Gorilla Trekking in the Rainy Season : Mountain gorillas is one of the most exciting adventures – once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone to do. The endangered gorillas are believed to have originated from the same lineage as “Man”, this having so much in common, though offered asylum in the deep wilderness jungles. Scientists report that apes share about 98% human-like DNA, relatively similar behaviors and have exciting social set up just like human beings.
Gorillas are only found in the continent of Africa and most common are the Eastern lowland and Mountain gorillas, harbored in the vast Virunga chain of Mountains which sprawls through three East African countries, namely Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Weather in the above-mentioned countries is seemingly the same, with the rains and sunshine experienced at relative the same months.
Rainy seasons are often experienced from March to May and late September to November. However, interestingly the rains are not so heavy as such and do not happen the entire day, however the muddy and slippery paths can make the hike a bit challenging and hectic.
As experience states, there are three major reasons why you should trek mountain gorillas during rainy season. The parks are less congested and apes less stressed, availability of accommodation facilities, ease of encountering the apes and discounts offered by accommodation facilities and availability of trekking permits.
Gorilla trekking is done on foot, deep in the forest, covered by misty jungle, rugged mountains and lush vegetation. The activity commences very early in the morning with briefing, as the ranger guides explain different trekking do’s and don’ts, before the start of the hike. Rains are unpredictable, but cannot stop the search. It tends to fall for some hours, before clearing during the day.
Chances of encountering gorillas during the rainy season
As much as it could be raining, finding gorillas in their natural habitat is almost 95% guaranteed. Trekkers have higher chances of finding the apes after a short track since they have a lot of food, and therefore don’t over move. The rains arrive with abundance of foliage, fruits and green leaves for the apes to feed on.
Where to find gorillas during rainy season?
During the rainy seasons, you can trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park in the southwestern region of Uganda; Virunga national park, and Kahuzi – Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Cost of Gorilla trekking Permits in Rainy Season
In some of the gorilla destinations, trekking permits tend to be lowered during the rainy season (low seasons) subject to availability. Some are discounted by 100Usd, or 50usd, depending on the demand. Rwanda charges 1,500 USD for foreign-nonresidents, Uganda 700 USD whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo charges 400 USD
What to carry for gorilla trekking during the rainy season?
What to carry for a safari has in most cases stressed so many people, reaching to an extent of carrying what is not relevant, thus extra costs. However, depending on the number of days and activities you intend to engage in, here are some of the essential items for your trekking safari during the dry season;-
Rainproof coat, hand gloves, insect repellents, waterproof boots to protect your feet, sun hat, professional camera for capturing every action that unfolds within a gorilla group, Binocular to watch the apes at a long range, long-sleeved shirts and warm clothes. Some of the items can be hired / offered from the respective trekking destinations. You will also need to have a Covid-19 negative test form, yellow fever vaccine and other travel documents. The rainy season is one of the most ideal seasons for gorilla trekking; thus no need to miss out on a lifetime adventure. Book your safari with us today!
