When is the Ideal Time for Gorilla Trekking in Congo?
The optimal period for embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Congo is during its dry seasons. Given that Congo lies within the tropical belt, maintaining a tropical climate year-round, both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks share the same climatic conditions. These parks are susceptible to sporadic rainfall at any point during the day or week. The months that provide the most favorable conditions for gorilla trekking are those within the dry season: December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the trails are notably drier and more manageable to navigate compared to the wetter seasons. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, greatly enhancing the visibility for observing gorillas.
Conversely, the months of March, April, May, October, and November experience slightly higher levels of rainfall. Travelers generally tend to avoid planning gorilla trekking trips during these months. This is due to the fact that the lush vegetation, flourishing during these periods, can obscure visibility and render the trails more slippery, leading to more challenging trekking experiences.
For those eager to explore Virunga National Park and partake in gorilla trekking, there exists a special opportunity during the low season or wet season. Within this timeframe, specifically from mid-March to mid-May, and from mid-October to mid-December (from the 15th of March to the 15th of May and from the 15th of October to the 15th of December each year), a unique offer is available. During these months, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is reduced to USD 200 per person per trek.
