Overview - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.

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.

  • Best Time To Go June to August & December to February
  • High Season June to September
  • Size 331 Sq KMs

Pros & Cons

June to August and December to February: Dry season

Pros:

  • Gorillas are easier to track, and the trails are drier
  • There are more sunny days

Cons

  • It is hazy, and the views are less spectacular

March to May and September to November: Wet season

Pros:

  • Gorillas can be tracked any time of the year
  • Many localized forest birds are in the breeding season and easily located

Cons:

  • Some access roads may become hard to travel as the trails become slick
  • The chance of tracking gorillas in the rain is high and this might interfere with the experience and taking photos
  • It tends to be misty and wet
 

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.

Wildlife

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.

Weather & Climate

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.

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Best time to Visit- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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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.

  • Best Time June to August & December to February
  • High Season June to September
  • Low Season March,April,May,October & November
  • Best Weather June,July & December to February
  • Worst Weather April,May & September to November

Best time to Visit - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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.

Dry Season

  • 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 Season

  • March, April & May – Rainfall increases and usually peaks in April. Navigating the road to Bwindi can become difficult, so a 4x4 is essential. 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.

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 staff of parks, camps and tour operators, as well as other tourists such as yourself.

Malaria & Vaccines

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.

Weather And Climate

 

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.