Gorilla Trekking In October: October is the start of the short rainy season characterised by unpredictable weather patterns of rains. It is also the shoulder season for Gorilla Trekking In both Rwanda & Uganda. Unlike the long rains in March and April, showers are often in quick heavy bursts, and shouldn’t affect your day too much.
At the worst, you could get some thunderstorm too, which can be incredibly dramatic, especially if you get to watch from the comfort of your lodge.
With the extra rains, the vegetation starts to flower, making landscapes variedly greener and beautiful The flowering of the plants is inviting to birdlife especially the colourful sunbirds that hop from plant-to-plant sucking out the sweet nectar. This in our opinion makes October an excellent month for gorilla trekking especially for passionate photographers who would love to capture the greener landscapes, and for birding.
Gorilla Permits for Trekking gorillas in October are generally available, and lodges will offer special discounts and rooms will readily be available and less competitive to book. Depending On when the rains start, the start of October could still be warm and dry making it an equally interesting time to go gorilla trekking. If going gorilla trekking In October, we recommend preparing for the rains; carry all relevant rain gear and trekking stuff; Read our article: The practical gorilla Trekking Packing list – it might be helpful.
THE ADVANTAGE OF GOING GORILLA TREKKING IN NOVEMBER
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 shoulder season October discounts.
Crowd-free Travel experience. Fewer people opt to travel in October, 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.
THE DISADVANTAGE OF GOING GORILLA TREKKING IN OCTOBER
Obviously the first downside is that October weather is unpredictable as it can start to rain and the roads could be challenging to navigate. However, a good 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser, driven by a well experienced local driver guide is definitely the remedy.
Secondly, the trails in the forest could get 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’ll be just fine. While the local porter may cost extra ($15 – $20) they are remarkably necessary for two (02) main reasons that we endeavour to explain below:
TAKE A PORTER: Reasons why we recommend taking a local porter if you go gorilla trekking In October.
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 November
OTHER THAN GORILLA TREKKING IN OCTOBER, WHAT MORE CAN I DO?
October is a good time to combine gorilla trekking with the wildlife in Kenya, and it is the start of a period for great diving and snorkelling on the Kenyan Coast, so we’d definitely recommend Kenya if you are looking for a gorilla, wildlife and beach experience. If you want to combine Rwanda with Uganda, there may be the chance of seeing some lion vs buffalo action in the far-flung remote Kidepo Valley National Park, and the other wildlife in parks such as Murchison Falls National Park worthwhile a visit.
READ & COMPARE: GORILLA TREKKING IN OCTOBER, WITH TREKKING IN OTHER MONTHS
SAMPLE ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE YOU
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.
