Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – When to Go

Many tourists wonder about the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda, but the truth is that the best time depends on your personal schedule.

During the dry season, which is from December to February and June to September, there is little rain, and the trails are easier to pass. However, the gorillas may move to distant areas as they search for food.

During the wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, the trails become muddy and harder to pass, but the gorillas are usually closer because there is plenty of food.

Also, during the rainy season, accommodation facilities often lower their prices compared to the dry season.

A gorilla trekking safari can be combined with a wildlife or cultural tour in any of the countries. Depending on your budget, you can choose to do a gorilla trekking safari or even a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda.

The number of days you spend on the tour will depend on your plans, but the minimum to fully enjoy the adventure is three days. If you would like to take a double gorilla safari, we can book two permits for you in different gorilla families.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has 11 habituated gorilla families, and the rules for trekking are the same for all groups. A maximum of eight people are allowed to trek a single gorilla family, so permits are limited.

Gorilla trekking usually takes place in the morning, and only one trek is done each day.

In Rwanda, you must first get a valid gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board or a recognized tour operator.

The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda takes about 2 to 8 hours, including an hour spent with the gorillas. It is a worthwhile experience where visitors can see the gorillas face to face.

These gentle apes can be seen feeding on shoots and leaves, breastfeeding their young, and the silverback can be seen leading the group.

If you'd like to customize a tour and add more days or destinations below, contact us directly through our main contact page by clicking the button below.