The best time to visit Bwindi gorillas is something unpredictable but, the desire to achieve this enjoyable, memorable yet challenging experience determines when one should visit Uganda particularly Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world’s most celebrated home for mountain gorillas. It is located in south western Uganda and is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park seats on an area of 320 to 342 square kilometers and an altitude of 1.160 meters to 2,607 meters. It is characterized by deep valleys, rocky outcrops and steep ridges. It also has a tropical mountain climate with two rainy seasons (March to May and September to November). The annual rainfall received is between 1,400 and 2,300 mm. Temperatures range from a minimum.
Bwindi also have a variety of wildlife led by mountain gorillas, mammals such as colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, forest elephants and forest antelopes alongside birds and butterflies.
Best time to visit Bwindi gorillas: Understanding Bwindi’s Climate
For one to figure out the best time to visit Bwindi gorillas, they need to understand some climate facts about the national park. It seats in the highlands bordering DRCongo, making it a tropical rain forest whose climate if highly influenced by the altitude and the surrounding mountainous environment.
It is important to note that rainfall in the park happens throughout the year, which means that climate change is always expected even during the dry season. However, the park experiences both periods at different times.
June to August: This is a long dry season, the peak season that is considered most favorable for gorilla trekking experiences.
December to February: It is a shorter dry season, also good for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris.
March to May: This is when the park receives the longest rains. So, trails are usually muddy and slippery and transportation in general is challenging.
September to November: This is the period of short rains and the characteristics of the park during this time are the same as the long rains.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Gorillas
June to August
This is a popular time for tourism activities in Uganda. It is the main dry season making it an excellent time for travelers to come to the country to carry out different out door activities.
Why would one choose this period?
Comfortable trekking: During the dry season, there is minimal or no rainfall, which gives a successful trek without rain interruption.
Photography: The skies are clearer during this time and a good natural light allows beautiful photography of wildlife and landscapes to take place.
Good safaris: Travelers have this season to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris in other national parks.
Dry trekking trails: Trails during this period are characterized as dry and sturdy compared to those in the rainy season, which makes them easier to trek.
However during this time, Uganda experiences the highest number of visitors. This means that items such as gorilla permits and accommodation in and outside Bwindi are facing stiff competition. It is therefore recommended that travelers secure their permits and accommodation before the season is at hand.
Furthermore, it should also be noted that accommodation during this season is not only under competition but also expensive.
December to February
For those seeking adventure in the holiday season, this is the greatest time to visit Uganda-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also considered a good time to do gorilla trekking because the following reasons
Good temperatures: The temperatures during this time are warm during day and cool during the night.
Good hiking trails: During this time, hiking trails are very dry and favorable for hiking to located habituated gorilla families.
It is also a good season for combining gorilla trekking and other wildlife activities and also cultural tours.
March to May
In this time, Bwindi and Uganda at large receive the heaviest rains. Therefore, trails in the park are extremely muddy and slippery, which makes traveling and hiking very challenging. However, this main rainy season also has it pros as to why one can choose to trek gorillas during it.
Less crowds: The Park experiences fewer visitors during this time, which gives a more intimate wildlife experience.
Discounts: Uganda Wildlife Authority issues discounted gorilla trekking permits which are $600 for Foreign Non-Residents (FNR). There are specifically for the low season (April, May and November). Accommodation is also budget friendly in this time because there is no competition.
Beautiful scenery: The forest becomes lush, blooming and vibrant, creating an amazing spectacle worth photography.
Budget friendly: March to May is a great season for budget travelers, since all needed items for a trip to Bwindi are discounted. Considering the latest UWA rates, this is a great season to visit the species, alongside accommodation.
September to November
This is the second phase of the rainy in Bwindi. However, the rains are not as consistent as the main rainy season. It is therefore a comfortable month there are reasons as to why Bwindi can be visited during this time and these include:
Good photography: The Park gives an avenue for photography since the environment is greener and lush.
The forest is greener and attractive, making it easy to spot bird life.
Accommodation doesn’t have stiff competition compared to the dry season.
What to pack for a visit to Bwindi gorillas
There is a variety of items one needs to have a successfully visit Bwindi gorillas. These range from the permit to what you wear.
Gorilla trekking permit
Neutral colored- long sleeved shirt/blouse and trousers.
Camera and binoculars
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle with water
Energy drinks and snacks
Tips for a successful visit to Bwindi gorillas
Preparation is a key aspect for a successful visit to the endangered Bwindi gorillas.
Purchase permits in advance: The demand for gorilla permits especially in the peak season is very high. Therefore, it is important for one to have the permit purchased before June, July, August and mid-September.
Carry appropriate clothing: When heading for the trek, it is advisable to carry neutral colored long sleeved clothing. This is to keep one safe from scratches and bites during the activity.
Choose an appropriate trekking sector: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 sectors namely Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. These sectors are located in different districts and so, one must select a sector corresponding with their accommodation.
Abide by gorilla trekking rules and regulations: During the briefing session, the gorilla trekking rules and regulations of the activity are laid down. Therefore, for one safety and a successful gorilla trek, these must be followed.
Use a reputable tour operator: When booking a gorilla trekking safari, one should use a reputable tour company to provide services such as permit purchase, car and driver such as Silver back gorilla safaris.
Hire a porter: In case you need a porter, you can always hire one so that they carry your bag and also offer physical help especially when you encounter difficult trails.
Carry drinking water and snacks: The long walk is always exhausting and so some re-hydration and energy boosting will be needed. This can be done with guidance from a park ranger guide.
Conclusively, the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla trekking safari is during the dry season (June to August and December to February). The conditions of this time make gorilla trekking highly enjoyable, with minimal or no difficulty.
However, there is ideally no perfect time to visit Bwindi gorillas but rather, the visitor’s desires control when they should come. For first timers, the dry season is more ideal and for those seeking adventure, the rainy season can satisfactorily feed this urge.