Best Time to do Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking is a rewarding wildlife experience which attracts thousands of nature lovers each year to see them in their natural habitats. Travellers planning their safari often research the best time to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and this blog will discuss the appropriate time to enjoy this activity. Volcanoes National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Rwanda, spanning an area of about 160 square kilometres. It’s situated in the Northwestern region of Rwanda, bordering Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla trekking involves hiking steep slopes into the dense forest, and once located, participants are given one hour to spend with these awesome creatures and learn more about their behaviours.
Participants have to obtain a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and the permits are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis. Volcanoes National Park is not only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, but it’s also home to various bird species, golden monkeys, primates and mammals. Volcanoes National Park has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season, both of which provide unique, memorable experiences to nature lovers and primatologists.
Best Time to do Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Wet Season.
Travellers can enjoy gorilla trekking in the wet season, which runs from October to November and March to May. This is commonly referred to as the low season, with few travellers visiting the park. During this period its easy to get gorilla permits since few visitors visit the park to do gorilla trekking. This season favours last-minute bookers since there are fewer people visiting and permits are always available in this season. Travellers should be aware that this season, the park receives enough rainfall, and it’s always muddy and slippery, making it challenging to penetrate the park. The vegetation cover is dense and tall, creating an obstruction to penetrating the park and viewing the gentle giants in their natural habitats. It might be challenging to take pictures since it rains at any time of the day, and the tall vegetation cover creates unclear views. However, this season favours budget travellers as most lodges and travel agencies offer discounts in this period.
Dry Season.
The dry season is referred to as the best time to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park by travellers visiting the park. This is known as the peak season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, and the park is less muddy and slippery, making it easy to search for these gentle giants. The vegetation cover is short and scattered, which provides clear views of gorillas and clear shots. Since it’s a peak season, travellers should book gorilla permits early, at least 3 to 6 months before travelling, to avoid disappointments. Gorilla permits are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis.
