Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in August
Bwindi gorilla trekking in August, the peak dry month, comes with ideal conditions for you to navigate through the forest to see gorillas. A gorilla tour in Bwindi in August increases visitor chances to witness mountain gorillas in the natural environment. The weather conditions are generally favourable for all tourists since gorilla trekking involves active hiking or walking through the lush forest and higher elevation before finding mountain gorillas.
In August, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park experiences long sunny days and promises guests an excellent photography experience. If you love taking pictures of wildlife and especially primates like mountain gorillas are your focus, then you should consider booking with Native Africa Tours for your August gorilla trekking expedition.
The beauty of August is that Bwindi experiences low rainfall. In the course of the day, expect fewer chances of heavy rainfall that could cause disruptions during your gorilla adventure. The trails remain long and drier than during the wet months.
What to expect during Bwindi gorilla trekking in August
Peak month. The peak season in Bwindi stretches up to August. What this means is that the demand tends to be higher on gorilla permits and other essential amenities. You should plan on securing some of these items in advance before the actual date of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
High cost. The lodges and transport logistics remain at a constant rate. Expect no discounted offers in August when it comes to gorilla tours or any other kind of vacation in Uganda. This usually comes as a result of high demand for gorilla permits and other amenities.
Explore the rainforest with the possibility of rain. The largest section of Bwindi is a rainforest, and by nature of this kind of habitat, you should be prepared for any occasional showers. And this is why you should consider packing the right gear, like waterproof walking boots and a raincoat/jacket.
Easier gorilla trekking sessions. The favourable weather conditions that come with August make it the best time for you to enjoy easier treks with mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park.
Weather Pattern in August
Around August, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park records afternoon temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius in the morning. The park enjoys stable weather conditions with minimal rainfall recorded.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guide
When it comes to gorilla safaris in Bwindi, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga are the ideal regions to consider. Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an amazing destination with higher opportunities for tourists to enjoy gorilla treks in Uganda. The park is set in the misty Kigezi region, about an 8-9-hour drive from the central Kampala city.
Gorilla trekking sessions in Bwindi start from the 4 sectors, and first, visitors get briefed on the rules or dos & don’ts. This session often begins at 7:00 am, and in the 30 minutes of interacting with the officials, expect to learn more about the safety guidelines. The park official also assigns already habituated gorilla groups to you, and each takes a capacity of 8 (eight) pax.
Bwindi gorilla trekking in August is offered only once a day, beginning in the morning. This is not like game drives, where you have morning, afternoon, and night sessions. On the actual trekking day, you can take about 2 to 6 hours while penetrating through the rainforest to find the beautiful mountain gorilla families.
Expect to traverse through the steep slopes and varied trails in their respective conditions. And when you have come across a group of Bwindi mountain gorillas, you can then spend one hour face-to-face. This should also be used for taking pictures, learning how the gorillas behave, and showcasing the different body gestures.
When interacting with the Bwindi gorillas, you have to keep a respectful distance of 10m from the gorillas. Other safety measures shouldn’t be left out either when it comes to gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi National Park. Observing the guidelines/instructions allows you to maximise every moment in the jungle with a group of mountain gorillas.
Prepare for the August gorilla trekking tour.
Adequate preparation should be done before you leave your home country to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This should include packing the right gear, including a waterproof daypack, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, a safari hat, gardening gloves, a first aid kit, bottled water, snacks, a raincoat, a sweater, and others.
What else to do in August in Bwindi?
In addition to trekking with gorillas, there is a chance to also engage in other experiences. These include gorilla habituation, bird watching, nature/hiking, Batwa cultural tour, and others. The gorilla habituation is the most sensational adventure and offers an exceptional opportunity for tourists to spend more time with gorillas in the jungle than the normal treks. With mountain gorilla habituation, guests get a chance to visit mostly the semi-habituated gorilla group in Rushaga. It is only Bwindi where gorilla habituation is done, and visitors assemble in the Rushaga sector.
The cost of permits for tourists interested in a habituation experience is US Dollars 1500 per visitor, USD 1000 for the rest of Africa and foreign residents. The East African citizens, who include Ugandans, obtain permits at UGX 750,000 per person. With a gorilla habituation permit at hand, your adventure guarantees you up to 4 hours of face-to-face encounter with a group of mountain gorillas.
The normal gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 for non-residents, USD 700 for residents, and if you plan to visit as a Ugandan/East African citizen, you are charged UGX 300,000. The rest of the African residents, a new category of visitor, for whom permits are available for USD 500 per person. Book your valid Bwindi permits through the local expert, like Native Africa Tours, your trusted gorilla safari planner.
Is Bwindi gorilla trekking in August safe?
Safety is a top priority when it comes to visits to enjoy gorilla trekking adventures in Bwindi National Park. All tourists who go to trek gorillas in August are guaranteed a safe expedition. First, visits are conducted only on already habituated gorilla groups. This means you can safely interact with gorillas that are familiar with human presence. Visitors embark on the search for gorillas with the company of an armed park ranger guide. The park guides present undergo extensive training and have knowledge of animal behaviours.
During the actual visit to see gorillas, you are expected to respect the safety measures/precautions. These include standing at a distance of about 10m from gorillas to minimise the chances of transmitting infectious diseases to the gorillas. Avoid any temptation body of with gorillas, and any sudden movement. Visitors are also required to keep their voices low while in the jungle to see the Bwindi gorillas.
Book your accommodation early
August is a peak month, and the demand for lodges or camps in and around Bwindi often increases. Not to miss your adventure, you must book your accommodation in advance. The available choices include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Gorilla Lodge, 4 Gorillas Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, and Bakiga Lodge. You can also book Ride 4 a Woman Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Luxury Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Gorilla Leisure Lodge.
Plan for your accessibility to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the August gorilla tour is possible. You can plan for a road or air transportation option. By road, use a 4×4 safari car and drive for 8-9 hours starting from Kampala or Entebbe. A drive from Kigali to Bwindi also offers an alternative access route, and you can spend 4-5 hours. By air, you can take a flight, and within 1-2 hours, you can be at Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airport. Plan and book a gorilla trekking slot in August with Native Africa Tours –the best gorilla safari company.
