Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done all year round but the best time to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is during the dry season from mid December to early February and June to September. There’s less difficult in hiking since trails tend to be quite dry and also the risk of malaria is low due to hot sunny weather conditions. However, trekkers should carry insect repellants during treks.
Trekking trails go through thick vegetation cover hence you should have sturdy hiking boots, long pants and warm sleeved shirts, gloves and rain jackets. Gorillas like to spend most of their time foraging on bamboo at higher altitudes between 2,400 to 3,000 meters above sea level. This means that gorillas during the dry season tend to move for long distances in search of fresh vegetation which can make treks longer hence it’s better to be physically fit and hire a porter.
During the dry months, Volcanoes National Park receives many tourists who want to see gorillas which puts a high competition and demand for gorilla permits. Visitors must therefore try and secure a gorilla permit by booking with a tour operator or the Rwandan Development Board in advance time of 2-3 months. Likewise the availability of accommodation tend to be scarce due to many tourists which requires you to book for one earlier.
On the other hand, the wet season in Rwanda begins in March to May with heavy rains and ends in November with fewer rains. You can also track gorillas during these months despite the difficulty associated with hiking on muddy and slippery trails. Hiking gears such as clothing should bear nature friendly colors such as green, grey or black
Because tourists for gorilla trekking in Rwanda become fewer, there is low demand for gorilla permits which makes it easier to book. This means that the availability of accommodations is higher in all ranges from high end to budget lodgings within and around volcanoes national park. Generally, evenings get colder you may need to choose accommodations with campfire places or provide traditional Colobus with hot water to warm up your bed.
Though most tourists tend to avoid the wet season, there’s a possibility of shorter treks because gorillas like foliage on lower slopes most of the time due to abundance of vegetation which is food for gorillas. In addition, the bamboo vegetation is not thick which guarantees perfect gorilla views and photographs.
Regardless of the seasons one intends to track mountain gorillas, the best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda is during the dry season in December, February, June and September.