Best Time for Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest Migration Safari

For travelers who dream of combining Africa’s two most iconic wildlife experiences — gorilla trekking in the misty rainforests of Central and East Africa, and the Great Wildebeest Migration across the vast plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara — timing is everything. These two natural wonders occur in distinct regions and follow unique seasonal patterns, so planning your trip at the right time ensures you experience both at their best. Whether you wish to stand face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in Uganda or Rwanda and then witness millions of wildebeests thunder across the Mara River in Kenya or Tanzania, this guide explains the best time of year for a combined Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration Safari.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Where to Go

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park.
DR Congo: Virunga National Park (for adventurous travelers).

Best Months for Gorilla Trekking

The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons when forest trails are easier to navigate and gorilla viewing conditions are ideal: June to September and December to February. During these periods, the forests are less muddy, visibility is better, and trekking routes are more accessible. However, gorilla trekking happens all year round, as the gorillas remain within their forest territories regardless of the weather.

What to Expect in Each Season

Dry Season (June–September & December–February):
Easier trekking with firm trails and clearer forest paths.
Fewer chances of heavy rain during your trek.
Peak travel season, so gorilla permits and lodges must be booked early.

Wet Season (March–May & October–November):
Trails are muddier and more slippery, but gorillas are often closer since vegetation is abundant.
Fewer tourists and discounted accommodation rates.
Great time for photographers seeking lush green backdrops and misty forest scenes.

Tip: Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers gorilla trekking in four regions (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), providing flexibility in planning. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers shorter hikes and easier accessibility from Kigali — ideal for travelers short on time.

Best Time for the Wildebeest Migration

Where to Go

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park (southern, central, western, and northern regions).
Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a continuous year-round movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, following the rains in search of greener pastures. However, specific months offer the best opportunities to witness key migration events — from calving to dramatic river crossings.

Month-by-Month Migration Highlights

January to March – Calving Season (Southern Serengeti, Tanzania)
Location: Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Thousands of calves are born daily — over 400,000 in February alone.
Predators such as lions and cheetahs are highly active, making this a thrilling time for wildlife photography.

April to June – The Long March North (Central & Western Serengeti)
Herds begin migrating northwest through the central plains toward the Grumeti River.
May to June sees the first river crossings at the Grumeti — less crowded than the Mara River.
Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists make this a great value period.

July to October – The Great Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara)
Location: Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya).
The most dramatic part of the migration — thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave the crocodile-filled Mara River.
Expect intense predator action, incredible photography, and high drama as herds surge between Tanzania and Kenya.
This is the peak safari season and requires early bookings.

November to December – The Return South (Eastern & Central Serengeti)
The herds return south as short rains refresh the plains.
Wildlife viewing remains excellent, with greener landscapes and fewer crowds.

Combining Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration

Combining both experiences is entirely possible — and deeply rewarding — if you plan your safari around East Africa’s dry season months when both activities are at their best.

Best Combined Travel Windows

June to September (Peak Season Combo)
Gorilla Trekking: Dry and clear conditions in Uganda or Rwanda.
Wildebeest Migration: River crossings in the Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya).
Highlights: Ideal for travelers who want to experience both gorillas and the most dramatic phase of the migration in one trip.
Perfect Itinerary Example:
4 Days Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.
5–7 Days Safari in Serengeti or Masai Mara for river crossings.

December to February (Quiet Season Combo)
Gorilla Trekking: Short dry season — excellent forest conditions.
Wildebeest Migration: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti.
Highlights: Best time for predator action and newborn calves, with lush scenery and fewer crowds than the mid-year peak.
Perfect Itinerary Example:
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
6 Days Serengeti & Ngorongoro Calving Season Safari.

Travel Tips for a Combined Safari

Book gorilla permits early — Uganda ($800) and Rwanda ($1,500) permits sell out fast during peak months.
Use regional flights between Entebbe, Kigali, Arusha, and Nairobi to save time.
Pack for two climates: waterproof boots and jackets for gorilla trekking, light clothing for the savannah.
Choose multi-destination operators who handle both regions for seamless logistics.
Include a relaxation stop at Lake Bunyonyi or Zanzibar between the two adventures.

Why This Combination Is Special

Few travel experiences on Earth can compare to the emotional depth of gorilla trekking and the breathtaking scale of the wildebeest migration. One moment, you’re standing in silent awe as a mountain gorilla gazes into your eyes in the misty forests of Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park; the next, you’re watching thousands of wildebeests thunder across the Mara River, pursued by crocodiles and lions.

This combination captures the intimate and the immense — from personal encounters with primates to the grand drama of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle.