Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Possible in October?
Uganda Gorilla Trekking in October is not only possible but also rewarding. October marks the beginning of the short rainy season in Uganda, with brief, scattered showers throughout the month. Despite the rains, both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park remain open for gorilla trekking, offering lush scenery, fewer tourists, and greater permit availability.
There are higher chances of engaging in a gorilla trek in October being one of the off-months of the year. The off/low months often attract fewer visitors, meaning there can be high availability of gorilla permits. This presents you with a chance to secure a gorilla trekking slot in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.
October experiences heavy rains, and this provides plentiful forage for gorillas. Because of being an abundant food supply, mountain gorillas often remain within the nearby locations. This means you can save on the long hours you could have spent walking in search of these apes.
Like other rainy months, October is ideal for those of you who may desire short treks, and if you are on a budget gorilla tour. October favors budget gorilla trekkers because many lodges lower their rates. You can enjoy the discounted offers.
Visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking in October.
Set in the Southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 331 sq. km Protected Area. Bwindi isn’t only famous for mountain gorillas, but also for other wildlife and birds. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts over 120 mammals, many reptiles, 350 bird species, amphibians, and diverse flora.
The scenic Bwindi comprises gorilla regions, such as Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.
Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma sector involves exploring the Northern end of Bwindi National Park. In the Buhoma region, expect to visit habituated gorilla families, such as the Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja, Katwe group, Muyambi gorilla group, and Rushegura family.
Visit the Ruhija sector to explore gorilla families such as Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and others. You can also opt for the southern sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga where you can explore huge concentrations of gorilla groups including Nkuringo, Christmas, Bikingi, Bushaho, Nshongi group, Mucunguzi family, Busingye, Kahungye, Kutu, Bweza, and more.
Access to Bwindi National Park can be by road or air. By road, a 4×4 safari vehicle is required for your navigation, and expect to take about 9-10 hours on the road starting from Entebbe or Kampala. Visitors can also begin their journey from the heart of a vibrant Kigali and getting to Bwindi can take you about 4 to 5 hours.
Road transportation from Kampala to Bwindi allows you to make a stopover at some of the interesting locations, including the Equator crossing. But visitors who may not desire spending long hours on the road can also take Charter or scheduled flights. The local tour operator, such as Native Africa Tours, can organize domestic flights, departing from Entebbe International Airport. You can connect to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip where you can head to your respective park.
Explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in October
Mgahinga National Park is one of the best destinations to consider for gorilla trekking in Uganda come October. This is the smallest park in Uganda, spanning over the land area of 33.7 sq. km. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits at the elevation of 2227 to 4127 meters and is straddling within the Virunga Conservation Area.
Mgahinga National Park also hosts other wildlife besides gorillas. The additional wildlife species that live in Mgahinga National Park include buffalo, giant forest hogs, elephants, bushbucks, bush pigs, and leopards. Mgahinga also boasts of diverse birds, including speckled mousebirds, Alpine chat, double-collared sunbirds, African paradise flycatchers, yellow-billed kite, crowned hornbills, malachite sunbirds, grey-capped warblers, and hadada ibis.
Packing for Uganda gorilla trekking in October
- Long-sleeved shirts: When choosing the clothes to wear for your gorilla tour in October, consider long-sleeved shirts. The long-sleeved shirts are more preferable because they can protect your hands from the thorns or falling tree branches.
- Trousers: Long trousers are essential for gorilla trekking as they protect your legs from insects. We recommend long trousers because you must tuck in your socks to prevent crawling insects from reaching your legs.
- A safari hat: The weather in the gorilla safari destinations is unforgettable and to be prepared for the unexpected, it is important to carry a safari hat. The safari hat should be wide to cover you from the hot sunshine.
- Gardening gloves: You need sturdy gardening gloves to cover your hand and they can serve as protection gear when you touch the itchy plants or thorny trees.
- A rain jacket: Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park can experience rains at any time of the year. To get you ready for gorilla trekking adventure, do not forget to have a rain jacket to protect you in case it rains.
- Hiking boots: Strong and comfortable, waterproof hiking boots are required of anyone on gorilla trekking. The sturdy and waterproof hiking boots help safeguard you from muddy or slippery ground.
- A sweater: Bwindi and Mgahinga can be cold, a reason you need a sweater to keep you warm. This is essential, especially during the early morning session when you are required to join others for briefing on gorilla trekking regulations.
Gorilla Trekking Regulations to Observe
- Gorilla trekking rules and regulations to observe include;
- Have a camera free from a flashlight for photography.
- Do not make a loud noise while tracking gorillas.
- Do not touch gorillas or try as much as you can to avoid body contact.
- The minimum distance to be kept from gorillas should be 7 to 8 meters.
- You should avoid eating, smoking, or drinking when close to gorillas.
- Ensure staying within the group of visitors until you came to explore the gorillas.
- Throw all rubbish in the respective dumping location; if you relieve yourself in the forest, bury your waste 30 cm deep or as directed by the park ranger.
- A maximum of 8 tourists may visit a single gorilla group in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
If you are gorilla trekking, ensure that guides assign you to a habituated gorilla group. Habituated gorilla groups have already become accustomed to human presence, unlike the wild families. With habituated gorilla group families, you can spend quality time with the great apes without them disappearing like it can be the case with the semi-habituated group.
Once you find a gorilla family charged or if it charges at you, try as much as you can to keep calm and follow what the park ranger guide tells you. The instructions of the local guide are essential for you to stay safe at when these apes become irritated.
Choose the Right Itinerary.
Book the right gorilla trekking package that suits your budget and travel dreams. The gorilla trekking tours you can consider booking include 3 Days Bwindi gorilla tour, 3 Days Mgahinga gorilla safari, 5 Days gorillas and chimpanzees, 7 Days Uganda gorilla safari and more.
While October brings the start of the short rainy season in Uganda, it remains a fantastic month for gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks in October provide a unique, tranquil experience with lush forests, smaller crowds, and higher permit success rates. If you don’t mind occasional rain and mud, a Ugandan gorilla trek in October could be as memorable, or even better, than during peak season.
Book your October gorilla trekking adventure with Native Africa Tours today and experience the magic of the rainforest at its greenest.
