When to go to the DR. Congo
Generally, the best time to visit the DRC is from May to September – the dry season – with July as the driest month. Although gorilla permits are half the price in the “low” wet season, trekking can be treacherous due to the heavy rains. The line of the equator runs straight through the Democratic Republic of Congo so temperatures vary little throughout the year, only fluctuating by a few degrees. Two dry seasons occur annually, the first between January and February and the second between June and September. The rainy seasons occur in the intervening months: March-May and October-December. The consistent temperatures, the DRC is a viable destination for travellers at any time of the year and there are benefits to travelling in either season. Despite the predictability of the climate, embarking on a safari to Virunga is not a guarantee of sunshine and blue skies as DRC is generally overcast and there can be a high frequency of thunderstorms. Stretching across 3,000 square miles and reaching altitudes of 16,000 ft, this mountainous region often requires cold-weather preparation. The highest of the Rwenzori Mountains in the north are permanently snow-capped, while a hike up Mount Nyiragongo – an active volcano – will take you past 11,000 ft. Savannah sits alongside alpine forest in this wonderfully diverse jewel at the heart of Africa.
January to February and June to September – Dry Season
You are less at risk of intense and prolonged downpours than travelling in the rainy season but keep in mind that rain is still likely to fall occasionally; tropical rainforest is just one of the many landscapes and ecosystems present within Virunga’s borders. Tracking down mountain gorillas, an indisputable highlight of a trip to the DRC, can potentially take longer than during the rainy season. The drier months drive the gorillas to higher altitudes, requiring longer climbs. But with firmer ground underfoot, you’ll not have to contend with too much slipping
and sliding. Gorilla permits are pricier during the dry ‘high’ season, costing $400 per permit and are always on high demand, compared to low demand in the wetter months.
March to May and October to December – Wet Season
Making the choice to endure regular rainfall has its benefits; permits are half the price and Virunga’s mountain gorillas tend to forage at lower altitudes and range shorter distances for food during the rainy season. Cold, overcast weather also encourages the groups to stay in their nests in the morning, reducing the amount of tracking needed to locate them. Despite being less physically demanding, wet weather can make for treacherous trekking as the ground becomes increasingly sodden with water. After a rainstorm passes, beautifully clear views can provide the perfect opportunity for crystal-clear photography
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