Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible all year for wildlife watching and gorilla adventure safaris, with the finest months being June to August and December to February. During this time, there is less rain, and the forest routes are neither impassable nor slippery. The dry months are June to August and December to February. March to April and September to November are often rainy months, although they are ideal for bird viewing.
The best months to visit are June through August and December through February (when the trails are drier and gorilla trekking is easier). Peak season is from June through September. March, April, May, October, and November are low season or rainy season and several campgrounds and lodges are closed. Best months for weather: June, July, and December to February when there is less rain. Worst weather conditions: March to May and September to November; heavy rains make paths difficult to navigate.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the dry season.
June to August and December to February
The days are bright throughout this season, and wildlife watching is at its peak. This is the greatest time to go gorilla tracking in Bwindi. Make careful to bring thick clothing because it may get quite chilly, especially at night. And because the sun might burn you, water is also required. Because there are fewer mosquitos during the dry season, the chances of contracting malaria are substantially reduced. It is normal to encounter other visitors in the park or along the gorilla trekking trails during peak season in June and July.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the rainy season.
March to May and September to November
It is frequently foggy and damp throughout these months. It can also rain for days on end. Because there are migrating birds in the park during this time, this is the finest month for bird viewing. Gorillas may also be monitored during this period; however, access roads may be difficult to use and trails may become slick, making tracking difficult. Some campgrounds and lodges may be closed, especially between the months of March and May. Warm clothes are essential throughout this season.
Mountain gorillas can be seen in the wild in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are two primary starting sites for this: Buhoma and Nkuringo. It is found at high altitudes with deep valleys. Bwindi is the area’s sole remaining primary forest. A gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the ideal way to have a riveting and unique trip.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 19 habituated gorilla groups, 15 of which are exposed to tourists. Visitors to the park may undertake gorilla trekking in four separate sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking is done in groups of 8 people per gorilla family/group. Each gorilla trekking family is only allowed one hour in the company of the gorillas. Trekking begins at 8 a.m., but trekkers should arrive at the park’s headquarters at 7 a.m. for a briefing by the park’s senior ranger.
Visitors are divided into tracking groups based on the gorilla group they will be tracking. Each gorilla trek party includes an expert guide, an armed ranger, and porters to carry your bags if you hired one.
Gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in an impenetrable forest may be a strenuous exercise because the routes are often steep and slippery. Because gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest requires trudging through dense forest foliage, gorilla trekkers must be physically strong and healthy.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable national park can take 4-8 hours of tracking a gorilla family, and if a gorilla group is discovered, trekkers are only allowed an hour in their midst. This is the highlight of every gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, and tourists may use the chance to photograph and film the gorillas. It is crucial to remember, however, that flash photography is not permitted while the gorillas are present. Always make an effort to turn off the flash on your phone and camera.
How many Gorilla families are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to approximately 19 habituated mountain gorilla families, including the Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Bikyingi, Mucunguzi, and Rwigi gorilla families.
The Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to four habituated gorilla families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe.
The Nkuringo sector, located farther south of the national park, is home to three habituated gorilla groups: the Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas families.
The Ruhija sector, located in the park’s eastern part, is home to four habituated mountain gorilla families: Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and the Mukiza family.
How much is a gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable national park cost 700 USD per person, and travelers are recommended to purchase them 4-6 months in advance due to the great demand for gorilla trekking in Uganda over Rwanda and Congo. Most tourists benefit from the fact that the permit charge covers park admission costs, guide fees, and a contribution to the development of adjacent towns.
For a cost of $1500 USD, the park also provides gorilla habituation experiences. This activity allows visitors to participate in gorilla habituation programs in the park, where they may assist in integrating gorillas with people with a team of highly trained and experienced park employees. This exercise also includes viewing gorillas in their natural habitat, as well as tracking their activities and food habits.
Visitors to Bwindi National Park can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas during the gorilla habituation experience. The gorilla habituation experience takes place in the Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and begins at 7:30 a.m.
What to wear during gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
When visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a gorilla trekking safari, travelers are advised to take light clothing for warm weather because temperatures in the area are high. However, bring a raincoat in case of emergency, as you will be in a forest where it might rain at any time. Pack a nice pair of hiking boots, sunblock lotion, and a water bottle/mineral water to stay hydrated on your hike.
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
There are several lodging options for visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on the guest’s tastes, these accommodations range from luxury to mid-range to economy lodging. Among these are Bwindi Gorilla Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Gorilla Resort Bwindi, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Haven Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mantana Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge and Sanctuary Bwindi Gorilla Camp.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by both road and air. Entebbe International Airport is the major entry point into Uganda, and it is around an 8-10-hour journey to Bwindi National Park. Alternatively, for an additional price, one can charter an aircraft to Kihihi or Kisoro and then drive to Bwindi. It takes roughly 1½ hours to drive from Kihihi airstrip to the park headquarters in Buhoma, and 3½ hours to go from Kisoro to Buhoma in Bwindi.
It takes roughly 8½ hours to drive from Kampala to Buhoma in Bwindi through the Kabale-Mbarara route. If you use the Masaka-Mbarara highway, it would take you 9-10 hours to get to the park’s headquarters in Buhoma.
Travelers can also reach Bwindi through the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This drive will take you around 2-4 hours to get to the Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
