Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is possible throughout the year, and the month of March is no exception. In March, Uganda typically experiences a wet season, marked by increased rainfall and humidity. And since Bwindi and Mgahinga parks are characterized by a tropical rainforest type of climate, they receive substantial amounts (about 133 millimeters) with frequent afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms.
Such heavy rainfall can have deep implications for gorilla trekking adventures in March, since this causes the forest trails to become muddy and slippery. Such trails are relatively challenging to traverse hence requiring extra caution and physical effort from trekkers. Despite these challenges, March offers unique opportunities for those adventurous travelers who desire a more immersive experience in the jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga. The lush green environment adds to the magical atmosphere of gorilla encounters and also require that you carry waterproof clothing and hiking shoes to have a successful trekking experience.
Location of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda during the month of March.
Bwindi impenetrable National Park.
Located in southwestern Uganda, covering a total land area of 331 square kilometers is situated close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bwindi is located between geographical coordinates of about Latitude 1.0521° South, and Longitude 29.6201° East. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is approximately 487 kilometers from Kampala, and about 168 kilometers from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. With altitude ranging from 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level, Bwindi is covered with dense, ancient rainforests and is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, with 24 habituated gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This is also in southwestern Uganda is situated close to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National park covers 33.7 square kilometers and is part of the Virunga Massif. This is a chain of Volcanic mountains located in the border region of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the home of several iconic peaks of Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Mgahinga national park sits on altitude ranging from 2,227-4,127 meters above sea level. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is approximately 470 kilometers southwest of Kampala and 227 kilometers north of Kigali. It has only 1 habituated gorilla family.
Vegetation at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in March
Since rainfall is relatively high in the months of March to May, Bwindi and Mgahinga in March is covered by lavish and diverse vegetation. This creates a dense vegetation cover for its inhabitant wildlife species, including mountain gorillas, baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Golden monkeys and forest elephants; bird species such as the African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher, great blue turaco and Shelley’s crimson-wing among others; as well as butterflies.
During the month of March, both national parks have mixed ecosystems ranging from montane and lowland rainforests to bamboo forests and open grasslands. The tree species here comprise of Newtonia, pine, mahogany, and star apple among many others. Such vegetation are sources of fruits, leaves, buds, stems for the mountain gorillas to feed. The dense vegetation during March also provides cover for the mountain gorillas, which in turn makes the gorilla trekking safari fun-filled and full of mystery.
Additionally, the increased rainfall in March influence the behavior and movement of the gorillas. Though they are accustomed to the wet conditions, and may continue their daily activities despite the rain, detections can be more irregular. This is because the mountain gorillas can seek shelter in the denser regions of the jungle, thus making it harder to find for trekkers. However, encountering them becomes very fulfilling in March.
Temperature and weather conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks during the month of March.
During the month of March, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experience relatively lower temperature conditions in March, with average daytime temperatures at around 23oC (73oF), and morning temperatures of around 12oC (54oF).
The drop in temperatures during the onset of the wet season in march can significantly influence gorilla behavior at both Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks by creating chilly conditions. Since the mountain gorillas are adapted to the climatic conditions, they may adjust their behavior to cope with the temperatures by looking for shelter in the dense vegetation, or crowding together for warmth. This may also reduce their foraging or movement. This might make it relatively difficult to locate but when encountered, you will be more excited.
How gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks?
Gorilla trekking safaris in both Bwindi and Mgahinga start at 8:am, so you are expected to be at the park headquarters around 7 am, gather at the designated briefing point where knowledgeable ranger guides will brief you about the proper code of conduct of a gorilla trek, including the necessary cautions to be taken.
After this session, visitors are divided into groups of 8 individuals, each of which is accompanied by a ranger guide and armed guard to follow specific forest trails. Along the trails, the group will seek for a specified habituated gorilla family.
Meanwhile they can spot a variety of beautiful insects and plant species along the trek. The duration of a gorilla trekking tour may take between 30 minutes to over 7 hours, depending on the location of allocated gorilla family. Once the gorilla family is encountered, you are allowed to spend no more than one hour in their presence. After the trek you will be awarded a tracking certificate indicating your successful gorilla trekking adventure.
