Trekking mountain gorillas in the rainy season- Gorilla tracking remains the best and most loved safari activity in Africa. Gorilla trekking or primate trekking can be conducted throughout the year but this time I will focus on trekking primates especially mountain gorilla during the wet or rainy season. It is important to note that gorilla trekking takes place in the volcanoes national park Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The fact that gorilla trekking is the most expensive but experience rewarding activity the visitors find it paramount to look for the best time to trek these gorillas in their country of the choice. However, there are some positive and negative effects of trekking gorillas during the rainy season as illustrate below though most tend to avoid rainy season gorilla safaris and opt for wet season gorilla trekking.

As we kick start the discussion about trekking gorillas in rainy or wet seasons it is important to note that mountain gorillas in Africa and habit tropical rain forests that influence the climatic conditions of the year. The equatorial rain forests sometimes ate characterized by the rains throughout the year and this you should come knowing that even when it is the dry season you can still reactive some rains and therefore you should be extra prepared for both.

Why trekking mountain gorilla in rainy seasons?

In Uganda, the rain season traditionally happens in April, May, August, and September. However became of changes in global warming, the season keeps on varying and the rainy conditions have changed. Because of this effect, it is unpredictable for one to know if it will shine or rain even in months we expect rains it happens and you find the sunshine. However, most of the tourists tend to avoid the above-mentioned rainy months due to different factors.

Yes, though the rainy season, but there are some advantages that you will enjoy when trekking during the rainy season, and one of the advantages is that during the rainy season, there is no competition for the gorilla trekking permits. This means that you can book your gorilla trekking permit in the rainy months without much difficulty. Further, the wet season or rainy season is referred to as the low season in Uganda and even in Rwanda. Usually, low seasons tend to attract discounts especially on accommodation facilities or lodges, hotels, and even transportation to and from gorilla staring points. This is done for tour operators to attract more business and tourist numbers by reducing the prices of the services that they do provide.

Trekking mountain gorilla in the rainy season is so adventurous, by enjoying the rainy challenges itself, the muddy and slippery soils, and dripping forests up to the point where the mountain gorillas are in the forest. The chances of seeing mountain gorillas in the rainy season are the same as those seeing gorillas in the wet season. However in case you fear rainy, then you can opt to book for your gorilla trekking in the wet season but gorilla trekking in the rainy season is also a great deal even you have put on the right protective gear.

What to Do in Bwindi Forest national park

The following are the major tourism activities that can be done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park;

Mountain gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is the distinguished activity that occurs in Bwindi impenetrable national park. There is hiking in Buhoma setors as the trails take you to captivating mountain gorillas. Meet any of the gorilla families such as  Rushegura gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family,  Mubare gorilla family etc.

Bird watching

Bwindi harbors thick forest which is a good habitat for various bird species and more specifically for migratory species and forest bird species. You will spot various bird species when in the forest such as Handsome francolin, Chapin’s fly catcher, Tit Hylia, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Oriole, Dusky Twin spot, African wood owl, Regal sunbird, Western green tinker bird, Bar-tailed trogon, Bwarf honeyguide, Black bee-eater, Kivu ground-thrush, Grey guckoo-shrikeShelly’s greenbul, Yellow-sreaked greenbul,  collared apalis, Red-throated alethe,  strange weaver, handsome francolin and many more.

As usual, the best time for bird watching safari in Bwindi starts in March and ends in September and again it starts in June and ends in July. During this time, nesting is ongoing at its maximum and migratory bird species come to the park in quantity during this month’s thus spotting as many birds as possible in Bwindi

Nature walks

You will enjoy nature walks in bwindi and as you enjoying the activity, you will pass through forest using the various trails going through the sector. On the way you will encounter many bird species like Handsome francolin, Chapin’s fly catcher, Tit Hylia, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Oriole, Dusky Twin spot, African wood owl, Regal sunbird, Western green tinker bird, Bar-tailed trogon, Bwarf honeyguide, Black bee-eater, Kivu ground-thrush, Grey guckoo-shrikeShelly’s greenbul, Yellow-sreaked greenbul and many more.

Community walks

On the Community walks in Bwindi, you will have a chance to visit the cultural and traditional side of Buhoma sector. This activity allows you to penetrate into villages and communities that surround Bwindi Park.  The community members are the Bakiga who allow you to participate in their various community activities like cultural songs dances and drama, black smiting, using of local herbs by traditional healers and also exploring their behaviors by interacting with the natives and this also gives you knowledge about the village history.