Gorilla Trekking in Autumn

Gorilla Trekking in Autumn

Gorilla trekking in autumn is one of the ideal seasons for tourists to embark on a journey to observe the gentle mountain gorillas in their natural environment. The autumn season is characterized by cooler weather conditions, and the forests are less dense while offering great visibility. Traveling during the autumn season to track gorillas is of great advantage. This is because these humble creatures become more active. Thus making it ideal to enjoy unforgettable encounters with the massive mountain gorillas in their natural setting.

Gorilla trekking in autumn presents a lifetime opportunity to nature lovers, not only to explore more about the unique behaviors of the endangered mountain gorillas but also to appreciate the role of conservation efforts towards protecting these unique species. Like other seasons, visits to see mountain gorillas during autumn are done with the company of an experienced and professional guide from the respective destinations.

Autumn is among the 4 temperate seasons and marks the transition from summer to winter. It is during the autumn season when tree leaves fall. It is around this period when the days become shorter and colder.

When does autumn occur?

The autumn season often falls in September, October, and November. Unlike other temperate regions, autumn isn’t experienced in Uganda. Uganda mainly experiences tropical climatic conditions, and so do the gorilla trekking destinations. This means that Uganda doesn’t record the typical 4 seasons of spring, winter, summer, and autumn.

Uganda and Rwanda record the wet/dry seasons each experienced in two phases. The longest season of wet months occurs from March, April, to May, while the short wet season starts from October to November. The rainy season or wet months of the year render the gorilla trekking habitats muddy and slippery.

If you are planning to track mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda with Native Africa Tours, then consider traveling around the dry months of the year. This can be during the long dry spell, which starts from June, July, August to September. Alternatively, you can plan your gorilla trekking tour around December, January, and February. These mark the short, dry months or peak season.

Why go for gorilla trekking during the dry season/months

Visiting Uganda and Rwanda to track mountain gorillas during the dry season comes with lots of benefits.

• Clear vegetation. The dry season features low/less vegetation cover, with visitors having a chance to enjoy a clear view to take pictures. Observing a family of mountain gorillas immersed in the natural vegetation is the most memorable part of your vacation. Taking pictures of them in the jungles even creates lots of lasting memories.
• Easier treks. During the dry season, visitors can enjoy an amazing trekking expedition as they search for mountain gorillas. The forest floor remains drier, and the steep slopes are less slippery. Conditions like these make gorilla trekking during the dry season more favorable. It is far better than the wet months of the year that are characterized by heavy rains and slippery, steep slopes.
• Higher chance of spotting other wildlife. As you navigate through the jungles in search of mountain gorillas, there is also a chance to encounter other wildlife. All gorilla trekking destinations are endowed with other wildlife species and birds.

Where to go for gorilla trekking

The best places to consider for gorilla trekking in Africa include Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The three states offer great encounters with mountain gorillas and also the Eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorilla treks are the most sought-after adventures, and expect to explore destinations such as;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in the far Southwestern Uganda and is where you can explore mountain gorillas in the four regions. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi begins from Rushaga sector, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma sectors.

Mountain gorillas make up part of the 120 mammal species that reside in Bwindi National Park. While on gorilla safari in Bwindi, expect to visit habituated gorilla groups such as Nshongi, Mucunguzi group, Katwe group, Christmas, Habinyanja, Mishaya, Rushegura gorilla group, Kahungye, Busingye, Posho, Christmas, and Biking. Other gorilla groups in Bwindi include Bitukura, Kyaguriro gorilla family, Mukiza group, Bushaho, and Oruzogo, to mention but a few.

Besides mountain gorilla encounters, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also shelters a diversity of other wildlife. These include primates such as l’hoest monkeys, baboons, colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees. Over 350 species of birds also exist in the various habitats of Bwindi National Park, including many Albertine rift endemic species of birds and forest dwellers.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is one of the favorite places to explore mountain gorillas on a Uganda gorilla tour. Located in Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga National Park offers epic mountain gorilla trekking adventures. While in Mgahinga, the Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only family you should expect to explore. Gorilla treks in Mgahinga start with a briefing and allocation of the park ranger guides at the Ntebeko Area.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is set in the Northwestern Rwanda and is a favorite spot to enjoy up close with a group of mountain gorillas. The Rwanda Volcanoes National Park holds a total of 13 fully habituated mountain gorilla families. These include the Karisimbi (Susa B), Muhoza group, Susa A, Hirwa, Bwenge, Agashya, Umubano, Amahoro, and more.

In addition to gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also hosts more than 200 species of birds. The birds in Volcanoes National Park comprise mainly of Albertine Rift endemic species. They include dusky crimson wing, handsome francolin, Rwenzori turacos, double-collared sunbird, red-faced woodland warblers, collared apalis, Archer’s ground robin, and others.

Virunga National Park

Virunga is situated in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is also the biggest park out of the four where mountain gorillas live. The 7800 sq. km Virunga National Park is home to habituated gorilla families such as Bageni group, Rugendo, Kabirizi, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe group, Munyaga, Lulengo, Humba, and others.

Still in the Democratic Republic of Congo, visitors can explore the Eastern Lowland gorillas. The key places where the eastern lowland gorillas live in the DRC include Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park.

Gorilla trekking permits 

Whether you plan to set off for gorilla trekking in autumn or peak dry months of the year, as per the African travel calendar, a permit is a must-have. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD 800 per visitor and apply to all foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and East African citizens purchase permits at UGX 300,000 per person.

Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are open for booking at USD 1500 per person. The Congo gorilla permits are issued to visitors at USD 450 per visitor. The easiest way to book a gorilla permit or gorilla trekking tour in East Africa is through a reliable tour operator like Native Africa Tours.

How to pack for gorilla trekking in autumn?

Packing right is needed for you to have a memorable gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. Among the essentials to pack include hand sanitizer, waterproof & sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a camera, a tin of insect repellents, high energy giving snacks, gardening gloves, a pair of trousers, comfortable and waterproof daypack, a pair of binoculars, waterproof rain jacket, extra camera batteries, a safari hat, first aid kit, and others.