The Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safaris & More

If you’re a wildlife lover, planning your dream adventure in the heart of Africa, you’ll surely want to know the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking. 

Uganda - the hidden gem of East Africa - is THE place to see the mysterious mountain gorillas.

But timing is everything if you want to get the most out of your trip!

So read on for all you need to know about when to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and more…

Uganda travel season

Uganda’s Climate and Seasons

Understanding Uganda’s climate and seasons is the first step in planning when to visit.

Straddling the equator, most of Uganda is blessed with a tropical climate that sees warm temperatures and sunny days all year round.

But don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need your layers!

Hippo on Uganda safari

Much of the country is situated at high altitude, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (where you’ll see the gorillas), and these areas get considerably colder, with temperatures dropping substantially at night time.

But the major climatic factor in Uganda that changes throughout the year is rainfall; indeed the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons.

The southern regions of the country (including where the gorillas live) experience two dry seasons annually (June to August and December to February), as well as two wet seasons each year (March to May and September to November).

This is crucial to know when planning your Uganda safari trip!

Gorilla's in Uganda

Best Time for Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Every year, wildlife enthusiasts make a beeline for Uganda, lured by the mystique of the mountain gorillas that live here.

These magnificent creatures hold a spot on the critically endangered list and are the rarest primates in the world.

Recent stats paint a bleak picture, with just over a thousand mountain gorillas left worldwide.

Lion in tree, Uganda safari

However, the silver lining is that these numbers are slowly rising, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.

Unbelievably, the entire global population of these enigmatic primates resides in just three countries in central-east Africa - Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

And guess what?

Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over half of these incredible beings, making it the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking!

Baby gorilla Bwindi trek

So what's gorilla trekking in Uganda all about?

Picture a guided hike through dense rainforests, where you’ll track a specific gorilla troop in their natural habitat and get to spend 1 hour in their presence.

These gorillas live in high-altitude zones, so be prepared for a decent trek to reach them.

Baby gorilla Bwindi national park

Now, let's talk about timing…

While Uganda gorilla trekking can be experienced year-round, the real sweet spot is during Uganda’s dry seasons from June to August and December to February.

At this time, the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are drier and more manageable, making your trek to see the gorillas a lot easier and more pleasant!

And with clear skies and no pesky rain, clouds, or mist, your view of both the gorillas themselves, and their breathtaking mountainous surroundings, should be crystal clear.

The more sparse vegetation you’ll find during the dry seasons in Uganda also makes spotting these majestic creatures easier, offering a front-row seat experience of their captivating behaviour.

Gorilla trekking Uganda

However, a word of warning: grab those gorilla trekking permits well in advance if you want to hike in the dry season because, unsurprisingly, it’s the peak season when Uganda safari costs are at their premium!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park permits are limited to a set number each day, in order to protect the gorillas' habitat and, during these prime months, everyone's vying for a piece of the action!

If peak season isn't your thing, then consider heading to see the Uganda gorillas in either January or February instead.

Uganda gorilla trekking

These months are also dry, but fewer crowds might make it an even more appealing option.

Or, if you're an experienced hiker, up for some muddy fun and budget-friendly options, don't shy away from the wet and shoulder seasons, when thinner crowds and lower prices are yours for the taking!

But be warned, wet season visits to the Ugandan gorillas are only advised for confident hikers, as the trek can be long, slippery, and challenging!

Cob antelope Queen Elizabeth national park

Best Time for a Uganda Safari

While gorilla trekking may be the superstar of Uganda's wildlife scene, the show doesn't end there.

The country’s impressive national parks, including Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, offer thrilling game drives and captivating boat safaris, adding extra elements of adventure to your Uganda safari adventure.

Murchison Falls Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park offers glimpses of majestic giraffes, formidable buffaloes, huge hippos, and those ever-watchful Nile crocodiles too.

While Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to lions that have a unique talent for tree-climbing!

Only two such tree-climbing populations of lions exist on Earth and one resides right here in Uganda!

The park is also home to troops of playful chimpanzees along with buffaloes, elephants, zebras, and the striking Ugandan kob.

Shoebill stork Queen Elizabeth park

So what’s the best time of year for a Uganda safari adventure?

Well here's the inside scoop… the dry months of June to August and December to February, steal the limelight again!

During these periods, game viewing is top-notch across Uganda, as animals gather around the diminishing watering holes, offering you guaranteed high-density wildlife encounters.

The sparse vegetation in these seasons also ensures your view won’t be obscured by foliage, so you won't miss a thing!

Keen twitchers will want to visit Uganda between November and April for a true birdwatching extravaganza, as countless migratory species make this tropical country their temporary home, adding to the many domestic species that already live here.

Gorilla trekking Uganda

Overall Best Time to Visit Uganda

Generally, the best time to visit Uganda is during one of its two dry seasons - between December and February, or between June and August.

During these months, conditions are particularly good for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as well as safaris and game spotting in the country’s beautiful national parks.

January and February will offer lower crowds and prices compared to other dry months, which makes them an ideal option for budget-focused travellers seeking a good deal.

But whenever you decide to visit Uganda, grab your binoculars, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this stunning East African gem.