This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas, and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Baywa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops and village walks.
Pros:
Cons
March to May and September to November: Wet season
Pros:
Cons:
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.
The main attraction in Bwindi is its mountain gorillas. Of its population of approximately 400 individuals, more than a hundred are habituated. Bwindi has more than 120 mammal species, the second most of any park in Uganda (after Queen Elizabeth NP). Most of these are small forest species. The elephant is the only one of the Big Five that is present, although they are rarely seen. More regularly encountered are some of the six antelope species, which include bushbuck and several types of duikers.
Bwindi has a wet, yet 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. The altitude in Bwindi is varied, from 1,300 to 2,462m (4,265-8,553ft). This results in wide climatic variations within the park, as the temperature is lowered by about 6.5°C for every 1000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1000ft). Tourists mostly visit the area of lower altitude.
Rain can happen anytime in Bwindi, as there is no real Dry season. The months of June and July receive the least rain, while there is a period of lesser rainfall from December to February. From March to May and October to November the rainfall is highest. It is recommended to pack waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes that are suitable for walking wet forest trails.
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.
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.
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 staff of parks, camps and tour operators, as well as other tourists such as yourself.
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 which contains at least 30% DEET, covering up in the evening and by taking antimalarial medication.
Bwindi has a wet, yet 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. The altitude in Bwindi is varied, from 1,300 to 2,462m (4,265-8,553ft). This results in wide climatic variations within the park, as the temperature is lowered by about 6.5°C for every 1000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1000ft). Tourists mostly visit the area of lower altitude.
Rain can happen anytime in Bwindi, as there is no real Dry season. The months of June and July receive the least rain, while there is a period of lesser rainfall from December to February. From March to May and October to November the rainfall is highest. It is recommended to pack waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes that are suitable for walking wet forest trails.