Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in October
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in October to enjoy the most affordable gorilla trekking adventures. Bwindi gorilla trekking in October often comes with more budget-friendly packages for you. October marks the beginning of the off-peak season in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a period when the majority of the accommodation facilities offer amazing discounted rates. It is part of Bwindi’s short wet or rainy season, and not only do you get to enjoy discounted offers, but you also get gorilla permits.
The availability of gorilla permits in October tends to be relatively higher than during the peak months. This increases your opportunities to secure gorilla trekking slots in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
What to expect on the October gorilla trek
In October, the weather conditions are completely different from the peak dry months. The daytime temperatures can be 22 degrees Celsius, and the park experiences continuous drizzle. The terrains of the park can be muddy or slippery, thus making it a little bit challenging to walk through the forest as you look for mountain gorillas.
The majority of the gorillas also spend most of their time at the base of the volcanoes or lower altitudes. This is because October often comes with an abundant forage supply that keeps most of these unique apes in the lower slopes. They can be witnessed as they feed, play, copulate, and bond.
The heavy rains that Bwindi experiences in October make the park greener and more appealing. This makes it the best month of the year for birding and photography.
Expect to embark on the trek with gorillas with no crowds. October is when Bwindi registers low visitor turnout, thus presenting you with a chance to enjoy a gorilla trek that is crowd-free. There is an even higher possibility of getting a place to stay at the lowest amount. Discounts on the accommodation are always available in October compared to the peak months of the year.
The disadvantage of visiting Bwindi in October
October weather conditions fluctuate and can’t be easily predicted. Long rains begin to be experienced in October, and the ground often becomes more slippery or muddy. This makes the entire adventure more challenging for tourists to have a successful gorilla trek. The best you can do is to have essential gear like waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, and more. You can also consider hiring a porter to help you, especially if you happen to go with heavy luggage.
Booking Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Permits in October
Even in October, valid permits are essential for gorilla trekking. The cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi or Mgahinga is valid till the end of June 2026, that is US Dollars 800 per person for all foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, Rest of Africa $500, and Ugandans (East Africans) UGX 300,000 per person. In case there are changes in the rates next year, we shall definitely make updates to make your planning easier. Gorilla permits for Bwindi can be reserved through the trusted gorilla tour company –contact Native Africa Tours to secure your permit in advance.
Add-ons to the October gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a special destination in the heart of Africa, a haven to not only gorillas. Bwindi, as a park, offers refuge to a total of 120 species of mammals, and these include mountain gorillas, colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and 350 species of birds.
Within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there also reside vervet monkeys, giant forest hogs, sitatunga, African elephants, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. The park also supports civets, African golden cats, side-striped jackals, and birds such as Doherty’s bush-shrike, purple-breasted sunbirds, white-bellied crest-flycatchers, dwarf honeyguide, Grauer’s broadbill, handsome francolins, Chapin’s flycatchers, black-billed turacos, nd yellow-eyed black flycatchers. The best birding sites to explore include Buhoma, Nombe and Buniga, Mubwinid swamp in Ruhija.
Gorilla trekking sectors to visit in Bwindi
When it comes to Bwindi gorilla treks in October, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija are the four key areas of interest. In each of the 4 Bwindi sectors, there are habituated gorilla groups that can be visited. To begin your day, here are some of the interesting gorilla groups to explore: Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Christmas, Katwe gorilla group, Binyindo group, Kanywanyi, Rushegura group, Muyambi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Oruzogo, Bitukura gorilla family, Nkuringo gorilla family, Katwe, and Kutu.
Bwindi also features gorilla groups such as the Bweza group, Nshongi, Bushaho group, Rwigi, and others. This park supports about 24 habituated gorilla groups, and each is visited by up to 8 pax per day.
The actual October gorilla trekking experience
The gorilla trekking session in Bwindi starts with orientation, where you get introduced to the gorilla rules and regulations. The rules and regulations for gorilla trekking that you should respect include observing the distance of 10 meters from gorillas, a maximum of 8 guests must visit one habituated gorilla group, and the park official is responsible for the allocation of the families.
A valid gorilla permit is required if you are to go see gorillas in Bwindi National Park. It is an essential document you can present during the actual orientation day before you proceed with the gorilla trekking adventure. Visitors depart from the respective sectors at around 8:00 am for an actual trekking experience with mountain gorillas.
Additional Activities to do in Bwindi National Park
Birding. October is one of the favourable months to go bird-watching in Bwindi National Park. This is the particular month of the year when plants flower and nectar is available for birds to depend on. Around October, there is a likelihood of finding the migratory bird species and resident avifaunal species.
Forest walks. If you love photography and nature, then a guided walk should be a must-do. Bwindi becomes greener than usual in the months, and a guided forest walk involves connecting with nature.
Alternative Accommodation to Stay in Bwindi
The best options of lodges and camps to secure for overnight stay include Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, and Nshongi Camp. Other lodges to book include Mutanda Lake Resort, Engagi Lodge, and Ride 4 a Woman.
Getting to Bwindi for the October Gorilla Tour
Set off from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi, which takes about an 8-9-hour drive. Or depart from Kigali, drive via Katuna or Chanika border and transfer to Bwindi. All road trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are best done using a 4×4 tourist vehicle. Book your holiday with our experts and be assured of a safe travel to and from Bwindi. By air, expect to be transferred to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and take a flight to Kisoro Airport or Kihihi Airstrip.
Departing from Kihihi Airstrip takes about 2-3 hours. Less or more, depending on the region or sector where your gorilla trek is to be enjoyed. Kihihi Airstrip is suitable for tourists with plans to visit mountain gorillas in the Northern sector, while Kisoro Airport is best for visitors who may prefer visiting the southern regions.
How to prepare for the October gorilla tour in Bwindi
Pack the essential items/gear/equipment to ensure you have a successful vacation. The list of equipment/gear/items to carry includes waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, insect repellents, a safari hat, gardening gloves, a valid trekking permit, and a daypack. Expect to also have a pack of snacks, bottled water, and a rain jacket, etc.
