April to October

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between the months of April to October, particularly so between Aug and Oct/Nov, with June and July more traditionally known as the ‘short dry season’.

However, whilst these act as good guidelines, it does not guarantee that you will not experience rain outside of these months, as May for example is known as the ‘short rainy season’. However even when the average rainfall increases at this time of year, it does not rain every day and there are advantages; most excursions are conducted under the forest canopy so when it does rain you are protected. Clear skies make for excellent lighting conditions for wildlife photography in the Dzanga Bai and the rainforest is fruiting, so the lowland gorillas track well and are more easily visible as they search for food in the trees.

November to March

When the average rainfall starts to decline between the months of November and March wildlife viewing is generally good in the Dzanga Bai, and the lowland gorillas tend to spend more time on the ground in patches of forest. In particular, the best conditions tend to be between Januaary and February, but one should bear in mind that rainfall is still possible even during these times.