bigUganda Gorilla Trekking in February: Best Time to See Gorillas in Dry Season
Uganda gorilla trekking in February is one of the best times to visit, thanks to dry trails, clear skies, and excellent gorilla sightings. Uganda’s short dry season, encompassing February, provides optimal trekking conditions in both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. February provides dependable weather for a memorable Uganda Gorilla Safari, whether you’re honeymooning, traveling with family, or going solo.
If you have always yearned to experience the best of gorilla trekking without disruptions, then mark February on your travel calendar. February is an ideal month of the year for you to embark on a great gorilla trekking tour, thanks to its favorable weather.
The dry season falls in February, which guarantees you incredible hiking conditions with higher chances of spotting mountain gorillas in their natural wild. Clearer trails and less rain characterize the dry months like February, with a total average rainfall record of about 50 to 100 mm. These conditions make it easier for you to enjoy your gorilla trekking adventure. Vegetation cover in February is also less dense, which increases your visibility.
Best places to visit to enjoy Uganda gorilla trekking in February
Gorilla tours in Uganda in February are best done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi and Mgahinga are in the far southwestern part of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking in February.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi in February allows you to embark on an adventure to explore one of the 24 habituated gorilla families. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park protects a large mountain gorilla population, and trackers can find these apes in four regions. Bwindi sits at an altitude between 1160 and 2607m, comprising a rainforest.
Bwindi expands up to only 331 sq. km, comprising sectors such as Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The habituated gorilla groups present for trekking in Bwindi National Park include Habinyanja group, Oruzogo, Katwe, Mishaya, Kahungye, Kutu, Mucunguzi group, Nkuringo group, Bushaho family, Mubare, Bitukura, Nshongi, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Christmas, Rwigyi, and Bikingi.
Where to stay in Bwindi
Top places to stay before or after Bwindi gorilla trekking include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Luxury Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Close Up Lodge, and Kiho Safari Lodge. Other places to book for an overnight stay in and around Bwindi include Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Risk Safari Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.
Visit Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking in February.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a 33.7 sq. km compact park in Uganda. It derives its name from “Gahinga,” the local word that is translated as the piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. In 1991, officials declared Mgahinga a National Park; it lies at an elevation of 2227 to 4127 meters.
Mgahinga is popular not only for gorilla trekking but also for other attractions. Among the additional striking features to explore on the Uganda tour in Mgahinga National Park include the 3 conical Virunga volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. There are also multiple bird species to spot, including many Albertine Rift endemic species.
Accommodation options in Mgahinga
The ideal accommodation options to expect to book for an overnight stay in or around Mgahinga include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro.
How much is a gorilla permit in February?
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking permits remains the same even during February. As per the 2024-2026 conservation tariffs, the rates for gorilla permits only vary depending on the visitor category, whereby foreign non-residents pay USD 800 per person and foreign residents USD 700 per visitor. The additional categories include the Rest of Africa, which can get permits in Uganda at USD 500, and Ugandans (East Africans) can secure permits at UGX 300,000 per visitor. Your reliable tour operator can assist you with booking gorilla permits and planning the entire vacation. Contact Native Africa Tours now to secure a slot in advance.
What to expect on a Uganda gorilla trek in February
Uganda gorilla trekking begins with an early briefing at the respective park offices. At the park offices, the official takes you through the regulations for gorilla trekking and allocates you to the park ranger guides. A maximum of 8 also visited each gorilla family, expecting to embark on a hike or walk through the rainforest as they looked for a family of mountain gorillas. Once you have located a group of gorillas assigned to you by the park official, expect to enjoy a maximum of 1 hour as you closely observe how these apes behave and also take photos or videos.
After a successful trek with mountain gorillas, return to the briefing area where you can receive a gorilla trekking certificate.
How to pack for a Uganda gorilla trek in February
To enjoy your gorilla trekking tour in Uganda in February, consider packing the right gear.Items to bring: long-sleeved shirts, waterproof boots, bottled water, safari hat, snacks, sunscreen, camera, extra batteries, sunglasses, trousers, rain jacket, and gardening gloves.. You also need an insect repellent, a first aid kit, sunglasses, a pair of binoculars, a valid permit, a passport, visas, toiletries, and others.
Who is eligible for Uganda gorilla trekking?
By the standards, gorilla trekking in Uganda is open only to persons above 15 years. People in this age bracket can book a valid gorilla permit, and the park assigns them a habituated gorilla family. Besides, people interested in gorilla trekking should be fit enough because this adventure requires some level of fitness. It is unpredictable but normally takes about 2 to 6 hours, which also includes an hour of a face-to-face encounter with a family of gorillas.
What else should you expect to do in Uganda in February?
Myriad other enriching experiences are available and are worth adding to your gorilla trekking packages in February. They include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, or Budongo Forest. Other activities you can enjoy are game drives, boat cruises, cultural tours (such as a tour of the Batwa pygmy community), golden monkey tracking, gorilla habituation, chimpanzee habituation, and others.
A visit to Uganda never limits your exploration. Apart from Bwindi and Mgahinga, other sites like Kidepo Valley National Park are worth visiting, particularly for cheetahs and big game.
February is a great time for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi and Mgahinga are best visited during the dry season because of the pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Enjoy excellent chances to see gorilla families up close, hike drier trails, and take amazing photos in lush mountain forests.
Secure your February gorilla safari now with Native Africa Tours; expect trusted guides, personalized service, and over 5 years of experience creating unforgettable wildlife adventures in Uganda and Rwanda.
