Gorilla trekking in winter
Gorilla trekking in winter is possible. Winter season corresponds to the peak dry months in the main gorilla trekking destinations in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo). Winter is normally the coldest and shortest period of the year and comes just after autumn and before spring. When planning a gorilla tour, the winter months to mark on travel calendar that are ideal for gorilla trekking run from December, January, to February.
June, July, and August also present ideal conditions that favor gorilla trekking if you are traveling during winter season. If you fall in the Southern hemispheres, June, July, and August are the winter months of the year. To most gorilla trekking destinations June, July, and August mark another phase of the dry season. These correspondence makes it possible to enjoy treks with mountain gorillas.
Why you should travel for gorilla trekking in winter
Enjoy gorilla treks free from mud & slippery grounds.
Traveling to Uganda/Rwanda for gorilla trekking in winter allows you to enjoy gorilla treks free from mud and slippery steep slopes. There is low or no rains experienced in the winter months of December, January, and February thus making the ground drier and easier for visitors to walk through the jungle in search of gorillas.
Best photography experience
Embarking on gorilla trekking expedition around the winter months is perfect for visitors who desire to capture great pictures of mountain gorillas. June to August and December to February mark the peak months of the year characterized by low rainfall and less vegetation cover. The less dense vegetation cover makes it easier to spot gorillas and also taking clear images.
Tips to planning a successful gorilla trekking in winter
Book a gorilla tour through a reliable tour operator
When searching for the tour operator/company to plan and book your gorilla trekking tour, search no further than Native Africa Tours. We are a reliable and recognized tour operator/company based in Kampala, Uganda. We have extensive years of experience mainly offering unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures and wildlife safaris not only in Uganda but across East Africa. Take a minute or more to explore more about us via the Trip Advisor or check Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to confirm the fact that we in deed a registered or recognized tour company.
Choose the right destination
Visitors have up to 4 parks to make a choice on where to go for gorilla trekking. This can be in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (found in Southwestern Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and the Virunga National Park in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda accommodates the highest population of visitors. Over 25 habituated gorilla families that are open for gorilla trekking mean many visitors have a chance to realize their dream in the jungle with these apes.
Know when to travel
The winter season is actually the dry season in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Being the dry season means you stand a chance to enjoy gorilla treks less of muddy/slippery steep slopes. It is also important to decide on the dates when you intend to travel to explore mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in winter
In Uganda, expect to embark on gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. These two parks are lying in Southwestern Uganda and provide distinct gorilla trekking adventure. The habituated gorilla families to explore on Uganda gorilla trekking in winter include Nkuringo gorilla group, Mubare family, Busingye, Bitukura gorilla family, Mishaya, Habinyanja, Bweza, Rushegura group, Katwe group, Nyakagezi group, Mukiza family, Mucunguzi family, Bikingi, Bushaho family, Oruzogo, and Kahungye, etc.
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the place to be for you to experience the magical encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural setting. The available gorilla groups to visit in the Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Umubano gorilla group, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Katwe group, Susa A, Amahoro family, Bwenge, Isimbi, Agashya, Sabyinyo group, Igisha, Karisimbi gorilla family, and others.
Virunga National Park in the DRC offers a remarkable opportunity to primate adventure seekers to explore mountain gorillas. The habituated gorilla groups present include Bageni, Munyaga gorilla family, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Humba, Rugendo, Kabirizi, Nyakamwe, and more.
Gorilla trekking in winter can also involve exploring the eastern lowland gorillas. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the best place to enjoy treks with the Eastern lowland gorillas. In the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, expect to explore habituated families such as Mpungwe group, Chimanuka, Bonnani, Nganwa, and Mpungwe gorilla families.
What to expect during the gorilla trekking adventure
A lot awaits you on a gorilla trekking adventure. First, visitors are required to secure gorilla permits and secure slots. Once you have your gorilla trekking slot booked, expect to travel up to your preferred destination to kick-start gorilla expedition. At the respective gorilla safari destination, visitors are expected to report to the park offices to get briefed about the dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking.
After getting to know the gorilla trekking rules, you can be allocated a group of gorillas to explore. The park ranger guide will also be allocated to accompany you. The normal trekking to explore gorillas begins from 8:00 am and visitors can spend between 2 and 6 hours. This covers an hour of up close and personal encounter with gorillas in their natural environment and also photography.
Obtaining Valid Gorilla Permits
Valid gorilla permits are a must when you think about gorilla trekking in winter and this is whether you intend to track gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda. As of 2025, Uganda gorilla trekking permits are open for booking at USD 800 per visitor. In Rwanda, expect to secure a valid gorilla permit at USD 1500 per tourist, and in the DRC, permits cost USD 450 per visitor.
Contact the reservation team at Native Africa Tours to assist you obtain a valid gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. Gorilla permits in any of the gorilla trekking destinations must be booked in advance and we recommend you to do so at least 2-6 months before the planned date of visiting gorillas.
What is gorilla trekking in winter like?
Gorilla trekking in winter mainly focuses on active walking through the Africa’s dense rainforests to search for a group of mountain gorillas. Visitors embark on a long journey estimated to last for 2 to 6 hours but includes an hour for up close and personal encounter with a family of these large apes. The entire journey involves winding through the undefined trails and you may come across thorny plants, muddy terrains, and slippery steep slopes. Adequate preparation is needed to guarantee you a complete trek with gorillas in any of the destinations in Africa.
What to wear for gorilla trekking in winter
Gorilla trekking requires certain kind of attire. It is a unique adventure from the normal wilderness experiences like game drives. Here is the list of clothes to wear/pack for gorilla safari in winter; long-sleeved shirts, strong and waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, a pair of long socks, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, long pants, a sweater, and a daypack, etc.
Additional items to pack for a successful gorilla tour in winter; a camera with extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellents, snacks, and sunglasses.
