Gorilla Trekking in September
September falls within Uganda’s rainy season, bringing strong rain showers and fewer hours of sunshine to the forest. Daytime temperatures range between 20 to 26°C, while nights and mornings drop to around 10°C, making warm layers useful for early starts.
September counts as a shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and more availability for gorilla permits compared to peak dry season months. Gorilla Hurly Burly can also arrange private gorilla trekking in Virunga, Tanzania, and Rwanda during this period for travelers who want a quieter experience.
Starting the Trek in September
Your journey begins from the lodge, moving along muddy roads to park headquarters in a 4×4 safari vehicle. On arrival, park rangers divide visitors into groups of eight before running through a briefing that prepares everyone for the trek ahead.
After the briefing, a park ranger leads your group along slippery, muddy paths into the heart of the forest. The trail passes through thick canopy and undergrowth kept lush by the heavy September rains.
Hiking Through Wet Season Trails
The hike ranges from moderate to challenging in September, with trekkers spending anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours before locating the gorillas. Muddy trails make hiking boots feel heavier and demand more energy than dry season treks, but the reward at the end makes the effort worthwhile.
Meeting the Mountain Gorillas
Once you reach a dense patch of foliage, you find your assigned gorilla family feeding, playing, and interacting with each other. Your guide asks the group to keep a safe distance to avoid stressing the gorillas. If a gorilla charges, you crouch down to show submission, a detail your guide explains clearly before the encounter.
After spending one hour with the gorillas, the group begins the return journey, which often includes sightings of monkeys, chimpanzees, and various birds along the trail.
Completing Your September Trek
Back at park headquarters, trekkers receive a gorilla trekking certificate recognizing their support for gorilla conservation. From there, you return to your lodge for a meal to close out the day.
Book Your September Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in September offers a more personal experience thanks to shoulder season crowds, along with the option to add private trekking in Virunga, Tanzania, or Rwanda. Gorilla Hurly Burly handles permits, transport, and accommodation for your September gorilla trekking trip.
Contact our team today to check permit availability for September and secure your preferred trekking date.
