Gorilla trekking In May is no different from that in April. The rains are still on, and the trails in the forest are slippery which makes it physically challenging (not impossible) to trek mountain gorillas.
Throughout the month of May, there is plenty of rainfall which can be very persistent. Trekking to see the gorillas might be difficult as the rainforest trails will be extremely muddy and slippery. However, if you don’t mind about the wet weather, then you may proceed with planning to go gorilla trekking in May.
THE UPSIDE (ADVANTAGE) OF TREKKING IN MAY
Gorilla permits are readily available. Unlike in the peak season months of December, January, Feb, June, July, and August when gorilla permits are very competitive to secure, November permits are often available and are less competitive to book. Gorilla trekking permits In Uganda cost USD600 per person to spend one (01) hour with a group of habituated gorillas in Uganda. However, the price with an increase to USD700 effective 01st/July/2020.
Great Discounts at Luxury lodges. To desire a nights’ stay at a luxury safari lodge is one thing, and to afford it is yet another. Luxury lodges like Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge offer great Low season November discounts.
Crowd-free Travel experience. Fewer people opt to travel in November, however those that do choose to do travel enjoy an exclusive crowd-free travel experience with fewer tourists – we like to call this the Penniless Exclusive travel time for one to enjoy a 5-star Gorilla Safari at the price of a budget safari. Our previous clients have actually found themselves trekking a private gorilla family with just the two of them before the gorillas No other tourists around to compete for photography space.
Treks Can Be short. During this time of the year, gorillas will often (but not always) stick to the lower slopes at this time, where it is warmer and food is more accessible for them. So treks can be shorter in terms of distance, although you can expect your fair share of mud and mess as you traverse the dense rainforests. It can and will still rain in May, so make sure you are prepared for this. Although it can rain at any time of the year, you are much more likely to encounter it at this time, and in longer bursts.
THE DOWNSIDE (DISADVANTAGE) OF TREKKING IN MAY
Obviously the first downside is that the month of May is in the rainy season, and the roads are challenging to navigate. However, taking a good 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser and an experienced local driver-guide is definitely the remedy.
Secondly, the trails in the forest are a lot more slippery than in the drier months. However, if you bring with you a pair of decent hiking boots (waterproof), take a local porter to assist you on the trek, and borrow/make use of the traditional free-of-charge walking stick provided at every gorilla trekking briefing point for extra walking support – you be just fine. While the local porter may cost extra ($15 – $20) they are remarkably necessary for two (02) main reasons:
Take a porter: Reasons why we recommend taking a local porter if you go gorilla trekking In May.
Continued gorilla conservation. A great number of the local porters are reformed poachers ( or Members of previously hunting families) who depended on the forest surrounding for a livelihood. This was however short-lived when the forest was gazetted as a national park. This then leaves them with not much to their livelihood. The $15 – $20 assists them with well-earned pocket cash to purchase household supplies like food etc – a gesture we like to think of as being a sustainable/responsible approach to conservation of the mountain gorilla and its habitat.
Local knowledge, and extra strength. They know the forest so well and have walked this terrain almost all their life. What better way to do this than use an experienced local guide who has walked the trails.
For further reading: Why use a porter for Gorilla Trekking In May
SAMPLE ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU GO GORILLA TREKKING IN MAY
Our 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari can start in either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe(Uganda). You will visit Bwindi Forest NP – home to over 500 Mountain gorillas for gorilla trekking which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tour can be arranged for Solo travellers, couples & small groups. Age limit is 15+ years.
