When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park? Regardless of the seasons, Bwindi National Park is visited throughout the year. In Uganda, there are two seasons, to mention; the wet season and the dry season also known as the peak season. Depending on the interests and choices of the tourists. When booking a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi, it’s important to know when is best time to trek mountain gorillas.
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest during the dry season
Most people believe trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi is more fun during the dry season. There are two dry seasons in Uganda, which occur in December, January, and February in addition to June, July, August, and September. Given that Bwindi is a tropical rain forest, rainfall is uncommon during the dry season, though it does often occur. while in the dry season, trekking trails are dry to make it easy for trekkers to walk through the dense forests. During the dry season, the park’s vegetation cover is short that it allows for great photography opportunities and unobstructed views of the gorillas.
To avoid disappointment with last-minute bookings, most people reserve their gorilla trekking permits three to four months in advance of the start of the dry season. Since most visitors’ desire to visit the park during the dry season, gorilla trekking permits around that time sell out rapidly.
Eight individuals trek each of the 19 gorilla families that are sheltered in in Bwindi Forest, whereas four people trek each of the two families that are in the habituation process.
The four park sectors of Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija are home to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. Unlike other national parks, Bwindi national park has gorilla families that are undergoing the process of habituation. The Bikingi and Bushaho mountain gorilla families, located in the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi, are the two gorilla families undergoing acclimatization.
Gorilla trekking in Rainy season
In addition to the dry season, the rainy season in Bwindi offers mountain gorilla trekking. The dry season occurs in the months of March, April, May, October, and November. The park experiences a lot of rainfall during these months, which occasionally causes the trekking activities to be delayed. Due to the muddy and slippery trekking pathways, hikers’ speed is affected.
Additionally, the damp foliage makes it difficult to shoot park animals and results in unclear vistas. Lastly, poorly maintained roads going to the park cause travel delays.
Trekking mountain gorillas in any of the seasons of the year let it be the dry season or rainy season, be assured of seeing mountain gorillas. It is very rare to encounter mountain gorillas during the trekking activity but in case it happens you will be refunded your money or given another day to trek in case you have time on the safari.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi NP
In Bwindi, gorilla trekking takes place in the four sectors of Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Gorilla trekkers meet the park wardens at each sector’s briefing center for orientation regarding the rules and guidelines pertaining to the trekking activity. To hike with mountain gorillas, trekkers need to show the wardens their trekking licenses. As trekkers are dispersed into groups of eight, the trekkers receive instruction on the guidelines and rules of the gorilla trekking activity at the briefing.
Trekkers are led by armed ranger guides who conduct them through various trekking routes. While walking with the mountain gorillas, you may get to see other park animals, primates, and birds. The trekkers are allowed to spend one or four hours observing the mountain gorilla family as they go about their everyday lives, taking pictures, and learning about their customs. A chance is provided for those aiming for habituation to acclimate the mountain gorillas to human presence.
What should I bring on my Bwindi gorilla safari?
Waterproof hiking shoes, shirts, gaiters, rain jackets, warm sweaters, extra batteries, cameras, gardening gloves, binoculars, hats, sunscreen, water bottles, backpacks, energy-boosting snacks, face masks, long sleeves, and sanitizer all are highly recommended items that you should carry along with you to Bwindi National Park for Gorilla trekking safari.
Where to stay in Bwindi for a gorilla safari
The following lodging options are available in the Buhoma sector: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Ride 4 Women Guest House, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, and Bwindi View Bandas.
The following lodging options are available in the Rushaga sector: Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nshogi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
The following lodging options are available in the Ruhija sector: Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.
The following lodging options are available in the Nkuringo sector: Nshongi Camp, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, Mutanda Eco Community Center, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge.