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May

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda in May

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda in May

Uganda offers gorilla trekking throughout the year in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including the month of May. During May, Bwindi typically gets substantial rainfall, around 114mm, which is less than in April. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gets about 131mm of rainfall. The heavy rains make the forests muddy and slippery, requiring trekkers to be in good physical shape. Despite these challenges, May provides unique opportunities for adventurous trekkers who enjoy a tough challenge in the mountainous forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing, a raincoat or poncho, and sturdy hiking boots for a successful trek.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda in May

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi is located in the Kanungu, Kisoro, and Rubanda districts of southwestern Uganda, covering 331 square kilometers. It is close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, situated at around Latitude 1.0521° South and Longitude 29.6201° East. The park’s altitude ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level. Bwindi is a dense, ancient rainforest home to over 400 mountain gorillas, including 24 habituated families.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga, with only one habituated gorilla family, is located in Kisoro district in southwestern Uganda. The park is at approximately Latitude 1.3614° South and Longitude 29.5874° East. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga conservation area, sharing its ecosystem with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This park features iconic volcanoes like Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo, covering 33.7 square kilometers with altitudes from 2,227 to 4,127 meters above sea level.

Vegetation Cover in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in May

High rainfall in May causes lush and diverse vegetation in both Bwindi and Mgahinga. This dense cover provides shelter for wildlife, including mountain gorillas, various monkeys, golden monkeys, and elephants. The parks are also home to bird species like the Rwenzori batis, African blue flycatcher, African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher, great blue turaco, and Shelley’s crimson-wing. The vegetation ranges from montane and lowland rainforests to bamboo forests and open grasslands. Plants such as Albizia, Newtonia, pine, mahogany, and star apple provide food for the gorillas. The thick vegetation in May makes gorilla trekking a thrilling mystery, as it can take longer to locate the gorillas in the rugged terrain.

Gorilla Behavior and Movement Patterns in May

The increased rainfall in May affects gorilla behavior and movement. While gorillas are adapted to wet conditions and continue their activities despite the rain, they might seek shelter in denser jungle areas, making them harder to locate. However, this adds to the adventure, as finding them after a longer search is more rewarding.

Temperature and Climate Conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in May

In May, Bwindi and Mgahinga experience cooler temperatures, with daytime averages around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and nighttime temperatures of about 10-15°C (50-59°F). Mgahinga has daytime temperatures between 8-17°C. The cooler, wet conditions may influence gorilla behavior, causing them to seek shelter in dense vegetation or huddle together for warmth. This could reduce their movement and foraging, making them harder to find, but once located, the encounter is highly satisfying.

How Gorilla Trekking Safaris Are Done in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga starts early in the morning. Visitors must be at the park headquarters by 8:00 am for a briefing. A park guide explains the code of conduct for a successful trek and conservation of the forests and wildlife. Visitors are divided into groups of 8, each with a guide and armed guard, to follow specific trails. The group looks for a habituated gorilla family used to human presence. Along the trails, you may see various mammals, rodents, insects, and plants. The trek duration varies, from an hour to a full day, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you can spend only an hour with them to prevent stress. After the trek, you return to the park headquarters, where the Uganda Wildlife Authority awards you a certificate for completing the adventure.

In Bwindi, you can also participate in the gorilla habituation experience. This involves joining park guides and experts as they gradually introduce a gorilla group to human presence, allowing several hours to observe gorilla behavior in the wild.