Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in July
Book the Bwindi gorilla trekking in July to experience the captivating encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in the African jungle. July is part of the extended peak dry season, the optimal period characterised by drier forest trails/floor, clear skies, less rainfall, and easier trekking trails. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in July is an excellent time to enjoy the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure.
In July, there are enormous benefits tourists can appreciate when they plan and embark on the gorilla trek in Bwindi. First, the vegetation tends to be scattered, with the majority of it being shorter. The undergrowth is less dense, and even some trees would have been shaded their trees. This presents a great opportunity for you to enjoy excellent views of mountain gorillas.
The weather conditions in July are superb and support smooth treks with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The temperatures often rise from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius during the day and at night, 7 to 16 degrees Celsius. July records longer sunny days, and often, there is less food supply than in the wet or rainy season/month. But considering the fact that Bwindi is extensively dominated by the scenic tropical rainforest, rain should be expected at any time. The amount of rainfall received often varies and is usually less, and visitors have a higher possibility of continuing with the normal gorilla trekking adventure.
Why Travel for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in July
There are multiple reasons why you should consider booking a gorilla safari to Bwindi National Park in July rather than any other month. Below are some of the amazing facts or reasons why July stands out as the best month for gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda;
Excellent trail conditions.
July is an outstanding month in the dry season, the period when Bwindi records less rainfall. The habitat often remains less muddy and slippery, with paths all accessible, while tourists embark on a gorilla trekking session. As you plan your next gorilla trekking safari, July is the right month to consider for exceptional gorilla trekking experiences with fewer disruptions.
Excellent gorilla viewing.
The most sensational moment of the entire gorilla trekking adventure is up close with mountain gorillas. The clear vegetation offers more visibility to guests to capture the views of the mountain gorillas in the wild while also appreciating the scenic surroundings. Visitors tend not to be interrupted by tree branches or leaves due to scattered vegetation not like the case of April, when heavy rains led to dense vegetation growth.
Stable weather conditions.
July is the month when Bwindi enjoys stable weather conditions that favour active adventures like gorilla trekking. Daytime Bwindi Impenetrable National Park tends to be warm, and evenings plus mornings experience cool weather conditions. In general, the weather conditions are long stable, favouring the normal gorilla trekking expeditions in any of the four trailheads of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The cons of visiting Bwindi for the gorilla trek in July
Cost of the amenities remains.
Visitors have limited chances of getting discounts in July, as it is the peak season. Most of the amenities keep their rate offers to normal. Perhaps it is the reason why the peak months are considered the luxury travel months.
Booking a tour/permits in advance is a must!
To increase your chances of engaging in gorilla trekking in July in Bwindi, you should have your permit booked in advance. Give yourself adequate time to secure not only a gorilla permit but to book the entire gorilla safari. The favorable conditions make July more attractive to most guests, thus increasing the competition in securing gorilla permits, plus the available lodging or transportation amenities.
Expect long treks with gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in July tends to take you long hours in the jungle. This is the month when gorillas move further distances in search of food. To locate them, visitors need reasonable hours and some level of fitness. It is not the case with the wet months when heavy rains support the growth of many plant life for mountain gorillas to depend on.
Rain showers.
Whereas July is known for long sunny days, there is potential to receive some rain in the course of the day. The lucky bit is that during this period, only short rainfall is received, with guests having a higher possibility to proceed with their search for gorillas.
How should you pack for Bwindi gorilla trekking in July?
We usually advise guests to consider only essential items on their packing list. The checklist should comprise mainly long-sleeved shirts, a valid gorilla permit, layers, long trousers, a camera, a safari hat, sunscreen, and waterproof hiking boots. Additional items to have include an extra camera battery, a raincoat/jacket, a power bank, a first aid kit or medical kit, a waterproof daypack, bottled water, snacks, insect repellents, and others.
Quick insights about Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a scenic tropical rainforest park and is located in Southwestern Uganda. This stunning Protected Area lies in Kisoro, Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kabale districts. It is part of the misty Kigezi highland region and was gazetted in 1991. It was also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and today, it covers 331 sq. km.
On average, Bwindi records heavy rainfall of about 1400-1900mm. The average temperature record varies from 7-15 degrees Celsius and 20-27 degrees Celsius. Bwindi is a popular destination to explore on gorilla trekking in Uganda. It supports a total of 120 mammal species, including 500 mountain gorillas that thrive in the four regions.
Along with gorillas, the lush Bwindi also protects the duikers, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, buffaloes, and forest elephants. Over 350 species of birds also call Bwindi home, including the Rwenzori batis, turacos, African green broadbills, and black bee-eaters.
Booking a gorilla permit in July for Bwindi
To visit the Bwindi gorillas, you should also consider securing a valid gorilla permit. The cost of the permits is the same in July, that is, US Dollars 800 for the foreign non-residents, USD 700 for the foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 when you visit as a Ugandan/East African citizen. Book your Bwindi gorilla permit early, at least 2-6 months before the actual visit, to enjoy your July gorilla trekking adventure. Contact our reservation team to help you book a permit in Uganda for your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
Accommodation facilities to book for the July tour in Bwindi
Bwindi National Park provides diverse accommodation alternatives, including budget, midrange, and luxury. They include, among others, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, and Chameleon Hill Lodge.
How to reach Bwindi in July
By road, expect to drive off from Entebbe or Kampala and enjoy 8-9 hours on the road to Southwestern Uganda. Or depart from Kigali for 4-5 hours through Katuna. Or Chanika to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for you to begin your July gorilla safaris. Guests in Queen Elizabeth National Park can also transfer to Bwindi and participate in the July gorilla tour. By air, you can quickly reach Bwindi by flight, which involves departing from the Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airport.
Book the Bwindi gorilla trekking in July with Native Africa Tours and expect an excellent adventure with mountain gorillas. July is the best time to embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi. It guarantees you an adventure in the jungle with fewer inconveniences.
