BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rainfall is the main factor to consider when deciding the best time for gorilla trekking. Furthermore the heavy rains result in slippery and challenging hiking trails. It can rain at any time of the year but June to August and December to January have less rain and are therefore considered the best time to go. Lastly the park stays open throughout the year.

ACTIVITIES IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Birding Watching Safaris 

Bwindi should be on every birder’s itinerary. The park offers some of the best montane-forest (mountain-forest) bird watching in Africa. There are an estimated 350 bird species. With 14 not recorded anywhere else in Uganda. There are 23 birds unique to the Albertine Rift (which is 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics) for instance Neumann’s warbler and blue-headed sunbird. Additionally Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Best Time for Bird Watching Safari 

The birdlife in Bwindi is good year-round but at its best in March and September. June and July have the least rain while March to mid-May has the most. Heavy rains might interfere with your bird-watching time. The main nesting season is in May and June, with food being abundant from late May through September.

Migratory birds, though not a significant part of Bwindi’s attraction to birders, are present from November to April.

Best Time to Visit 

 Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year long. But the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier.

Weather & Climate 

 Bwindi has a wet and mild climate. Temperatures remain consistent year-long due to its short distance from the equator. Daytime temperatures of around 23°C/73°F are usual, with a significant drop at night to around 11°C/52°F.

Bwindi receives a lot of rain throughout the year. The months of June and July receive the least rain. From March to May and October to November the rainfall is highest. Waterproof clothing and hiking shoes are essential.

Dry seasons – June to August and December to February

June, July & August – June and July are the driest months, but it can still rain. By August the rains start to increase. The average temperatures range from 23°C/73°F in the afternoon to 11°C/52°F in the morning. It gets even colder at higher altitudes.

December, January & February – A short drier spell, but rainfall can occur at any time. The rains slow by December and increase in February. Daytime temperatures average around 24°C/75°F, with morning temperatures around 11°C/64°F.

Wet seasons – March to May and September to November

March, April & May – Rainfall increases and usually peaks in April. Navigating the road to Bwindi can become difficult, so a 4×4 is essential. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The forest trails become slippery and more difficult to hike. Daytime temperatures average around 23°C/73°F, with morning temperatures around 12°C/54°F.

September, October & November – These months are wetter, with October and November experiencing high rainfall. Sometimes it drizzles continuously for days. Daytime temperatures are around 23°C/73°F. Forest trails can become slippery after rains.

 

How to get Get there 

 There are mainly four discrete trailheads for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. These are Buhoma and Ruhija in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. They are several hours apart by road. If visited as part of a Ugandan tour, Buhoma. The main gorilla trekking trailhead can be reached from Queen Elizabeth NP in two to three hours (from the Ishasha sector) or five to six hours (from more northerly sectors). It is five to seven hours by road from Lake Mburo NP to the various trailheads. If coming straight from Entebbe or Kampala, the trip by road will take about eight to ten hours. During the rainy season, travel by 4WD vehicle is necessary for some trailheads. Bwindi can also be reached by a scheduled or chartered flight. Kihihi is the closest airport to the Buhoma and Ruhija trailheads, Kisoro for the more southerly Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is where most visitors enter the country. It is about 46km/29mi from the capital city of Kampala. It is possible to fly by a domestic carrier from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi Airfield) to Kihihi or Kisoro near Bwindi. Chartered flights to Bwindi can also be booked.

 

Malaria & Safety 

In our opinion, Bwindi is comparable to most parks and reserves, in that you can visit it safely. The list of people whom you will encounter includes a staff of parks, camps and tour operators, as well as other tourists such as yourself.

Malaria & Vaccinations 

It is advised that you take measures against malaria as well as have certain vaccinations, which your local doctor or travel clinic can administer. You can protect yourself from malaria risk by using a mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective), covering up in the evening and by taking antimalarial medication.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris – Bwindi Gorillas

There is always potential for danger when you are close to wildlife. But these risks can be limited greatly by following your guide’s safety instructions and by being aware of the ‘Gorilla Trekking Safety

Gorilla Trekking Safety Precautions

Gorilla trekking is considered very safe. Dangerous incidents are virtually unheard of. Visitors are taken to habituated gorilla troops by experienced park rangers. These gorillas see people every day and they’ve learned that people are no threat to them. They mostly ignore humans although young gorillas might sometimes show some curiosity.

Mountain gorillas are, in essence, gentle giants. They show little aggression toward each other and their overall vibe is very peaceful.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.

Stay together as a group with your guide.

Always keep the recommended distance (at least 7m / 23 ft). Wait for your guide’s instruction if a gorilla approaches you.

In the rare occasion of a gorilla charging, crouch down slowly, look down and wait for further instruction from your guide.

Never look a gorilla in the eyes.

Don’t make any quick movements and keep your voice down.

Never block the path of gorillas when they are walking.

Don’t use a flash when photographing.

Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. Never visit if you are ill and turn away if you need to cough.

If you need to go to the toilet, dig a hole in the ground and cover it up.

Never take food or drink close to gorillas. You can leave your daypack behind with the trackers when you approach the animals. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Cover your arms and legs to avoid nettle stings and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes (those containing DEET are most effective).

Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Wear sturdy walking shoes, waterproof clothing, and bring a waterproof bag for your camera and other belongings.

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We believe in value for money. Every guest would like to have the most reliable and comfortable vehicles on safari. In response to the clients’ needs, we have a very strict vehicle replacement policy that ensures a young fleet at all times. We have a total fleet of 225 well-maintained motor vehicles, predominantly 4-wheel drives. This does away with the problem of sub-contracting vehicles and driver-guides, which may compromise the quality of services. Our safari vehicles are specifically converted for maximum space and comfort. All of them have hatched roof and sliding windows to facilitate good viewing and convenient photography during game drives and sight seeing.