Uganda Gorilla Trekking in April

Uganda Gorilla Trekking in April

Uganda offers all-year round gorilla trekking adventures including the month of April. A trip to Uganda to engage in gorilla trekking in April is amazingly a great deal for primate enthusiasts. It is one of the best months to experience intimate gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. April falls within the off/wet or rainy months of the year, the period when there is plenty rainfall in gorilla safari destinations including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Considering the heavy rainfall amount received during the wet or rainy season, Bwindi and Mgahinga record abundant food supply and the parks remain incredibly lush offering the natural appeal. Mountain gorillas tend to be more active around April. If you want to watch them play with their young ones, then consider visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking around the rainy/wet season. Like humans, rain does bring out their excitement and you can be amazed by their playful gestures showcased.

Traveling to Uganda during the rainy/wet month like April also means you have a higher chance of embarking on the gorilla trek in a small group. If you don’t like crowds, then this is a perfect option for you. The landscape can be characterized by the vibrant greenery offering you that natural appeal of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga are the only places where gorilla treks are enjoyed. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, expect to explore any of the 24 habituated groups of mountain gorillas. Visitors have options to choose where to begin their gorilla trekking adventures, especially from the 4 regions/sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

Bwindi lies at the altitudinal range of 1160 to 2607 meters. The park features misty rainforest also home to diverse array of mammals, reptiles, birds, and floral species. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, there are about half of the world’s mountain gorillas thriving in the same habitat with other species.

At Ruhija, expect to explore gorilla families such as Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura groups. Buhoma sector which lies in the Northern side of Bwindi is amazingly the most sought for region thanks to its incredible gorilla families including the oldest group (Mubare)–the first to officially open to the public to visit. Other gorilla groups to visit in Buhoma sector include Katwe gorilla family, Muyambi, Rushegura, and Habinyanja gorilla group.

Rushaga sector in the South shelters the highest families of gorillas including Nshongi gorilla group, Kahungye gorilla group, Mishaya, Bweza, Rwigyi, Kutu, Mucunguzi gorilla family, and Bikingi, etc. In case you plan to visit Nkuringo sector, expect to explore families such as Nkuringo group, Bushaho, and Posho.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This park lies in Kisoro, Southwestern Uganda about 9-10 hours’ drive from the heart of Entebbe or Kampala. Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest Park and is occupying only 33.7 sq. km. The park takes a maximum of 8 visitors per day who embark on adventure to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Mgahinga lies in the Virunga region and features a range of other unique attractions including the Volcanoes like Mount Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga Volcanoes. The Park straddles in the elevation of 2227 to 4127 meters.

A visit to Mgahinga allows you to explore more than gorillas. There are also other species worth exploring in the various habitats including the golden monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, leopards, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, bush bucks, buffaloes, and elephants.

You can also explore variety of birds including the regal sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, Shelley’s crimson wing, brown-crowned tchagra, cinnamon bracken warblers, cape robin chat, African hill babblers, moorland chat, blue-headed sunbirds, Alpine swift, Rwenzori nightjars, mountain masked apalis, stripe-breasted tit, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds, strange weaver birds, and olive woodpeckers.

Accommodation options in Bwindi for overnight in April

Various accommodation options to consider for overnight in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park range from Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury. They include Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge, and Bwindi Lodge.

Places to stay in and around Mgahinga National Park include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco lodge, and more.

Obtaining permits for Uganda gorilla trekking in April

Obtaining a valid gorilla permit is a must if you want to embark on gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. The rates of gorilla permits in Uganda vary depending on the visitor categories. They include foreign non-residents, foreign residents, rest of Africa, and East African citizens. The foreign non-residents can purchase a gorilla permit at USD 800 per person. Foreign residents are charged USD 700 per person, the Rest of Africa UGX300,000/=. Lastly, the East African citizens secure permits at USD 500 per visitor.

The quickest and less strenuous process of booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is by dealing with the local tour operator/company. Have your gorilla permit booked in advance and should be done at least 2 to 6 months before the actual date for trekking mountain gorillas.

Things to carry for Uganda gorilla trekking in April

Even if you are planning to visit Uganda to track gorillas in April, there is need to pack right. Start with essentials first. They include sturdy waterproof hiking or walking boots, thick socks, waterproof rain jacket. Long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a safari hat. Insect repellents, a daypack, long trousers, a first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, additional camera battery, a pair of binoculars, a face-mask, and others.

What is a gorilla trek in Uganda like in April?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda generally involves walking or hiking through the rainforest in search of already habituated gorilla families. The gorilla trek starts with briefing at the park offices and allocation of gorilla families plus park ranger guides. The actual trekking usually starts from 8:00 am and expect to spend about 2-6 hours in the wild. The long day trek includes an hour for up close and personal encounter with a group of these large apes.

Once you have come across a family of gorillas, you have a great moment observing how they behave. You are also allowed to take pictures. After the guaranteed one hour with a group of gorillas, you will get back and the park official will again meet you but this time around, you will be receiving your gorilla trekking certificate.

Gorilla trekking rules or regulations

During the gorilla trekking expedition, everyone is expected to respect the set rules and regulations. Among the useful gorilla regulations to observe include;

• Maintaining a distance of about 7-8 meters away from a habituated gorilla group.
• Have a valid gorilla permit for you to be allocated a family of gorillas.
• When taking pictures, no flashlight camera should be used. You can alternatively turn off your flashlight before you begin taking pictures.
• Visitors must keep low their voices –noise scares away the gorillas.
• Strictly eight (8) visitors are given a chance to track a single gorilla family per day.
• Normal gorilla trekking adventures are only done on already habituated family of gorillas.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when in the presence of mountain gorillas.
• All human wastes must be buried at least 30 cm deep. All these measures are aimed at ensuring safety of these large apes and also humans themselves.

Plan a gorilla safari now

Gorilla trekking in April offers a unique and rewarding experience for adventurous travelers seeking close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas. With fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and opportunities for discounted permits, April is an ideal time for those who don’t mind occasional rain in exchange for an unforgettable safari. Whether you’re visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, planning your trek in April can provide a more intimate and immersive wildlife adventure. Don’t miss the chance to witness these majestic primates in their natural habitat—start planning your gorilla trekking journey today!