Updated
December is a popular month for gorilla trekking in Uganda: the short rains usually fade early in the month, trails dry out, and the drier season runs on into February. The permit costs US$800, and the Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest of the year, with international visitors and East African residents travelling at the same time, so book permits and lodges several months ahead. Early December can still be showery, but it is quieter and easier to book than the holiday weeks.
Weather in December
Temperatures at Bwindi are mild, around 10–15°C in the early morning and low 20s°C in the afternoon. The first part of December may bring the last showers of the short rains, while the second half is usually drier, though the rainforest can produce rain at any time. See our guide to weather at Bwindi.
Trekking and safari in December
As trails dry, treks become easier, and the gorillas are tracked every morning as usual. Savanna parks are green after the rains and good for game drives, and migrant birds are present, making December rewarding for birders. A gorilla trek combined with Queen Elizabeth, Kibale or Lake Bunyonyi works well. See our 12-day safari itinerary.
Christmas and New Year
From around 20 December to early January, demand peaks. Permits for popular sectors, and lodges near the park gates, can sell out months ahead, and flights are expensive. Roads and buses out of Kampala are busy before Christmas as people head home to their villages. Treks run on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and many lodges offer special dinners. See our guides to Christmas in Uganda and permit availability.
What to pack
Bring a rain jacket for early-month showers, waterproof boots, gloves, long trousers and sleeves, a warm layer for cool mornings, sun protection and insect repellent. A porter, at about US$15–20, makes the trek easier. See our packing list, compare November and January, or read our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is usually drying out, with good trails, but the holiday period is busy.
Yes. Treks run every day, including Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Four to six months, as permits and lodges fill early.
US$800 for foreign non-residents.
