Gorilla Trekking in September: A Shift Toward the Short Rains
Gorilla Trekking in September: Between Seasons
September sits at an interesting crossroads in the gorilla trekking calendar. It follows the peak months of June, July, and August but arrives just before the rains begin in earnest in October. This gives it a unique balance: trails are still relatively dry, visibility remains good, and the weather is mostly cooperative, yet the atmosphere is quieter as crowds thin compared to the height of the dry season.
For travelers who prefer fewer people on the trails but still want reasonably easy trekking conditions, September offers one of the best compromises of the year. It is a month when the forest feels more serene, the gorilla encounters more personal, and the overall experience less rushed.
The Trekking Experience in September
Your day begins as always with a briefing at the park headquarters. Unlike the bustling scenes of July and August, September often feels calmer, with smaller groups and a more relaxed energy. Rangers explain the rules, guides prepare trekkers for the terrain, and trackers update the team on gorilla locations.
The trails in September are still manageable, with much of the dryness from the long dry season holding on. Bwindi’s slopes remain challenging but not overwhelmingly muddy, while Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park retain their clear bamboo paths. However, trekkers should be prepared for occasional showers, especially toward the second half of the month, when the short rains begin to make their presence felt. These showers are usually brief, refreshing the forest without overwhelming the trek.
The Gorilla Encounter in September
September gorilla encounters are especially rewarding because of the calmer trekking atmosphere. With fewer groups competing for the same gorilla families, there’s often a stronger sense of intimacy during the one-hour experience. The gorillas themselves remain active, foraging on abundant vegetation that is beginning to sprout after the first light rains.
Photographers appreciate September for its mix of clear lighting and occasional misty backdrops. The balance between dry skies and light showers creates unique conditions for dramatic and varied photos. A silverback framed against sun-dappled leaves in one moment and misty rainforest air in the next makes September particularly photogenic.
Beyond the Trek: September’s Travel Opportunities
Because September marks the tail end of the high season, it’s an excellent time to combine gorilla trekking with other adventures at slightly reduced costs compared to July and August. In Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers prime wildlife viewing, with animals still gathered near water sources. In Rwanda, Lake Kivu is quieter, offering peaceful boat rides and lakeside relaxation.
Those extending their travels to Kenya or Tanzania also find September rewarding, as the Great Migration is still active, with dramatic river crossings continuing into early October. This makes it possible to pair gorilla trekking with one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife spectacles.
Why Choose September for Gorilla Trekking
September offers the best of both worlds: much of the comfort of the dry season combined with fewer crowds and slightly better availability of permits and accommodations. While the risk of rain increases toward the end of the month, it is not enough to disrupt the trekking experience, and in fact, it adds to the forest’s freshness and vibrancy.
For travelers who want to avoid the intensity of peak season but still enjoy relatively dry conditions and beautiful gorilla encounters, September is a golden choice. It is a month of transition, balance, and quieter beauty—perfect for those who prefer their gorilla trekking experience to feel both adventurous and deeply personal.
