Planning to visit the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the Earth’s most sought-after wildlife species in their natural habitat may seem like a challenging adventure, given their unique location. The question of whether gorilla treks change depending on the seasons is one of the concerning topics that arise among intending gorilla trekkers. However, what you need to know is that Rwanda is about 121 kilometers south of the Equator hence temperatures and daylight hours in Volcanoes National Park, where the mountain gorillas are found don’t change much from season to season. The majority of the days are hot and humid, ranging between 25 Celsius degrees and 27 Celsius degrees, although temperatures can dip lower at night to between 13.5 Celsius degrees and 15 Celsius degrees.
Volcanoes National Park has two distinct seasons- dry and wet. The question of whether gorilla treks change during dry and wet seasons is one of the frequently asked questions among travelers trekking these Giant Apes for their first time. All we can say is that the jungle is open all year round, but each of the seasons has its exceptional advantages and disadvantages, but none is better than the other.
The dry season in Volcanoes National Park (July to September and December to February)
The dry season is always perceived (or considered) the perfect time to undertake gorilla treks for most travelers. These months are marked by drier weather, with occasional showers (because the Park is still a rainforest regardless of season). The forest floor is drier and vegetation sparser, making it easier to navigate and explore the intricate trails. The dry season also provides better visibility for guided forest walks, visits to the Dian Fossey Gravesite, golden monkey treks, and Volcano climbing adventures. Generally, hiking trails are more inviting during the drier season hence improving gorilla treks.
However, when considering gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park, travelers ought to strike a balance between seasonal preferences and budget constraints as you are about to discover why. The dry season is also the peak season, which means accommodation prices are higher than in the wet season, and expect crowds as well. Nonetheless, regardless of season, the maximum number of people visiting a habituated gorilla family is eight (8).
Gorilla trekking in the wet season (March to May, and October to early December)
The wet (or rainy) season in Volcanoes National Park brings frequent rainfall, resulting in denser vegetation and slippery/muddy forest trails. It is undeniable that the jungle comes alive with verdant greenery and blooming flowers during these months hence making them ideal for birding. Thanks to the abundance of food (more vegetation), gorilla treks are shorter during these months. However, some areas of the rainforest may be more challenging to access due to the denser vegetation, steep and muddy/slippery surfaces, and frequent downpours.
Another common question we get asked is whether the wet season in Volcanoes National Park is a very good idea for gorilla trekking. If you detest rain, then perhaps it is better to trek these Giant Apes in the drier months. However, since the Protected Area gets rain any time of the year, then the wet season is a good time to undertake gorilla treks. Surprisingly, you can expect an average rainfall of 200mm each month even in the dry season, although in some months the average rainfall doubles.
Interestingly, gorilla trekking in the wet season does have its merits. During the wet season, the flora received the level of rain it required to flower. For this reason, the number of birds may be attracted hence birders stand a better chance of seeing more birds and primates. Any wildlife and plants that are especially dependent on the moisture will be more prevalent in the wet season months of March, April, May, October, and November.
One slight annoyance of gorilla trekking in the wet season is that forest trails become muddy and slippery, hence making these adventures more challenging. Also, there are more mosquitoes in the wet season. Nonetheless, in reality, mosquitoes are present throughout the year. Always carry an insect repellant and cover up, so you can avoid bites that way.
Another change to gorilla treks in the wetter season in Volcanoes National Park is the fact that if there is a lot of rain, some forest trails may be impassable. This is unlikely to have a dramatic effect on your gorilla trekking adventure, as you will either just take other trails to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families. Therefore, once you have decided to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in the wet season, it is important to know what to wear and bring. The obvious first place to begin is to pack a rain jacket. Nonetheless, it is crucial to carry other clothes that stand a chance of drying faster (bearing in mind that Volcanoes National Park is a very humid environment, and nothing dries that well).
Typically, gorilla trekking gear should be made of material that is fast-drying. All in all, choose light, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs, hence protecting you from annoying insects. On that note, don’t forget to pack an insect repellant, and as mentioned, Volcanoes National Park is warm all year round, hence sunscreen is crucial.
You should also bring sturdy hiking boots, although some high-end Safari Lodges provide rubber boots that you can hire or borrow for your gorilla trek. Hiking boots are the way to go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, whether it is a wet or dry season. This is because either way, the forest floor is usually pretty wet.
In conclusion, whether you are enticed by the verdant landscapes, fewer crowds, and affordability of the wet season, or the accessibility of the forest during the dry season, gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park promise unforgettable experiences. Simply keep in mind the nuances of the seasons before making your final decision. Ultimately, your final decision on when to undertake gorilla treks hinges on your preference for saving some costs, less challenging gorilla treks, or a balanced blend of both.