 95%. One of the reasons why the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is high is that both countries have several gorilla families that are well-habituated and used to the presence of humans. As such, they will not run away in the presence of humans.

Uganda and Rwanda have invested in training their trackers and ranger guides who are in charge of locating these gorillas in the forests and guiding you to where they will be on the day of trekking. It is also important to note that in Uganda and Rwanda, the speed at which tourists move depends on the slowest person in the group. This means that even if you are slow or relatively unfit, the ranger guides will bear with you until you reach the gorillas.