Gorilla trekking tours during the rainy season provide tourists with an interestingly unique adventure. Regardless of this period’s adventure being relatively formidable, the heavy rains from the skies transform the lush landscapes to make the overall experience immensely fascinating. Gorilla trekking tours in East Africa can only be enjoyed in 3 countries Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The gorillas in the wild are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and Virunga National Park. There are about 1,063 mountain gorillas in the wild and they only live in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sits on 331 square kilometers of land in the southwest region of Uganda. With approximately 459 individual mountain gorillas roaming in its montane vegetation ecosystem, it has more than half of the global total. Visitors on gorilla trekking safaris during the rainy season have a wide range of gorilla families to locate since the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has at least 24 habituated gorilla families for that purpose.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits on 33.7 square kilometers in the southwest region of Uganda and also lies on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since it lies in the greater Virunga massif, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is contingent with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ecosystem is comprised of volcanoes, Sabinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga; montane forests; and swamps among others. These habitats are home to only one habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park sits on about 3,000 square miles in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the second largest tropical rainforest in the world located at the edge of the Congo basin. The ecosystem also constitutes grasslands, montane forests, and volcanoes Nyiragongo and Mikeno among others. Being part of the Virunga massif, it has about 300 mountain gorillas out of the 604 found in the region. There are at least 8 habituated mountain gorilla families that are available for tracking throughout the year including during the rainy season.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park sits on about 160 square kilometers in the northwest region of Rwanda and is another exciting destination for mountain gorilla trekking tours during the rainy season. Famous for its montane ecosystem including bamboo forests, afro-alpine vegetation, and volcanoes such as Karisimbi and Bisoke among others. Being part of the Virunga massif, Volcanoes National Park has a significant number of gorillas with approximately a third of the global total. Volcanoes National Park has at least 10 habituated gorilla families that are available for trekking throughout the year even during the rainy season.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park sits on about 6,000 square kilometers in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is famous for its ecosystem which consists of a range of landscapes, including lowland rainforest, montane forest, volcanoes, and the Rift Valley. Being part of the Congo Basin, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, the most notable being the eastern lowland gorillas.
There are at least 250 individual eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the place is one of the few to see these critically endangered primates. With at least 9 eastern lowland gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, at least 3 are habituated for trekking tours throughout the year even in the rainy season.
When to Travel for gorilla trekking during the Rainy Season
The rainy season is experienced in the gorilla national parks in the months of March, April, May, October, and November.
Why travel during the rainy season for gorilla trekking
While the majority of travelers on gorilla trekking tours prefer having their adventures in the dry season, those seeking rugged and authentic experiences prefer the rainy seasons. Trekking during this time involves hiking through the dense forests while looking for gorillas. The vegetation makes it quite difficult to find the gorillas since they are covered by the foliage.
Even the access roads are muddy thus making the adventure so challenging but adrenaline-filled. The combination of misty forest conditions and cloudy skies above lower visibility thus adding to the mystery of encountering the gorillas. Nevertheless, travelers on gorilla trekking tours during the rainy season have the benefit of getting discounts on accommodation, transport, and some tour activities. This is because the rainy season is usually the low tourist season of the year.
What to pack for gorilla trekking during the rainy season
- Layered clothes, a pair of hand gloves, head socks, and a warm sweater to provide heat insulation during the cool temperature conditions.
- Lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and trousers or pants suitable for hiking activities.
- Raincoat or a rain jacket to keep yourself dry during the soggy and wet conditions in the forest.
- Hiking boots with a firm grip to navigate the muddy and slippery highland terrain.
- Gaiters to protect your legs and shoes from getting wet.
- Reusable water bottle to ensure you are hydrated during the exhaustive hiking adventure.
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat in case it shines while you are trekking. This is to shield your head and eyes from the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun.
- Binoculars to observe the gorillas or any other wildlife species from a distance without disturbing them.
- Camera and extra batteries for taking memorable photos of the gorillas with the lush vegetation in the background.
- Small waterproof backpack to carry portable essential items such as a basic first aid kit, snacks, insect repellent, etc.
- Emergency cash to hire porters who will carry your heavy luggage during the trek.