When to See Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

When to see Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a frequently asked question by travellers planning to visit the park for this amazing encounter. Gorilla trekking is one of the most rewarding activities which gives nature lovers and primatologists a chance to encounter these awesome creatures. The park is famous for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to see them in their natural environment. It’s located in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, bordering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park.

 It has a mix of natural systems such as montane forests, wetlands, bamboo zones, and tropical rainforests, which provide habitats to various wildlife species. The park is not only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also hosts various bird species, golden monkeys, mammals and other primate species. Gorilla trekking can be done at any time of the year, and the best time to trek is determined by the traveller’s interests. The time of your visit plays a key role in shaping your adventure. The park experiences two seasons, the wet season and the dry season, both of which offer unique trekking experiences on your safari.

When to See Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Dry Season.

The dry season is the most loved period by travellers to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park by travellers visiting the park. This is known as the high season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, and the park is less muddy and slippery, making it easy to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. 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.

Wet Season- When to See Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

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 season, travellers find it easy to get the 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 in this season, the park receives heavy 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 is suitable for budget-friendly travellers as most lodges and travel companies offer discounts in this season.