When to go Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda
When to go Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the frequently asked question by travellers planning their gorilla trip in the country. In Uganda, gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year. However, June, July, August, September, and December are the best months to go gorilla trekking. Trekking and seeing the gorillas is made easier by the dryness in parks and less rain. The average temperature in Bwindi is around 11°C (52°F) in the morning and 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon throughout the year.
- January and February: Off-peak months with less crowds. very little.
- March, April, and May: These receives a lot of rain and the slippery slopes pose the biggest challenge during the trek.
- June, July, and August; are regarded the Peak season as permits are scarce during this time, it’s essential to purchase them in advance.
Visitors can take advantage of discounts on accommodation and various forest activities during the wet season. However, during the rainy season, there is a lot of rainfall, which makes the walking routes muddy and slick.
The park’s roads are inaccessible, the foliage is thick, and it is difficult to see the forest creatures. Because the park is home to migrating birds, birdwatchers may visit Bwindi Forest during the rainy season to see a wider variety of birds.
Gorilla Safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The smallest national park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is situated in the country’s southwest and spans 33.9 km². One of the few national parks in the world that is home to mountain gorillas is this one, which was established in 1991. The park is also fortunate to have Golden Monkeys, a rare species of primates that are also present in Volcanoes National Park.
Unique features like Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura, which are located in the Virunga Ranges that border Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, are another blessing of Mgahinga National Park. When tourists hike these Virunga mountains, they are often ecstatic.
The only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park that is accessible to trekkers is the Nyakagezi family. Because of its habituation, tourists have a significant advantage when it comes to interacting with the endangered gorilla species in their natural habitat.
Since every gorilla family is made up of different people, Nyakagezi is made up of nine members: two female adults, one adolescent, four silver, and two young. Each of these dominating silverbacks has a distinctive moniker that varies based on the generations and occasionally the persons that deal with them, particularly for research and habituation purposes.
Among the places in Africa where endangered mountain gorillas are found are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo. At the park headquarters, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins in the morning with a briefing on the park’s policies. Following the briefing, you will begin hiking into the forest with a knowledgeable guide. Depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, which prefer to roam around in quest of food, this process might take anything from thirty minutes to seven hours.
Other primate species, birds, various plant and tree species, and more can all be seen while trekking. After the gorillas are located, you are allowed to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat, where you can observe their habits, behaviors, and play as well as take pictures and document the moments.
Where to Stay on your Gorilla Trekking safari to Bwindi
Buhoma sector- When to go Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, and Ride 4 Women Guest House, Haven Lodge, among others.
Accommodation options in the Ruhija sector:
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, and Trekkers Tavern
Rushaga sector:
Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.
Accommodations in the Nkuringo sector include the following:
Virunga Campsite, Nshongi Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and the Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
