"Uganda’s most important tourist hub, Bwindi protects a rolling landscape of steep hills and swampy valleys swathed in one of Africa’s largest and most ancient montane rainforests. It has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its high biodiversity, which includes 120 mammal and 350 bird species. Bwindi is the best place in Uganda to see creatures endemic to the Albertine Rift, most notably the charismatic mountain gorilla, of which roughly 400 are present. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYBwindi Impenetrable National Park
Pretty much everybody who visits Bwindi goes gorilla tracking. Be warned: the forest isn’t called Impenetrable for nothing, and the hike into its interior can be tough going. But the reward – the opportunity to stand within a few metres of these soulful-eyed bamboo-munching gentle giants – ranks as one of the world’s most inspirational wildlife experience. Fourteen of Bwindi’s 25-odd gorilla groups are now habituated to tourism, meaning it has more daily permits on offer than any other gorilla-tracking destination, but booking is usually necessary long in advance during the high season.
The notion of Bwindi as merely a ‘gorilla reserve’ is massively reductive. This magnificent forest harbours around 120 mammal species, including chimpanzee, forest elephant, five types of forest duiker and substantial numbers of black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. For birdwatchers, a highlight of the rich forest avifauna is a full 23 Albertine Rift endemics, most notably the super-localised and splendidly colourful African green broadbill.
Another regularly seen forest resident is the spectacularly colourful foot-long Rwenzori three-horned chameleon. The butterfly diversity is also legendary: you’ll often encounter more than 10 species fluttering kaleidoscopically in one spot, and 200-plus have been identified in total.
Outside the park, a few reputable cultural programs offer the opportunity to interact with the Batwa ‘Pygmies’, a hunter-gatherer people who were evicted from the forest interior following the gazetting of the national park.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in September. The altitude of Bwindi does, however, mean that this ‘dry season’ is a little unpredictable.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Bwindi has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,300 to 2,462m or 4,265 to 8,553ft) moderate these to a very pleasant average maximum of 23°C/73°F to 27°C/80°F. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference within the Bwindi Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cool, so do allow for layers which can be taken off once you start trekking.
Bwindi has a wet climate, with no distinct dry season, although June, July and August do tend to be the driest months of the year. There is also a slight lapse in rainfall in December, January and February. Considering the wet climate and tekking focused activities we would recommend thin and light waterproof clothing together with good walking boots.
DRIER PERIOD
A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in March.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Uganda, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperature as well as rainfall. The majority of the regions in Uganda sit at fairly high altitudes, which moderates the temperatures, especially in the case of Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks where it can be really quite cool.
Although rainfall is possible through the year in most locations, there are main two wet seasons in Uganda. The first takes place between March and May, the second between September and November. There are some exceptions to this, such as Kidepo Valley National Park which has just one wet season.
The best time for a safari in Uganda is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. Trekking Gorillas or Chimpanzee is not as influenced by the weather, although there is no doubt that the trekking is easier and more enjoyable during the drier times of the year.
Experiences
Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Properties
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Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge
A Wild Frontiers property set deep within the rainforest on a steep hill, Buhoma lodge is an intimate accommodation offering uninterrupted views over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Perfect for those looking to get up ..
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Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
This aptly named, intimate lodge sits in the clouds above Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest with views that stretch out to the Virunga Volcanoes. Clouds is perfectly located for the National Forest’s gorilla tracking adventures and ..
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Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
The remote and intimate Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is situated in the heart of the Nkuringo local community, offering charming and eco-friendly accommodation in a gorgeous forest setting. Ideal for travellers looking for some ..
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Sanctuary’s Gorilla Forest Camp
Sanctuary’s Gorilla Forest Camp
With its impressive location deep within Bwindi’s Impenetrable forest, Gorilla Forest Camp is ideal for those looking for an exclusive and immersive stay in one of Africa’s most beautiful and densely gorilla-inhabited parks. ..
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Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
A beautiful lodge surrounded by open views of the forest and arguably one of the most luxurious – and best- properties in the Bwindi area, the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda is exactly what you need after a long day of ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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