Updated
The full moon makes no real difference to a gorilla trek. Mountain gorillas are active by day and sleep in nests at night, and there is no published evidence that the moon changes how far they travel or how they behave when visitors arrive. What does matter is rain, the fruiting season, the family’s social situation and the terrain of your sector. The moon is worth thinking about only if you want bright nights for evening walks or dark skies for stars.
Why the moon matters little for gorillas
Moonlight changes the behaviour of many nocturnal animals, because it affects how easily they find food and how visible they are to predators. Gorillas are different: they feed, travel and socialise in daylight, build a nest each evening and stay in it until dawn. Because their daily cycle follows sunrise and sunset, which change very little on the equator, the moon’s phase has little to work on.
What actually affects your trek
Heavy rain makes gorillas huddle and move less, and makes trails slippery. When certain trees are fruiting, families may travel further or climb into trees to feed. Interactions with other groups, or a new silverback, can keep a family on the move. Above all, the family you are assigned and its location that morning decide if your walk takes one hour or five. See our guide to how far you walk on a gorilla trek.
When the moon does matter
Around the full moon, night walks near lodges and night drives in savannah parks are brighter, though some nocturnal animals become more cautious. Around the new moon, skies are darker for stargazing and night photography, especially away from Bwindi’s frequent cloud. Our guides to night safari animals and night photography in Uganda have tips.
Choosing your dates
Pick dates by season and permit availability, not the moon. The drier months, June to September and December to February, are easiest underfoot. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that it does; gorillas are active by day and sleep at night.
No. Choose dates by season and permit availability.
It makes them brighter, though some nocturnal animals become more cautious.
Around the new moon, on clear nights away from towns.
