August is peak season for gorilla trekking in Uganda: it is usually dry, trails are firm, and game viewing in the savanna parks is excellent. It is also the busiest month, when European summer holidays are in full swing, so gorilla permits (US$800) and the best lodges often sell out months ahead. Book four to six months in advance, and be flexible on sector. Towards the end of August, showers can start to return as the season moves towards the short rains.
Weather in August
Conditions are similar to July: cool mornings of around 10–15°C at Bwindi’s altitude, pleasant afternoons in the low 20s°C, and fewer rainy days than in the wet seasons. Late August sometimes brings the first showers ahead of the September–November rains. Roads are generally dry, which makes transfers faster, though dust can be heavy on unpaved sections. See our guide to weather at Bwindi.
Trekking and safari in August
Drier trails make the gorilla trek easier, though Bwindi’s slopes are always steep, and good light helps photography. In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, short grass and animals concentrated near water make game drives rewarding, and the Kazinga Channel and Nile boat trips are at their best. August is a natural month for a longer safari combining gorillas, chimpanzees and savanna parks; see our 14-day safari itinerary.
Booking in peak season
Secure the gorilla permit before anything else, as each family takes only eight visitors a day. Popular sectors such as Buhoma fill first; Rushaga, with the most families, usually has more availability. Lodges near the park gates also fill quickly, and prices for flights and accommodation are at their highest. The four-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience, with only four places per day, should be booked even earlier. See our guides to permit availability and booking step by step.
Tips for August
Pack warm layers for early starts and cold nights in the highlands, sun protection and a hat for the savanna, and a rain jacket in case of showers. Protect cameras from dust on game drives. Hire a porter for about US$15–20 to make the trek easier. If peak-season crowds and prices put you off, consider September, which is often similar in weather but slightly quieter.
Compare other months
Compare July and September, or read our main guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is usually dry with firm trails, but it is the busiest month of the year.
Often, for popular sectors. Book four to six months ahead.
Less than in the wet seasons, but showers are possible, especially late in the month.
US$800 for foreign non-residents.
