Uganda Gorilla Trekking in March – What to Expect During the Rainy Season
Uganda gorilla trekking in March is still workable and worthwhile, despite the start of the lengthy wet season. More frequent showers make the rainforest more lively, and fewer tourists mean more intimate treks. In March, both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are open for gorilla trekking, providing splendid chances to see mountain gorillas if you’re ready.
Tour operators like Native Africa Tours conduct Uganda gorilla trekking tours. These tours take place in dense, protected rainforests. Rainforests often have a tropical climate. Rainfall is possible throughout the year. Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks average 1,400 to 1,900 mm of rainfall annually.
Often, heavy rainfall can disrupt the normal gorilla trekking adventure. Visitors can find it challenging to navigate through the jungle as they search for gorillas during the wet season. But what is remarkable about it is that the general scenery of the park can be impressive.
Why go for a Uganda gorilla trek in March?
No Worries of Crowds
If you are such an enthusiastic primate adventure seeker with a desire to explore your favorite apes with little crowds, then booking a Uganda gorilla trek in March should be a must. March offers the best intimate gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi and Mgahinga record a low number of visitors who come to track gorillas starting in March.
Enjoy Gorilla Tour Discounted Offers
It is possible to earn discounted rates during the wet or off-months of the year. Accommodation properties and tour operators usually offer discounted rates. You can bargain for great rates around March from your tour operator/company, unlike during the peak months of the year.
Breathtaking Sceneries
The heavy rainfall favors the growth of flora, making the park stunning. Capturing splendid pictures of massive mountain gorillas with a backdrop of the lush green scenery can be remarkable. It is during the wet season/months like March that most wildlife also start their birthing season.
Places to visit in March
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Lying in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetreble Forest National Park is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi is most popular for its abundant mountain gorilla population, which makes it the leading destination for gorilla trekking tours. At Bwindi alone, there are about 24 habituated gorilla families which are open for trekking starting from the 4 sectors; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga.
In 1991, authorities officially declared Bwindi forest a national park. Its establishment was primarily to protect the presently endangered mountain gorillas. The gorilla families present for trekking in Bwindi include, among others, Rushegura, Katwe, Rwigyi, Bitukura, Mucunguzi gorilla family, Mubare group, Binyindo, Muyambi, Habinyanja, Oruzogo, Happy group, and Kyaguriro/Mukiza.
Other families of mountain gorillas to explore on a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi include Tindatine, Bweza group, Kahungye group, Mishaya, Kutu, Busingye, and Nshongi gorilla family. A maximum of 8 tourists strictly each of this gorilla family (eight) guests per group.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga is a special place to explore on a gorilla trekking adventure. Mgahinga National Park is a compact protected area covering only 33.7 sq. km. On a gorilla safari in Mgahinga, expect to explore the Nyakagezi gorilla family group. This is currently the only habituated gorilla group you can visit in Mgahinga National Park.
Beyond mountain gorillas, Mgahinga National Park also supports a range of other wildlife species. They include bush pigs, elephants, buffaloes, bush bucks, leopards, giant forest hogs, and more. Over 180 bird species also call Mgahinga home, with the majority being endemic Albertine Rift species such as dusky crimsonwing, Rwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, regal sunbird, and handsome francolin.
Where to stay
Bwindi and Mgahinga have comfortable places for visitor overnight stays. They are available in budget, midrange, and luxury. The popular accommodation options worth considering for overnight stays include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveler’s Rest Hotel, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Mgahinga Rest Camp.
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the gorilla safari lodges to book include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Rafiki Safari Lodge Bwindi, Orugano Bwindi Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge. Bwindi also features lodges such as Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Packing for a Uganda gorilla trek in March
By all means, you must consider packing right for your unforgettable Uganda gorilla trekking tour in March. The checklist of items to include when packing for gorilla trekking tour in Uganda; a rain jacket, a camera, a sweater, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, gardening gloves, water, snacks, and a first aid kit, etc.
What else can you do in Uganda besides gorilla trekking?
Uganda offers not only gorilla adventures but also lots of other experiences. A gorilla trekking tour can also include guided game drives, boat cruises, bird-watching, nature walks, golden monkey tracking, cultural tours, mountain climbing, gorilla habituation, and chimpanzee tracking.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits
A valid gorilla permit is essential for any gorilla tour to be conducted. You must book permits in advance, about 3 to 4 months before tracking mountain gorillas. To plan your gorilla tour, ensure that you have a gorilla trekking permit. Guests pay USD 800 per tourist for a single gorilla trek permit, which is under the foreign nonresidents category.
The foreign residents pay USD 700 to secure a gorilla permit in Uganda. East African citizens pay UGX 300,000 per person, while the rest of African tourists pay USD 500 per person. Visitors can book a permit for gorilla trekking through our reservation team. A single gorilla permit allows you to visit only one habituated gorilla family and expect to have a complete hour for up close and personal encounters with these large apes.
With about 25 habituated gorilla families all available for trekking, about 200 gorilla permits are available for booking. You must book your permit in advance, and we advise it. This can save you the stress that often comes during the last-minute booking of gorilla trekking permits.
How fit should I be to go Trekking Gorillas in March?
When you think about Uganda gorilla trekking in March, don’t forget to check your fitness level. Gorilla trekking requires you to have a great fitness level to enable you to make a round trek.
However, there are options for other categories of guests, especially persons with disabilities. Staff can lift persons with disabilities using stretchers or sedan chairs.
A team of energetic people can be present to carry you in the jungle and back. This makes Uganda gorilla safaris an ideal destination for everyone to realize their travel dreams.
March gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a unique experience, ideal for travelers who like fewer crowds and rain. You’ll enjoy a peaceful gorilla encounter with greener forests and fewer hikers. Be sure to bring waterproof clothes and sturdy hiking boots!
Native Africa Tours will expertly guide your March gorilla safari with flexible, reliable planning. Check out our top TripAdvisor reviews or book your trek now.
