The Best Time to Go Chimps and Gorillas
The Best Time to Go Chimps and Gorillas Trekking: A Seasonal Guide
An adventure that comes along only once in a lifetime is going on a journey through the dense jungles of Africa in order to see chimps and gorillas in their natural environment. In order to have the most enjoyable experience possible, it is necessary to select the appropriate time to travel. The variations in the weather, the conditions of the trail, and even the movements of the monkeys are all dependent on the season.
The purpose of this book is to provide information regarding the optimal time to travel to the most popular destinations for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Best Time for Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzees and gorillas are most likely to be seen during the dry seasons, when routes are less difficult to negotiate and the likelihood of seeing primates is higher. This is the greatest time to go on a safari.
Best months to visit are from June to September and from December to February.
It is advisable to avoid trekking during the months of March to May and October to November, as heavy rains can make the experience challenging.
Chimpanzee at Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
When there are dry seasons:
Woodland paths are less likely to be muddy and treacherous.
Chimpanzees and gorillas are easy to locate since they tend to congregate in regions that are easily accessible.
The weather is more favorable for people who want to go trekking.
There are times when it rains:
Trails that are steep and muddy combine to make trekking a more difficult activity.
Due to the abundance of food, chimpanzees wander around more, which makes it more difficult to follow them.
Because they live at lower altitudes, gorillas like to stay there, which can sometimes make hiking shorter.
Best Time to See Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are more active than gorillas, meaning weather conditions and food availability affect their movement.
Best Seasons for Chimpanzee Trekking
✅ June – September & December – February (Easier to track, better visibility)
❌ March – May & October – November (Difficult terrain, chimps move more)
Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking & When to Go
| Destination | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Kibale National Park (Uganda) | June – September & December – February |
| Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania) | July – October |
| Gombe Stream National Park (Tanzania) | June – October |
| Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda) | June – September & December – February |
Best Time to See Gorillas
Unlike chimpanzees, gorillas live in family groups and stay in smaller territories, making them easier to track.
Best Seasons for Gorilla Trekking
✅ June – September & December – February (Dry weather, easier trekking)
❌ March – May & October – November (Muddy trails, but fewer tourists)
Gorilla feeding at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Best Places for Gorilla Trekking & When to Go
| Destination | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) | June – September & December – February |
| Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) | June – September & December – February |
| Virunga National Park (DRC) | June – September & December – February |
Chimpanzee Trekking vs. Gorilla Trekking: How Seasons Affect Each
| Factor | Chimpanzees | Gorillas |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Go | June – September, December – February | June – September, December – February |
| Weather Impact | Chimps move more in wet seasons, making tracking harder | Gorillas stay at lower altitudes in wet seasons |
| Trekking Difficulty | More physically demanding due to fast-moving chimps | Easier, as gorillas stay in smaller territories |
| Tourist Crowds | Fewer crowds in the rainy season | High demand during dry seasons |
Budget Travel Tip: Cheapest Time to See Chimps and Gorillas
If you are looking for a chimpanzee or gorilla safari that is affordable, you should think about traveling during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) when the following conditions are present:
In Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, permit charges can be reduced.
The off-season rates at lodges might be discounted by as much as thirty percent.
If there are less tourists, then the hiking experience will be more private.
It is important to note that the conditions for trekking will be more difficult, so you should be prepared for lengthier hikes and muck.
When Should You Go?
For simpler trekking and better wildlife observations, it is recommended to visit during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and from December to February.
The rainy season, which spans from March to May and October to November, is the ideal time to travel if you are on a budget and are willing to endure more challenging hiking conditions.
It is advisable to make reservations for gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda in advance, particularly during peak months.
When you go chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, you will get the opportunity to interact with some of the most incredible primates in the world. This is an experience that you will never forget, regardless of the time of year you go.
📅 Ready to Plan Your Primate Trekking Safari?
Our chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are fully customizable. For seamless bookings, contact your Chimps and Gorillas Specialist
