Best time for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking happens year-round, but the season you choose changes trail conditions, permit availability and how forgiving the forest feels underfoot.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking · Uganda gorilla trekking · gorilla safari holidays
Unlike a migration safari, gorilla trekking doesn't depend on animal movement, since habituated families stay within a known home range throughout the year.
What changes with the seasons is trail difficulty and how far ahead you need to book a permit.
Dry versus wet season gorilla trekking
| Factor | Dry season | Wet season |
|---|---|---|
| Trail conditions | Firmer, easier walking | Muddy, slower, more slippery |
| Permit demand | Highest, book far ahead | Lower, easier to secure |
| Forest scenery | Drier, dustier | Lush, misty, vivid green |
Highlights
- Dry seasons
- Wet seasons
- Book permits first
01
Dry seasons
June to September and December to February bring firmer, less slippery trails and are the most popular months to trek, which also means permits sell out furthest in advance.
02
Wet seasons
March to May and October to November bring heavier rain and muddier, sometimes steep and slippery trails, but forests are at their lushest and permits are generally easier to secure closer to your travel dates.
03
Book permits first
Whichever season suits your schedule, securing the permit before anything else is the right order of planning, since lodge and flight choices can be built around a confirmed trekking date far more easily than the reverse.
Dos
- Book permits well ahead of your travel dates
- Hire a porter — it supports the local community
- Wear long sleeves, gloves and sturdy waterproof boots
- Keep the 7-metre distance from the gorillas
- Carry a rain jacket, water and snacks
Don'ts
- Don't trek if you have a cold or flu
- Don't use flash photography
- Don't eat or drink near the gorillas
- Don't stare directly into a silverback's eyes
- Don't exceed the one-hour visit
What's usually included
- Gorilla trekking permit (when booked with us)
- Ranger and tracker guides on the trek
- Lodge near the park
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- Meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda · standard gorilla permit | US$1,500 | Per foreign visitor, per trek. Resident and promotional eligibility differs; accommodation, transfers and porter hire are separate.Rwanda Development Board booking portal |
| Uganda · low-season gorilla permit | US$600 | Foreign non-resident, April, May or November. UWA announcement dated 26 February 2026; these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
| Uganda · standard gorilla permit from 2027 | US$800 | Foreign non-resident, per trek. The cited revised tariff takes effect 1 January 2027; confirm the applicable rate for earlier travel.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I trek gorillas in the rainy season?
Yes. Expect muddier trails and the need for proper rain gear, but gorilla sightings themselves remain just as good, since the families don't move with the weather.