Visiting Gorillas in September

Do you plan visiting gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda in September? September provides an ongoing prime gorilla safari season in Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries experience very little rainfall because it is the late dry season. Temperatures are increasing in mountain gorilla natural habitats- Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks in Uganda, or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. July and September see considerably higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates than other months.

Regardless of the early rain season showers in September (especially late September), this is a wonderful time for visiting the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Meeting face to face with these Giant Apes as they exhibit human-like behavior in the wild is a life-changing experience, and September is one of the best times to enjoy their company.

While gorilla trekking destinations still consider September a dry season, the rainfall steadily increases compared to July and August, particularly. However, these adventures are still nothing short of breathtaking. Regardless of this, the high altitudes and dense vegetation of mountain gorilla natural habitats make it challenging to predict whether rain will fall. This allows for year-round visits to mountain gorillas, offering seasonally varying appeal. Choose a travel time that suits your interests and preferences.

Advantages of visiting Gorillas in September

September is one of the visitors’ favorite seasons for visiting mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. This time is an immensely uplifting time of the year, having said goodbye to the dry season. Vegetation blooms, and the promise of warmer days and wonderful weather for photography opportunities now becomes a reality. The month can be a great time to visit mountain gorillas for several reasons;

Ideal gorilla trekking conditions

September offers the perfect balance between the dry and wet seasons, with rainfall averaging 108mm across all destinations. While the short rains of October to November haven’t started yet, this means clearer skies and minimal forest growth and mud-free trails, hence making it less challenging to search for the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Temperatures typically range between 10 °C and 22 °C, thus ensuring comfort during your gorilla trekking adventures.

Quieter trails, more intimate gorilla trekking experiences

Again, because September is traditionally a shoulder season, gorilla trekking trails have just recovered from their peak visitor numbers.

For visitors who wish to avoid the thick crowds while visiting gorillas, September is the perfect time to visit the majestic Giant Apes in Uganda and Rwanda. With the peak season winding down after June, July, and August, September provides a more tranquil and intimate gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla permits are easily available, and accommodation facilities often have fewer visitors, thus allowing for more personal attention and lesser crowded gorilla viewing experiences. Gorilla trekking trails have fewer crowds, but fewer visitors are present.

While the maximum number of people allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family is 8, there are cases of fewer than 8 visitors in September, allowing for deeper connections with the Giant Apes and enjoying unmatched photography opportunities. You will enjoy having most of the national park and accommodations for yourself. Also, if you are the visitor who likes a trail to themselves (or at least to feel like that), then September is one of the perfect months for you.

Perfect photography conditions and opportunities

For photographers, visiting mountain gorillas in September is an otherworldly experience marked by golden early morning light, reduced haze, lusher vegetation, breathtaking skies (after being cleared of dust), and vast open landscapes that create the ideal backdrop for photography. Bwindi’s verdant rainforest vegetation, the stunning bamboo vegetation of Volcanoes National Park, and the dramatic Virunga Mountains of Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park provide striking contrasts that make for jaw-dropping shots. The sparser vegetation makes capturing animals, especially primates and birds, in their natural habitats far easier during September.

Better prices

September marks the beginning of the shoulder season, so accommodation prices are likely to be lower than during peak months, especially July and August. For gorilla permits, they aren’t particularly cheaper but are easier to get and are typically accessible. However, regardless of whether it is high, shoulder, or low season, visitors should book gorilla permits at least 6 months earlier. Lodges offer reduced accommodation rates in late September, hence allowing you to save money for other safari expenses.

What to pack/wear when visiting Gorillas in September

While the end of September marks the beginning of the wet season in Uganda and Rwanda, you will still face cold weather and likely some rain. Therefore, bring waterproof and protective clothing. Here are some of the essential tips on what to pack/wear when visiting the endangered mountain gorillas in September;

Pack quick-dry long-sleeved shirts and safari pants, preferably in neutral colors (Beige, green, khaki, and brown) to protect you from insect bites and the sun. Avoid blue and black clothing; insects are attracted to these colors.
Pack warm clothing (a sweater) for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, regardless of whether it rains.
Carry a waterproof rain jacket (or poncho) to keep you dry and comfortable during wet conditions.
Pack sturdy hiking boots with enough ankle support for visiting gorillas in September, because of the challenging terrains, potential hazards, as well as the requirement for foot protection.

Other Items to Pack include;

Bring a good camera (non-flash) to capturing this once in a lifetime moment of seeing mountain gorillas as they go about their daily routines- playing, resting, foraging, and grooming each other in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to pack an extra memory card and charger with you as there’s electricity at the lodges at certain times of the day so you can charge your gadgets.
Pack a backpack, which is handy for storing your belongings in the forest when visiting mountain gorillas.
Also bring binoculars to see farther creatures—primates and birds—more easily during the gorilla trekking experience in September.
Pack some energy-giving snacks to keep you energized and steady while visiting mountain gorillas in September.
Carry plastic zip-lock bags to protect your electrical devices and other items from moisture.
Bring a reusable water bottle. While it might not be hot during this season, you should always carry enough drinking water hence, you should have a reusable water bottle because most Safari lodges provide free water dispensers.
Carry insect repellant for protection against the irritating mosquitoes and other insects while visiting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Conclusion

Visiting the majestic mountain gorillas is one of the many adventures that primate enthusiasts can’t afford to miss when exploring Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The densely forested slopes of East and Central Africa are a popular haven for these gigantic beauties because of the forests’ year-round favorable climate. September in mountain gorilla natural habitats balances dry and wet season, making it a wonderful time to enjoy better prices, quieter trails, more intimate gorilla trekking experiences, and ideal photography conditions and opportunities.