Best Time For Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari
Best Time For Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari
Best Time For Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari. Gorilla trekking and Wildebeest Migration are among the top African safari activities that are thought-after by most travelers to Africa. Combining both adventures is very possible however, it requires great timing and good preparation. If you are interested in witnessing the Natural wonder ‘‘Wildebeest Migration’’ and also going for a life-changing gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, knowing the best time to do so is crucial in making your adventure a great one. The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari is during the dry seasons. The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari in East Africa can vary. It depends on different factors such as weather, and wildlife movements, however, the long dry seasons are ideal for adventures.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari.
Best time for Wildebeest Migration Safaris
The annual wildebeest migration takes place in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The migration is a continuous cycle, so it can be seen throughout the year, but the best times to witness specific stages of the migration are explained here. The best time to witness the wildebeest migration is between July and October.
January to March (Calving Season):
During this time, you can find the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania, where calving occurs. During these months, the wildebeests give birth to over 8000 new calves every day. This attracts a lot of predators who come to take advantage of the weak newborn calves. This is an incredible sight as thousands of wildebeest give birth within a short period.
This coincides with a rainy season both in Kenya and Tanzania and if you are willing to visit gorillas and wildebeest during this period, be ready for heavy downpours in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. This period is best for those who wish to witness the wildebeest calving. It’s however not perfect for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking in general. This does not however imply that you can not visit during this time. You can see the wildebeest migration and do gorilla trekking all year round.
April to June:
The migration moves towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, with river crossings at the Grumeti River, which can be quite dramatic. For those who wish to witness the dramatic river crossing, this is one of the best times to visit. These months are usually characterized by less rain as the dry season is gearing up. The wildebeest during this season in Tanzania and the weather is considerably fair for safaris. During this season, gorilla trekking destinations like Uganda and Rwanda also have considerable weather. It is fair enough although rain can pour at any time. During these months, you can trek gorillas and witness the wildebeest migration in East Africa.
July to September (Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari)
This is the peak period for the wildebeest migration, as they cross the Mara River, entering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The wildebeest migration is a thrilling spectacle attracting numerous wildlife enthusiasts. This is also the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari in East Africa since both Uganda and Rwanda experience a dry season during these months. The trails are dry and there’s less undergrowth in the forests. This guarantees a good gorilla safari.
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Best time for gorilla trekking in East Africa – Different gorilla trekking destinations
Uganda
Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park): The dry seasons from December to February and June to September are considered the best times for gorilla trekking. During these periods, the trails are easier to navigate, and the chances of encountering gorillas are relatively higher.
Rwanda
Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): The drier months from December to February and June to September are also preferred for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The weather is generally more favorable during these periods.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park): Similar to Rwanda and Uganda, the dry seasons from December to February and June to September are suitable for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. These periods offer better trekking conditions and visibility.
About Gorilla trekking in Uganda
You can do Gorilla trekking in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These national parks are in the Southwestern part of Uganda. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family whereas Bwindi has 22 habituated gorilla families. You find them in the four sections of Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga. Gorilla trekking involves trekking through the jungle in search of the endangered Mountain gorillas. There are 1064 Mountain gorillas in the wild after the census. However, there could be more with more infants and Bwindi has half of that amount.
Mgahinga National Park on the other hand has only the Nyakagezi family. The gorilla family is very mobile and hence, you can find it in different parts of the park.
Gorilla permit
When planning a combination of the Uganda gorilla trekking safari with a Tanzanian wildlife safari, you need to properly plan for the safari. First, you purchase a gorilla permit because of its scarcity and the way it sells out fast. You can purchase the Gorilla permits online either through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted local tour operator. You need to book the permit at least 6 months prior. The cost of the gorilla permit is constant irrelevant of where you have bought it. However, we advise that you purchase it through a tour operator like us.
How to purchase a gorilla permit:
When you contact the tour operator, you have to provide a series of things. These include a copy of your passport and the different dates that you wish to trek gorillas on in Uganda. The operators will then check to see whether the permits are available. You will receive a notification about the available dates. After agreeing to the dates, you have to make payments. The purchase of the permit will be made immediately after confirmation of payment and later on, a copy of the permit will be sent to you.
Cost of a gorilla permit:
The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the cost of the gorilla permit. Also, there are different categories of tourists and each pays a different fee. The cost is $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens. The gorilla habituation permit grants you more hours with the gorillas is $1500 and the cost is per person. Once UWA issues the permit, another person can not use it or exchange it. It is only valid for the date UWA printed it. Also, you can not use it on any other day except your tracking date.
Cost of a gorilla safari in Uganda
Best Time For Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari- the cost of a Uganda Gorilla Safari. The cost of the gorilla permit depends on some factors and can cost 1500 US dollars and above. Some of the factors that affect the cost of the gorilla permit in Uganda include the number of days spent on the safari and the type of accommodation you choose. Also, it depends on the size of the travel group, and other activities you plan on participating in after gorilla trekking.
The cost of the safari will be high if you take more days on the safari, and travel in smaller groups or privately. This is because you are unable to share other costs. Also, if you travel during the dry season also famous as the peak season, costs will be higher. Higher costs also come if you decide to book luxury accommodation facilities. If you wish to reduce the cost of the safari, make sure that you do not travel during the peak season. Instead, go during the low/wet season or travel in large groups to share costs. Also, go for either mid-range or budget-friendly accommodation facilities. The cost of the safari majorly depends on your wants and needs during the safari.
What to pack for a combined gorilla and Wildebeest Migration safari
There are a lot of things that you need to bring when planning a combined safari but one of the things that you need to know when packing is that you have to know what to pack, the accepted luggage weight, and do not bring a lot of things because these might become a burden when trekking gorillas and enjoying your safari in the two countries. Below is a list of things that you might need on your safari to Uganda and Tanzania.
- Camera and other camera equipment like extra lenses, batteries, lens cleaners, and tripod.
- Binoculars to help with spotting wildlife
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- Recognition books especially for tourists who plan on bird-watching
- Strong hiking boots for gorilla trekking. These should be lightweight, waterproof, and ankle-length.
- Clothes include long-sleeved shirts and light trousers. These should be in neutral colors and colors to avoid are blue, white, and camouflage.
- Gaiters and thick socks. The socks are used for tucking in trousers during the trek.
- Snacks and drinking water, if possible carry a refillable water bottle.
- Day backpack to carry the necessary items for the safari and trek.
- Sneakers, flip-flops, and sandals for after the safari.
- First aid kit
- Cash for personal purchases
- All valid documents including visas, a valid passport of at least 6 months, and permits needed.
- Warm sweater
- Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker.
Conclusion
If you are looking forward to combining a gorilla trekking safari and Wildebeest migration, the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari is between July and September. These months are characterized by less rain and clear and passable trails in all East African Countries. Spotting gorillas and wildlife is also much easier because of the less foliage and accessibility to the areas. Plan your dream Africa safari adventure with Acacia safaris limited and experience life-changing adventures. Check out our awe-inspiring packages and start planning your journey to Africa.
