September 16, 2025 | Bujo Safaris
Trekking mountain gorillas in the summer is one of the best times to create unforgettable experiences, which make it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Imagine standing a few meters away from the mountain gorillas in their natural environment, watching the silverback and juveniles roaming freely, which becomes more special, especially during the summer season. In Africa, summertime is also regarded as the dry season, which comes with warm, bright and little or no rain, which makes it easier to trek through the thick forests and watch the gorillas. During summer, visitors enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure.
For travellers coming from Europe, North America, or Asia and interested in a gorilla trekking safari, summertime coincides with the dry season, which makes it the perfect time to plan a once-in-a-lifetime adventure safari.
Summer is considered the best time for gorilla trekking since it coincides with the dry season in East Africa. In all the national parks where mountain gorillas can be seen, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the trekking trails, vegetation cover, and weather provide a better opportunity to trek to the mountain gorillas since the trails are dry and the weather is perfect for photography.
When the forests are dry, the vegetation is not as thick as in rainy months, so spotting gorillas and other wildlife becomes easier. Photographers find this season perfect because of good natural light and clearer views, which makes taking memorable pictures of gorillas more rewarding.
However, gorilla trekking can also be done during the rainy season, which runs from March to May and September to November. During these months, most areas can be very wet, muddy, and slippery, making trekking more difficult. Visitors enjoy a less crowded adventure since the parks are usually crowded during the summer.
Gorilla Trekking can only be done in three countries where mountain gorillas can be found, including Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla Trekking safaris are usually more organised and predictable during the summer compared to the rainy season, and this is due to the steadiness of the weather. Gorilla Trekking usually begins at 7:00 or 8:00 am, when the forest is calm and the gorillas are still active, beginning their day. The gorilla Trekking experience begins with a briefing from the park rangers, and later the ranger guides take visitors through the forest in search of gorilla families that have been tracked earlier. The trekking experience can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, terrain and pace of the slowest person.
Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend 1 hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas as they watch the silverbacks keep an eye on their group, while juveniles play around and mothers nurse their infants. This magical moment offers visitors a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure.
Uganda: Uganda is a popular gorilla trekking destination, often dubbed the pearl of Africa and is home to over half of the total population of mountain gorillas in the world. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Rwanda: Gorilla trekking here is done in Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the northwestern part of Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is famous for its well-organised gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s tourism system is highly efficient, and summer makes trekking even more enjoyable because of the dry conditions.
Democratic Republic of Congo: For adventurous travellers, gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is done in the Virunga National Park, which is renowned as one of Africa’s largest tropical rainforests. Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is more affordable, though it is not so popular because of the political instabilities in the region.
The cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit depends on the country you are visiting for your safari and the type of experience you want to have.
In Uganda, a Gorilla Trekking Permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, USD 500 for Foreign Residents of Africa and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens.
In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1500 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, USD 200 for East African citizens and USD 200 for Rwandan citizens.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 400 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 200 for East African citizens and USD 200 for citizens.
It’s important to note that these prices remain the same throughout the year, whether in summer or rainy seasons. However, because summer is a peak season, demand is very high, and permits often sell out months in advance. This means you should book your trekking permit and accommodation early to avoid missing out.
Embarking on a gorilla trek requires preparedness to ensure that one enjoys a safe and successful gorilla trekking experience. Some of the packing list include lightweight waterproof hiking boots, breathable long-sleeved shirts, breathable long trousers, light rain jacket, poncho, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, cotton t-shirts, quick-dry socks, lightweight sweater, fleece jacket, scarf, backpack, drinking water, energy snacks, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, camera, extra batteries, memory cards, binoculars, face mask, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, painkillers, band-aids, antihistamines, personal medication, walking stick, gaiters, toiletries, wet wipes, lip balm, small towel, headlamp, power bank, travel adapter, plastic bags for waterproofing and lightweight sandals for evenings.
Summer is regarded as the best time to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure that offers a truly magical experience. With great weather, high chances of spotting gorillas, and plenty of opportunities to explore more of Africa, this is the perfect season for your adventure. Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, the memory of locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat will stay with you forever.
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