Uganda gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is surely possible throughout the year, and the month of May is no exception. In May, Bwindi and typically receive substantial amounts of rainfall which is however lower than April’s, around 114mm. While Mgahinga Gorilla National Park receives 131 mm of rainfall.

The heavy rainfall causes the forests to be muddy and slippery. This hiking adventure dares you to have superior levels of physical fitness. Despite these challenges, the month of May offers unique opportunities for the bold trekkers who desire a more daunting experience in the mountainous forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. So do not forget to bring along with you waterproof clothing or a raincoat or poncho, and a pair of hiking shoes / boots to have a successful gorilla trekking tour.

Where to do gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda in the month of May?

Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

Located in Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda districts in southwestern Uganda, covers a total land area of 331 square kilometers. Bwindi is situated close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and within geographical coordinates of about Latitude 1.0521° South, and Longitude 29.6201° East.

With altitude ranging from 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level, Bwindi national park is covered with dense, ancient rainforests and is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, with 24 habituated gorilla families.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

With only one habituated gorilla family, Mgahinga is located in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda. The park is situated on geographical coordinates of approximately 1.3614^o South and longitude 29.5874^o East. Mgahinga shares its ecosystem with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the Virunga conservation area.

This park is also home of several iconic volcanoes including Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. With a total land area of 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has varying altitudes that range from 2,227-4,127 meters above sea level.

Vegetation cover in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in May.

The relatively high precipitation, including high rainfall in May causes both Bwindi and Mgahinga to be covered by extravagant and diverse vegetation. This creates cover for its inhabitant wildlife species, including the mountain gorillas, all types of monkeys, golden monkeys and elephants among others. These parks are also home to bird species such as 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 among others. During this month, both Bwindi and Mgahinga are composed of vegetation cover ranging from montane and lowland rainforests to bamboo forests and open grasslands.

The plant species comprise Albizia, Newtonia, pine, mahogany, and star apple among many others. Such vegetation are sources of fruits, leaves, buds, stems for the mountain gorillas to feed on. Since the dense vegetation during May provides cover for the gorillas, this makes the gorilla trekking safari fun, full of mystery as you will wonder how long it will take to find them along the rugged terrain.

Moreover, the increased amount of rainfall in May influences the behavior and movement patterns of the mountain gorillas. Though they are adapted to the wet conditions, and may continue their daily activities despite the heavy rains, their location might be quite irregular. This is because the mountain gorillas can seek shelter in the denser regions of the jungle, thus making it more difficult to locate. But this is part of your thrilling adventure, since encountering them will make you happier than you should have been if you located them in less than an hour.

Temperature and climate conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in May.

During the month of May, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experience relatively lower temperature conditions in May, with average daytime temperatures at around 20-25^oC (68-77^oF), and nighttime temperatures of about 10-15^oC (50-59^oF).  Mgahinga experiences temperatures of between 8-17^oC during the day.

The relatively lower temperatures during the wet season in May could also significantly affect gorilla behavior in either Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks by presenting cooler conditions. The mountain gorillas can cope with these temperatures by sheltering in the dense vegetation, or congregating together for warmth. Also, this may also reduce their foraging or movements as they spend much of their time grooming each other. This might make it relatively difficult to locate them, but once encountered, you will find it more satisfying.

How gorilla trekking safaris are done in Uganda?

Trekking mountain gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park must start early in the morning. Visitors must be at the park headquarters by 8:00am for briefing. While gathered at the designated briefing site, a knowledgeable park guide will brief you regarding the proper code of conduct to achieve a successful gorilla trek, including the necessary cautions to conserve both the forests and the wildlife species. After this session, you will be divided into groups of 8 individuals, each of which is accompanied by a park guide and armed guard to follow specific forest trails.

Along the trails, your group will seek for a habituated gorilla family—the ones familiar to human presence. Enroute you should expect to spot a variety of mammals, rodents and some beautiful insects and plant species. The duration of the hike varies, from an hour to even a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you encounter the gorilla family, you are allowed only an hour in their presence, to avoid them from being stressed of uncomfortable. After this you will return to the park headquarters where the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff will award you with a certificate indicating your successful completion of the gorilla trekking adventure.

InBwindi national park, you can also undertake the gorilla habituation experience. This involves going with a team of knowledgeable park guides and experts as they gradually introduce a gorilla group to acclimate to human presence over a longer period of time, allowing them to spend several hours observing the behaviors of the mountain gorillas in the wild.