Bwindi gorilla trekking in August
Bwindi gorilla trekking in August: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a mountain gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country in Kisoro district and covers a total area of 321 sq.km. It was gazetted in 1993 to protect mountain gorillas, and currently, it has the highest population of this primate species in the world.
Mountain gorilla trekking is the most done tourism activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to more than half of the mountain gorillas in the whole world. Today we are looking at trekking these endangered species of primates in August which is one of the best periods to trek with less slippery trails that are easier to navigate.
Trekking mountain gorillas in August
August is a high season month and gorilla trekking is done by so many tourists every day to the point that gorilla permits sell out. On the day of gorilla trekking, tourists drive to different park headquarters where they gather for a briefing from the rangers. As tourists gather, there are local dancers to entertain the trekkers of the day through dance and drama.
All trekkers for the day are taught the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking for the safety of mountain gorillas and the people themselves. Groups not exceeding 8 people are formed and given armed ranger guides to lead them into the jungle. Tourists who have excess luggage may hire porters from the briefing point at an affordable fee.
Tourists are then driven to the starting points of the trekking for the gorilla families they are going to trek. They are left with armed ranger guides who use different trekking trails to search for where the mountain gorillas could be. Searching and locating mountain gorillas of Bwindi might take 2 to 4 hours and tourists should know that there are 100% chances of spotting them.
When a mountain gorilla family is spotted, the trekkers are given 1 hour to be around the members. They are allowed to ask different questions the guides and in the end, they are able to learn about the gorilla habits. Trekkers can record videos and take pictures while watching the members carry out different activities like nesting, hunting, mating, breastfeeding, and much more.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in August?
To have the best of gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in August we recommend tourists to always travel with the most essential things for the activities. These include waterproof hiking shoes, long-sleeved clothes, gardening gloves, long cotton stocks, a pair of gaiters, a light backpack, a rainy jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, a pair of binoculars, and insect repellents to mention but a few.
The cost of gorilla trekking permits for tourists visiting in August
Gorilla trekking permits cost the same for a given period of time that is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority a government agency managing and controlling activities within Bwindi. A gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 Rest of Africa and UGX300,000 citizens of East African member states.
How to purchase a gorilla permit for Bwindi in August?
To purchase a gorilla permit for Bwindi, a tourist will need to get a local tour operator who is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board. With a gorilla trekking date, a local tour operator will contact the reservations office for gorilla permits available, and once available they will reserve it. You will be required to sign a contract and send the money for your gorilla permit to be purchased after which you will be given a signed copy.
When to purchase a gorilla permit for Bwindi?
Tourists intending to visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for gorilla trekking need to know that August is a very busy month. It’s a high season month when the park receives the highest number of visitors. Gorilla permit booking needs to be done 6 months or even more before the trekking date. This is when gorilla permits are still available and there are fewer chances of missing out on gorilla permits.
Is August the best month to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
Yes, August is the best month of the year to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. August is a dry season months and such months are the best to travel to Bwindi because they are characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. August being a good month to travel attracts thousands of tourists in Bwindi to the point that some miss out on gorilla permits.
Tourists who travel to Bwindi for gorilla trekking safari in August will find the trekking trails dry and easier to walk through which enables the trekkers to locate the gorilla family on time. The vegetation is very short and scattered giving trekkers clear views of the mountain gorillas and photography. Roads leading to the park are in very good condition allowing tourists to access different areas on time.
