Visiting Bwindi in January: What should i expect if i choose to go Gorilla trekking In January? Which is the best Month of the year for Gorilla Trekking?
The Month of January is arguably one of the best times to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi or even her sister (smaller) gorilla trekking park called Mgahinga. January is generally considered to be the warmest month with an almost similar average temperature of 17 °C to 24 °C (63-75 °F). It is a good time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park or the much smaller Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – you could also trek in both parks if your budget allows.
Both Bwindi & Mgahinga share similar climate/weather patterns. The tourism seasons (peak/low seasons) are equally similar for both Gorilla Safari parks. However, Bwindi remains the most sought after gorilla trekking park because of;
The number of Habituated Mountain Gorilla Families: Bwindi Forest National Park currently boasts of being home to 21 habituated mountain gorilla families that can be tracked at four (04) designated gorilla trekking locations; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo regions. Bwindi has up to 168 mountain gorilla permits available on a daily
Mgahinga unlike Bwindi only has one habituated gorilla Family open for gorilla trekking meaning there are only 08 permits available on a daily for travelers wishing to see the gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Mountain gorilla permits at both Mgahinga & Bwindi Forest National Park cost $700per person for foreign Non-residents, $600 per person for residents (Proof of Residence is required), and Uganda Shillings 250,000 per person for East African Citizens.
How to plan a gorilla Safari in January
If your plan is to go gorilla trekking in January, then it is idle that you plan to book your January Gorilla Holiday at least 06 months in advance. This is because January is a Peak season month, gorilla permits are very competitive to secure, and most hotels are equally sold out well in advance.
What to pack, bring & wear on Gorilla Safari in January
The packing list for gorilla trekking In December is no different. Bring; a pair of sturdy hiking boots, a pair of long socks or gaiters, a pair of gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, a day pack to carry your valuables and lunches on the trek, a camera (with extra memory chips & batteries), a pair of binoculars, a hut/cap, and a raincoat for just in case the weather changes.
See & Print this Gorilla trekking packing checklist
Besides gorilla Trekking In January, what else can I do in Uganda?
Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda is equally big in chimpanzee tracking and wildlife safaris. For chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National park has been named as the world capital for primates – this Ugandan park has over 13 primate species wandering within this lush forest cover. other than the Kibale forest, there are a few more chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda: Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu Forest & Budongo Forest. where one can experience chimpanzee tracking – each of them is unique and none compares to the other.
As for wildlife Safaris in Uganda, the country has up to ten (10) National Parks with half of them being savannah parks where you can go on game drives, and or walking safaris. Uganda’s five savannah parks include Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Semuliki & Lake Mburo National Parks.
Further reading: Top 10 things to see & do in Uganda.
Compare Gorilla trekking in January with trekking in other months of the Year.
