How to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda on your Summer Holiday

Uganda is a highlight package of Africa’s beauty. It’s no surprise Winston Churchill called it the “pearl of Africa” because of its thick, misty forests, snow-capped mountains, glassy lakes, and sprawling savannas. Both Europe and the United States of America are in the Northern Hemisphere; their seasons are exactly the same, at the same time. This is April, so it is spring season in both places.

Uganda’s Weather

Straddling the equator, there is a little year-round fluctuation in temperature and no real winter or summer. The hottest months are January and February when the average daytime range is 24-33°C (52-91°F) with peaks of up to 40°C/104°F in the far north. The south has two wet seasons: from mid-September to November and March to May. The dry season from December to February means only that it rains less and the gorilla parks remain fairly wet during these months. The second dry season- from June and July- is considerably drier. Still, with 1000 to 2000mm (39.4-78.7in) of rain every year, it can rain at almost any time. The north, including Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, has one continuous wet season from March to November and a more obvious dry season from December to February, the best time to go for wildlife game viewing.

June, July & August – June and July are the driest months in most of the south, but it can still rain. Average temperatures hover around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 16°C/61°F in the morning. It will be colder at altitudes above 1300m/4265ft, including the gorilla parks – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (4 gorilla trekking sectors) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (1 gorilla trekking sector).

Best months of the year to travel to Uganda

Many tourists prefer May to September to February as the best months to visit Uganda because the amount of rain has decreased and it is sunny in most tourism destinations. December has been one of the busiest months of the year in most national parks, so book your lodging ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Since most foreign tourists and Ugandans schedule vacations to national parks during the Christmas season, December is always a busy month.

How to book your summer holiday gorilla trekking trip

Gorilla Tracking Africa is among the top registered tour companies, we exclusively tailor memorable mountain gorilla trekking safari experience for visitors traveling to delightful East Africa. We are a Ugandan owned company that provides scheduled tours, camping, self-drive and tailor-made tours to offer our guests an experience of a lifetime.

Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Every traveler who wants to see or trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat must have a valid gorilla tracking permit scheduled for that day he or she would like to trek the gentle giants in Uganda, a gorilla permit is a card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority that allows visitors to the park to trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park,  a gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700 for foreign nonresidents, USD 500 for foreign resident and USD 75 for East African residents. However, at the moment there are discounted gorilla trekking permits that cost US$ 400 for foreign non-residents, US$ 300 for foreign residents, and US$ 50 for East African Citizens. This permit will allow you to stay with gentle giants for one hour with a gorilla family, on this trek you be allowed to take photos in the presence of a well-trained guide. 

What is the best time of the year to book your trip?

The best time of the year to book your gorilla trekking trip is at least 3 months to the date you want to trek mountain gorillas in their natural home, in the months of summer most travelers, flock to Africa for holidays – this is termed as the peak season, we emphasize early booking of gorilla trekking permits as well as accommodation, most visitors who come Uganda come to see the gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Accommodation when you go gorilla trekking on your summer gorilla trip

When it comes to accommodation choices on your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are so many lodges in and around the Park that can accommodate visitors who come to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda ranging from luxury to budget, luxury lodges – Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Mahogany Spring Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Trekkiers Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Lodge among others.

Covid 19 information for travelers to Uganda

Tourists and business visitors will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate dated within 72 hours of their arrival in Uganda upon arrival. The same is applicable for outbound travelers. Outbound travelers can get a PCR COVID-19 test at several hospitals in Kampala and Entebbe for about $70, with results in 10-24 hours, however the good news to the world over the fight against the spread of the virus through national vaccinations throughout all nations on the globe. For more info about tailored gorilla safari trips in Uganda kindly contact Gorilla Tracking Africa so we can for you a remarkable safari in East Africa.