Bwindi Gorilla Trekking in September
Embark on the Bwindi gorilla trekking in September and end the peak dry season in a unique way. The peak months of the year extend from June to September, which come with ideal weather conditions. September also marks the transition month into the short wet or rainy season. When planning a gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi in September, the two possibilities to expect are extended dry weather conditions and rain showers. The Park experience daytime temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius, and due to some rain showers, expect to get challenged by the muddy or slippery ground.
Visiting Bwindi for gorilla trekking in September comes with both advantages and disadvantages. But what is most important is that you have adequate preparation to go about your adventure. Below are deep insights into the advantages of visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking in September.
Advantages/Benefits
The gorilla permits. While September is relatively a peak month, there is a higher possibility of obtaining a gorilla permit through a reliable tour operator in advance. You can book a permit through Native Africa Tours in preparation for your September gorilla trekking session in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We would recommend that you book the September gorilla permits about 3-6 months early.
Possibility to save on accommodation. September offers both peak and off-peak rates in some lodges. There is variation in rates depending on the accommodation option you opt to book for a night in and around Bwindi. Our expert can guide you in securing a reliable accommodation option that suits your travel plan in or around Bwindi National Park.
Intimate gorilla experiences. If you are interested in the private gorilla trekking adventures, then September ushers you perfectly into the right season. Visitor population on gorilla safari to Bwindi starts reducing in September and thus presenting you with a chance to enjoy intimate gorilla safaris.
The Disadvantages
Possibility of heavy rains. It is in September when Bwindi begins to receive heavy rains, especially towards the end of the month. The heavy rains recorded can pose a challenge in visitor navigation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even visitor movement while searching for mountain gorillas can be challenging. The ground can be slippery or muddy, for you to enjoy your search for gorillas. You may require the ideal gear, like sturdy and waterproof trekking boots, a rain jacket, and a waterproof daypack.
Obtaining permits for Bwindi gorilla trekking in September
The September gorilla permits for Bwindi can be booked at USD 800 per person for non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 –Ugandans/East African citizens, and USD 500 for the Rest of African residents. The gorilla permits in September can be booked in advance through the reliable tour company –contact Native Africa Tours now to begin the essential steps.
Mountain gorilla habituation permit cost varies with non-resident visitors paying USD 1500 per visitor, USD 1000 per person for the Rest of Africans and foreign residents. The East African citizens, a category that includes Ugandans, pay UGX 750,000 per person.
The packing list for the Bwindi gorilla trek in September
A certain level of cautiousness should be exercised when choosing the items to carry. They include a first aid kit, long cotton socks, a safari hat, a sweater, a rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, a camera, sturdy walking boots, and others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park September Quick Guide
Bwindi is situated in the Kigezi area, Southwestern Uganda. The Park was formed in 1991, and the primary goal was to provide support to the world’s mountain gorillas. Sitting on the land area of 331 sq. km, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers refuge to a huge profusion of mammal species, accounting for 120. It also contains a sum of 350 species of birds, many reptiles, amphibians, and butterfly species.
Mountain gorillas are Bwindi’s prime attractions, and the park accounts for about 500 individuals. There are also over 24 habituated gorilla groups all open for public visits. The groups of mountain gorillas exist in the four regions, each trekked by a maximum of 8pax per day. The gorilla groups present for September gorilla treks in Bwindi include Nshongi gorilla group, Bweza, Mishaya, Bitukura gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family, Butare gorilla group, Kutu, Posho, Rwigi, and Christmas. The additional groups of gorillas also include Oruzogo, Mucunguzi gorilla group, Tindatine, Habinyanja gorilla group, and more.
Bwindi is not home to mountain gorillas alone, but also other species. The additional checklist of animals to find in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, and colobus monkeys. The park also supports animals such as bush pigs, giant forest hogs, African elephants, sitatunga, side-striped jackals, bushbucks, and others.
Over 220 butterfly species, 350 bird species, and many amphibians plus reptiles also survive in the diverse habitats of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Among the popular birds to identify include the Grauer’s swamp warblers, Chapin’s flycatchers, Shelley’s crimson-wing, African green broadbill, and Kivu ground thrush.
Extra Experiences to Enjoy in September Tours in Bwindi
Besides the usual gorilla trekking holidays, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers other exceptional experiences. They include gorilla habituation, where you can have 4 hours of up close with a group of mountain gorillas.
Cultural experience, a great opportunity for you to visit local communities in the adjacent area to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can visit the Bakiga community or the Batwa, each of which promises a thrilling exploration of the traditions and cultures.
Hiking experiences. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is popular for its enriching trails distributed in the 4 main trailheads. The key trails to explore on a nature walk or hike in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Ivy River trail, Munyanga River trail, Rushura Hill trail, Kashasha River, Habinyanja hiking trail, Bamboo hiking trail, and waterfall hiking trail. Visitors can also conquer the Buhoma-Nkuringo hiking trail, Muzubijiro Loop, and others. The amazing part is that each of these hiking or nature walk trails requires a different level of fitness and also takes varied times.
Where to Stay in September
Book budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation choices to retire for the night during the September Bwindi gorilla trekking sessions. Top places to consider for overnight include Buhoma Gorilla Camp, Orugano Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Kiho Lodge, and Four Gorilla Lodge.
As you plan to book a gorilla tour in September, ensure that you find the lodge inside or near the sector where you intend to enjoy a trek with mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park. Distant accommodation options often make it hard for tourists to access the briefing centres for early morning orientation. To avoid any kind of inconveniences, contact Native Africa Tours to plan and book the entire September gorilla safari package.
Getting to Bwindi for the September Gorilla Tour
Embark on a road trip and expect to reach Bwindi in 8-9 hours’ drive from Entebbe or Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale and Kanungu route. Or cross from Kigali via Chanika to Kisoro/Katuna border to Kabale town and proceed on a safe drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to enjoy your September gorilla safari. Visitors who can’t handle long hours on the road can also take flights from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airport or Kihihi Airstrip.
September is one of the best months you consider planning a gorilla tour to Bwindi. Book your tour through the trusted company –Native Africa Tours and enjoy affordable gorilla holidays.
