The Dry Seasons (June–September & December–February)
These are the most popular months for a reason.
What you get: Drier trails, clearer views through the canopy, better photography conditions in forest gaps, and more comfortable hiking. The altitude at Bwindi runs between 1,600 and 2,500m, and dry air makes the climb noticeably easier.
The catch: Permits sell out months in advance, particularly July and August. Lodges fill up. Prices at premium properties peak. You need to book at least 4–6 months ahead, sometimes more.
The Wet Seasons (March–May & October–November)
We’ll be honest: the forest is muddier and trails can be slippery. You will likely get rained on.
What you also get: A quieter, more intimate experience. Fewer trekkers. Lush green forest at its most alive. Gorillas tend to stay lower, which can actually mean shorter treks. Some lodges offer discounted rates. Permits are easier to secure.
The long rains of April–May are the wettest. October–November is shorter and milder.
Permit Availability
All Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost USD $800 per person, set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They do not vary by season. Orika Africa handles all permit procurement on your behalf, as this is one of the most critical logistics steps, and we take it seriously.
Our recommendation: Book 3–6 months ahead for dry season. For wet season visits, 6–8 weeks is usually sufficient, though we’d always advise earlier.
Our Honest Take
If you can only go in May, go in May. The gorillas do not care about your calendar. A wet forest trek where you’re the only group, moving quietly through low mist, is one of the most moving experiences we know.
If you can choose, June–September gives the most comfortable conditions for most guests. But the “best time” is the time you have.
Ready to plan your gorilla trek? Start a conversation with us and we’ll build an itinerary around your exact dates.
When you’re ready to plan, browse our 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari as a focused introduction, or step up to the 5 Days Double Gorilla Luxury Safari for two encounters across different gorilla families. The immersive 4 Days Fly-In Gorilla Habituation Safari offers four full hours with a semi-habituated group, a rarer and more intimate experience. You may also enjoy reading about Kyambura Gorge, the dramatic chimpanzee gorge that pairs beautifully with a gorilla itinerary, and Maramagambo Forest, another wildlife-rich corner of Uganda often combined with Bwindi.
