Uganda experiences two dry seasons, and January falls right in the middle of the first one. While Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are rainforests—meaning rain can happen anytime—January sees significantly lower rainfall.
Where to Go: Bwindi vs. Mgahinga
When planning gorilla trekking Uganda, you have two primary destinations. Both offer a 99% success rate in finding the gorillas, but the terrain and atmosphere differ.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heavy hitter. It houses nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
Located in the clouds of the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga is smaller but breathtaking.
Gorilla Permit Prices for 2026
Securing a permit is the most critical step of your journey. For the 2024-2026 period, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has set the following rates:
| Category | Permit Price (USD) |
| Foreign Non-Residents | $800 |
| Foreign Residents | $700 |
| Rest of Africa (ROA) | $500 |
| East African Citizens | UGX 300,000 |
Pro Tip: January is a peak month. We recommend booking your gorilla trekking Uganda permit at least 4 to 6 months in advance to secure your preferred sector.
What to Pack: January Essentials
January might be “dry,” but it is still a tropical jungle. Your packing list should prioritize protection and mobility:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The difficulty level is moderate to strenuous. It involves hiking through dense vegetation and steep ridges at altitudes ranging from 1,160m to 2,607m. If you have mobility concerns, you can hire a porter or use a “sedan chair” service.
Both are dry seasons. However, January is often slightly warmer and follows the “short rains” of December, meaning the landscape is incredibly lush and green, whereas June can be slightly busier with summer holiday travelers.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. This is strictly enforced to protect the gorillas from childhood diseases and to ensure participants can handle the physical demands of the trek.
Once your guide locates the gorilla family, you are allowed exactly one hour in their presence to observe, photograph, and learn about their social structure.
Mountain gorillas are generally gentle and shy. Habituation ensures they are used to human presence. However, your ranger will teach you “gorilla etiquette,” such as keeping a 10-meter distance and avoiding direct eye contact if a silverback approaches.
Final Thoughts: Booking Your 2026 Adventure
Gorilla trekking is a transformative experience that combines raw adventure with vital conservation. By visiting in January 2026, you are not only ensuring the best weather for yourself but also contributing to the protection of these majestic creatures.
Cate
Samuel
Get top notch safari advice: Call us or schedule a video meeting with our experts.
