Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in January
Bwindi gorilla trekking in January offers you a rare opportunity to begin the year with a great adventure in the true tropical rainforest. January marks part of the shorter dry season, also an excellent month for you to embark on an adventure to witness the majestic mountain gorillas. Witnessing the family of mountain gorillas in the jungle like Bwindi is a unique opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. To enjoy an excellent trek with the Bwindi gorillas requires you to plan and time it right.
Weather conditions in January
January is one of the best peak months of the year, which comes with stable weather conditions and a drier forest floor. Visits to see Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorillas in January take you on a complete immersion into the scenic rainforest. The favorable weather conditions in January make it easier to penetrate Bwindi. The ground often remains less slippery, and the skies tend to be clearer for a longer period of time. On average, Bwindi records a temperature range of 7 to 20 degrees Celsius with a higher possibility of sighting mountain gorillas. The park tends to enjoy cool temperatures that cause gorillas to descend to the lower altitudes, thus increasing the chances of visitors encountering a family of these Great Apes.
The average rainfall received in Bwindi National Park is 86mm. The park is set at an altitude of 1160 and 2607m. The rainfall pattern varies depending on the months, with the highest amount often recorded in March, April, and May.
The Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience in January
Visiting Bwindi to enjoy a gorilla trekking adventure in January takes you on a captivating journey to explore mountain gorillas. Like the rest of the months, gorilla safaris in January in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involve exploring the habituated gorilla group families. The ideal locations to begin your day with a gorilla search in Bwindi include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sectors. In each of these 4 sectors, there are already habituated gorilla groups and a maximum of 8 pax visit one per day.
Bwindi alone is inhabited by a total of about 24 habituated gorilla groups. They include: Oruzogo, Bitukura gorilla group, Kahungye. Nshongi family, Mishaya, Busingye, Bweza gorilla group. Kyaguriro gorilla family group, Rushegura. Bikingi, Binyindo, Katwe group, Muyambi group. Posho gorilla group, Mucunguzi gorilla group, Nshongi family, Kutu group, and Tindatine gorilla group.
Pre-Gorilla Trekking Activities
The pre-gorilla trekking activities to expect in Bwindi National Park include getting briefed about rules and regulations, also termed as safety measurements/guidelines. The park official takes the initiative to unpack for you in detail what you are supposed to do or not to do. All tourists are required to ensure they respect the dos and don’ts in place to enjoy a safe and memorable gorilla trekking experience.
Allocation of park ranger guides and gorilla groups
Before you begin your trek with mountain gorillas in any sector, the official allocates a gorilla group. You don’t just embark on the trek without knowing the gorilla group to visit. It is a must to have a gorilla family group to track, and each is visited by a maximum of 8 guests per day.
The park ranger guides are allocated to lead a single group of 8pax. The guides are allocated in the respective trailheads/sectors, and visitors assemble at the sector with guidance from their gorilla permits.
The actual visit to see gorillas
Your adventure to see mountain gorillas involves walking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek with mountain gorillas is unpredictable but can extend between 2 and 6 hours. When you come across gorillas, the ranger guides allow you to observe a family. Be respectful distance (10m). You can also take photos of gorillas during the designated one hour of a close encounter.
Securing the Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Permits in January
Gorilla permits are crucial for anyone interested in visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park. Each permit costs US Dollars 800 per person when you travel as a foreign non-resident. US Dollars 700 (foreign resident). US Dollars 500 for the Rest of African residents. Ugandans and other East African citizens with an interest in exploring mountain gorillas can have a permit secured at UGX 300,000. Obtaining a valid Bwindi gorilla trekking permit shouldn’t be a challenge. Native Africa Tours makes it easier to secure a valid permit for your trekking adventures with the Bwindi gorillas. Contact our team now and let us begin the essential step-by-step process to booking a permit for you.
Accommodation to stay during the Bwindi gorilla trekking in January
The accommodation options that are available for Bwindi gorilla trekking in January exist in the 4 regions/sectors/trailheads. Each of the sectors has a composition of budget, midrange, and luxury lodges or camps. They include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, Kiho Gorilla Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, and Ruhija Community Rest Camp. These lodges are available in the Ruhija sector, the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Buhoma sector accommodation options consist of Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Community Homestay, Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Community Guesthouse, Silverback Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and more. The Buhoma sector lies in the Northern section of Bwindi National Park.
The Rushaga region in the southern Bwindi comprises lodges such as Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Jungle Lodge.
Accommodation in the Nkuringo region- located in the Southern Bwindi. The lodges here include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Albertine Gorilla Campsite, Lake Mutanda Resort, and others.
Packing for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in January
The essential gear to include on the packing list includes snacks, a first-aid kit, trekking poles, a face mask. A daypack, a pair of binoculars, a bottle of water, insect repellent, and sun protection gear. What to wear during your Bwindi gorilla trekking tour includes waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, layers, long-sleeved shirts (these should be neutral colored), long trousers, and a sweater.
Add-ons to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in January
When planning a gorilla trekking tour in January, there are lots of other experiences worth adding to your bucket list. They include mountain gorilla habituation experience, bird-watching, nature walks or hiking, and Batwa/Bakiga cultural experience.
Getting to Bwindi for your gorilla trek in January
Road and air transportation are the two key options available for you to reach Bwindi National Park. By road, you can drive for 8-9 hours along the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale/Kanungu route. Or depart from Kigali. This includes border crossing via Chanika/Katuna. In just 4-5 hours, you can be in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Air transport is perfect for guests who prefer quicker means to reach Bwindi National Park. Depart from Entebbe International Airport –EBB to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airport and connect to Bwindi in a half-hour drive. Note, a 4×4 safari car is suitable for all road connectivity to and from Bwindi National Park.
Book your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in January to enjoy a trek with gorillas free of the inconveniences from rain. To secure a gorilla trekking slot in January is possible with Native Africa Tours, a reliable and Africa’s trusted safari company.
