What is the best time of the year to go see gorillas in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking is a wildlife activity in which hikers traverse thick forests in pursuit of mountain gorillas in their natural environment, spending a brief period of time safely observing them. Mature travelers are more likely to possess the level of fitness and determination needed for the activity. Generally speaking, adults are more equipped to deal with muddy routes, insects, dense forests and steep inclines. Many travelers might need to know what is the best time of the year to see gorillas in Bwindi. Here is a well detailed blog for you.
African mountain gorillas can survive only in the wild. You can’t find them in a zoo, which makes trekking to see them in their natural habitat. A once in a lifetime journey. The best places to see mountain gorillas are Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. Gorilla trekking in mountainous rainforest often means hours of hiking. On steep, narrow footpaths and walking dense jungle behind a scout who slashes a path through the foliage with a machete. You need to be at least walking fit. The guides ensure you take plenty of breaks and properly equipped for a tough environment.
Gorilla trekking is more costly and unique since it allows you to interact with a species that looks and acts like people. Even though gorillas resemble humans, they are usually endangered animals, which makes seeing them even more enticing to tourists.
Best time to do gorilla trekking
Uganda and Rwanda share a common climate and although gorilla trekking is considered a year round activity, the best time to visit the rainforests is during one of the two seasons. The first runs from about the middle of December to the end of February and second from early June to late September. These periods are most comfortable for trekking.
Rain is an essential ecosystem in the Congo basin`s equatorial rainforest and its season can be aptly described as wetland and wettest. Gorilla trekking in Congo is easier during the low rainfall season, which runs from June to September and gentle rainfall season from December to February. July to August is considered the least wet and coolest time of the year.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit
In Uganda a gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents and citizens of the East African Community pay 300,000ugx
A Rwandan gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents. $500 for foreign residents and $200 for Rwandan and East African citizens.
How do gorillas behave?
Their family structure and conduct seem so familiar. The dominating silverback is constantly watching for any troublemakers, and you can witness cheeky and obstinate adolescents scaling small trees, nursing females, and adults grooming one another. The majority of the day is spent by gorillas eating and sleeping. Everybody in the group builds a nest for the night as the day comes to a conclusion. With the exception of the mothers who sleep with their babies.
A silverback gorilla is in charge of each gorilla troop. Silverback gorillas defend the family from wandering males and leopards, among other intruders. Silverback gorillas set an example and are charismatic leaders. Any disobedient group members are promptly brought to order. The silverback gorilla has exclusive access to all of the females in the group.
Why should you go for gorilla trekking?
Mountain gorillas can only be seen in the jungle. Because gorillas are rare, the thrill of seeing them in the jungle is exciting. All gorilla species are considered endangered and that alone makes spotting them in the wild special. Gorilla trekking is also important because it is one way of contributing to gorilla conservation. Mountain gorillas live at elevation of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. And trekking through steep slopes to find them promises to be an authentic jungle adventure. This is one of the reasons why anyone should take gorilla watching tour in Uganda.
You’re seemingly exhausting expedition will brighten up the airy jungle atmosphere as you see the black bodies against the green background emerge unexpectedly from the foliage. At first, it can seem like an impossible undertaking. The sense of success and breathtaking beauty that allows you to enjoy nature in its most unadulterated state are the hallmarks of bucket list activities
So, if you`re up for an unforgettable adventure, go see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It`s not just about seeing the largest primates on earth but also about experiencing the thrill of the African jungle and appreciating the beauty of Uganda.
Apart from gorilla trekking what are other activities to participate in Bwindi INP
Gorilla Habituation
Another fascinating activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the gorilla habituation experience. Wherein wild gorillas are tamed to become accustomed to human presence in order to be employed for trekking. Similar to gorilla trekking, the gorilla habituation experience begins early in the morning with an explanation of the guidelines, expectations, and rules. Following this, you will begin your daylong trip into the jungle. After locating the gorillas, you will get the opportunity to spend four hours in their natural habitat. Where you may observe and learn about their routines and behaviors.
Nature walks
Nature walk is an exciting activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will be able to explore the park on foot with the company of an experienced park guide and an armed park ranger.
Bird watching
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home of over 360 bird species including 23 of the Albertine rift endemics. During birding, you will be accompanied by an experienced bird guide who will guide you to spot different bird species.
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
During your safari, you can choose from a variety of lodging options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including budget, midrange, and luxury options. Ruhija community rest camp, Ichumbi lodge, Bwindi forest lodge. Rushaga gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Bwindi jungle view lodge, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Engagi lodge, Bwindi lodge, Buhoma lodge. Gorilla leisure lodge, Buhoma haven lodge, Bweza gorilla lodge, Gorilla valley lodge, Four gorillas lodge, Rushaga gorilla lodge, and Gorilla leisure lodge and are among the lodging options.
What is the best time of the year to see gorillas in Bwindi?
