Gorilla Trekking in June: The Start of the Long Dry Season
Gorilla Trekking in June: A Perfect Time to Begin the Adventure
June marks the start of Uganda and Rwanda’s long dry season, a period that many travelers consider the best time of year for gorilla trekking. After the heavy rains of March, April, and May, the forest begins to dry, making the trails more accessible and the experience less physically demanding. Skies are clearer, humidity is slightly lower, and the forest floor, though still damp in places, is firmer underfoot. This combination of pleasant weather and manageable trekking conditions makes June one of the most popular months for gorilla adventures.
Preparing for the June Trek
Your trekking day begins at dawn with breakfast at your lodge before heading to the park headquarters. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, rangers and guides hold a mandatory briefing. They remind trekkers of key rules—maintaining at least seven meters of distance from gorillas, avoiding flash photography, and minimizing noise in the forest.
In June, groups are often larger because this is peak tourist season. Gorilla permits sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential. The energy at the headquarters feels lively, with trekkers from around the world gathering to begin their journeys. Behind the scenes, trackers who set off before sunrise radio in updates about the gorillas’ last known positions, giving your group the best chance of locating them quickly.
Trekking in June’s Dry Season
As you set out into the forest, the difference between June and the rainy months is immediately noticeable. The trails, though still rugged and demanding, are far less muddy, making each step steadier and less strenuous. In Bwindi, the steep ascents and descents remain challenging, but the firmer ground makes the hike more enjoyable. In Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park, the bamboo forests feel lighter and drier, with fewer slipping hazards.
The forest atmosphere in June is vibrant yet clearer. The rains have left behind fresh greenery, but the canopy allows more light to filter through, creating excellent conditions for photography. Wildlife activity is strong, with birds, monkeys, and butterflies frequently spotted along the trek. The cool mornings make hiking pleasant, though the afternoons can grow warm under direct sun.
The Gorilla Encounter in June
When the guides signal that the gorilla family is near, anticipation builds. Suddenly, the silverback emerges from the foliage, powerful and calm, while mothers nurture their infants and juveniles tumble about in playful chases. In June, visibility is generally better than in the misty or rainy months, giving trekkers an ideal opportunity to observe and photograph the gorillas.
The hour spent with them feels timeless. Every detail—from the silverback’s dominant stance to the gentle grooming rituals among females—can be observed with clarity. For photographers, June is a gift: natural light is brighter, shadows are softer, and the ground is dry enough to kneel or shift for the perfect shot without sinking into mud.
The Return Journey
After an hour, the group withdraws quietly, leaving the gorillas undisturbed. The trek back is usually less tiring than in the rainy months, with firmer trails making the descent smoother. The sense of accomplishment is palpable, especially as trekkers return to headquarters for their certificates—a symbol of having experienced one of the rarest wildlife encounters on earth.
For many, June is also the perfect month to extend their adventure. Uganda’s savannah parks, such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, are at their best, with shorter grass and concentrated wildlife around water sources. Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu offer beautiful, sunlit retreats after the trek, balancing the intensity of the forest with tranquil relaxation.
Why June Is One of the Best Months for Gorilla Trekking
June combines the advantages of good weather, clearer visibility, and firmer hiking conditions, making it one of the top months for gorilla trekking. The forest is lush from the recent rains, but trails are more accessible, and encounters are easier to photograph. The trade-off is that June is part of the high season, meaning higher demand, fully booked permits, and sometimes higher accommodation costs.
Still, for those seeking the ideal balance of comfort and adventure, June delivers spectacularly. It is a month when trekking feels less like a battle with the elements and more like a pure celebration of the forest, its beauty, and the extraordinary gorillas who call it home.
