Plan Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in November – Fewer Crowds, Greener Trails
Uganda Gorilla Trekking in November is very much possible and offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers. Uganda experiences its short rainy season in November; the forests are vibrant, trails muddy, yet the journey’s worth it. Gorilla trekking is still available in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, with smaller crowds and a better chance of securing permits quickly.
For a less crowded gorilla trekking trip in Uganda with lower lodge prices, consider visiting in November.
November falls in the off season and embarking on gorilla trekking in Uganda can guarantee you incredible experience despite the potential for rain and muddy trails. The weather can be challenging, but the beauty of traveling for gorilla trekking in November is that a visitor stands a chance to enjoy multiple benefits. The enormous benefits to enjoy range lower accommodation and gorilla permit rates, reduced crowds, to higher chance of spotting mountain gorillas considering the abundant food supply.
Why You should Track Gorillas in November?
- Abundant food supply: November is that one of the month of the year when gorilla habitats like Bwindi and Mgahinga record abundant food supply. The availability of food supply brings together gorillas close and hence a great potential for tourists to have shorter gorilla trekking sessions.
- No crowds: November is part of the low season, the period when fewer visitors travel to track gorillas in Uganda. This offers tourists a more personalized and intimate gorilla trekking experience.
- Reduced rates: Being the off-month of the year, a visitor stands a chance to enjoy discounted offers from accommodation. This means embarking on Uganda gorilla trekking in November is perfect for budget travelers, with plans to be part of adventure that leaves lasting memories.
- Experience the breathtaking sceneries: It is in November when you can appreciate the lush green rainforest and potential mist of the Bwindi and Mgahinga. The heavy rains received facilitate a high growth rate of vegetation in the gorilla safari parks.
- Bird-watching opportunities: November is the month of the year when migratory birds flock into most of the parks in Uganda. As a result, visitors on gorilla trek stand a chance to spot diversity of these avifaunal species besides mountain gorilla encounters.
What is it like to track gorillas in November?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda in November offers you the most dramatic encounters with the Great Apes in their natural setting. The gorilla trek in November starts with a briefing about rules and regulations plus the allocation of park ranger guides and gorilla families. Gorilla searches begin at 8:00 am and last 2-6 hours, including an hour for face-to-face time with the gorillas.
After a memorable encounter, visitors trek back, and park offices award you a gorilla trekking certificate. This is to signify a successful gorilla trekking adventure you have had in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Gorilla permits Availability During November
Unlike the peak months, gorilla trekking permits in November can be readily available and you can secure a slot in advance. The process isn’t as competitive as it can be during the high months of the year. Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, USD 500 for other African visitors, and UGX 300,000 for Ugandans and East Africans. This pricing applies to gorilla trekking tours.
November allows you to book a gorilla permit in advance or even on last-minute. Start the process to secure a gorilla trekking slot in Uganda by contacting the Native Africa Tours, the leading gorilla safari company.
Uganda Weather in November
Around November, Mgahinga and Bwindi experience the rainy season. Cool temperatures and increased rainfall amount characterize the wet season in Bwindi and. During the day, temperatures can rise to 23 degrees Celsius and at night, they reduce to 11 degrees Celsius.
Overall, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga experience tropical type of climatic conditions. Considering the habitat where the massive mountain gorillas live, visitors should be prepared for rains at any time of the day.
Uganda Gorilla Safari Destinations to Visit in November
Uganda boasts of 2 amazing locations where gorilla trekking is done. They include Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park that are all in the Southwestern part of Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where the highest profusion of the impressive mountain gorillas live. The Park currently protects approximately 459 mountain gorillas and 24 habituated gorilla groups tourists can visit on the gorilla trek.
At Bwindi, gorilla trekking sessions start from any of the 4 sectors, including Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Overall, the gorilla groups to visit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Nshongi, Habinyanja, Mishaya, Busingye, Bweza, Nkuringo, Rwigyi, Rushegura, Mubare, Bikingi, Christmas, Bushaho, and others.
Tourists with plans to explore Bwindi can set off from Entebbe or Kampala, which is about 8-9 hours’ drive. Alternatively, you may drive from Kigali via Chanika/Katuna border crossing to any sector of Bwindi National Park and this is about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda but holds amazing attractions, including the endangered mountain gorillas. The 33.7 sq. km park features only one group of mountain gorillas for tourists to interact with, and that is the Nyakagezi family.
Mgahinga National Park lies in Kisoro at the elevation range of 2227 to 4127m. Getting to Mgahinga can take approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting from the heart of Kampala. A visitor can also drive from Kigali to Mgahinga through Chanika border crossing and this takes a shorter period of about 4-5 hours.
A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended for road travel in the countryside due to the high elevation. Consider flying to Kisoro Airstrip, near Mgahinga National Park, to skip the long drive.
Useful Travel Tips
Book a Gorilla Trekking Tour in November through the Local Safari Company
A journey to securing a gorilla trekking slot in Uganda starts with booking a trip through the reliable tour operator. Contact Native Africa Tours to plan and secure your slot in advance before the actual date of visiting your favorite apes. We are available 24/7 and ready to assist all our guests realize their travel dreams in the Pearl of Africa. At Native Africa Tours, we put together all the essentials needed of a successful gorilla trekking tour ranging from booking permits, transportation, lodging, and more.
Pack the Right items/Gear
Gorilla safaris require you to pack wisely and keep it light. For your November gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, pack a waterproof daypack, rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, waterproof hiking boots, sweater, safari hat, and gardening gloves.
November in Uganda offers a hidden gem for travelers seeking solitude, affordability, and vibrant forest scenery during the short rainy season. November’s lower tourist numbers, simpler permits, and vibrant scenery make for a uniquely rewarding gorilla trek in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Pack for rain and muddy trails; the reward is an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.
Ready to trek Gorillas in November? Experience a seamless, safe, and unforgettable gorilla safari, planned by Native Africa Tours.
