Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris are possible throughout the year; therefore, the month of July is no exception. While Uganda experiences a dry season in July, there are chances of rainfall, particularly in the mountainous regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where gorilla trekking safaris are conducted. However, these rains are relatively lighter compared to the wetter months of the year, thus making gorilla trekking safaris more favorable for trekkers.
In July, the average total rainfall in Bwindi is approximately 38 millimeters, one of the lowest in the year. On the other hand, the average total rainfall received at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the same month of July is around 27 millimeters.
These lower amounts compared to the previous month makes the gorilla trails in both national parks drier and less muddy thus easier to traverse while on gorilla trekking safaris. Also, drier weather prompts gorillas to descend to lower altitudes seeking for their favorite meals thus increasing their accessibility to trekkers.
Though the humidity levels vary in both Bwindi and Mgahinga, it is lower in the dry season compared to the wetter months. However, both of them being in rainforest regions, the humidity levels can still be relatively high, and in July they experience an average relative humidity of about 72%, which could be described as humid but cool.
Temperature conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in July.
In July, Bwindi experiences relatively more sunshine that provides more heat hence usually experiences temperatures ranging from lows of 19oC (67oF) to highs of 25oC (78oF). It gets cooler at higher altitudes. The overhead sun and clearer skies enhance your visibility while hiking for mountain gorillas.
Also, the heat in July influences the behavior of mountain gorillas, by forcing them to move from higher altitudes towards lower altitudes, where the temperatures are much warmer. This enhances the chances of hikers to encounter them.
Equally, in July Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 19oC (67oF) – 26oC (78oF). These conditions are pleasantly warm, humid but cool, hence presenting some of the perfect surroundings for gorilla trekking adventures as the mountain gorillas are usually out in the open.
Accessing gorilla trekking destinations in July.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kanungu district, southwestern Uganda is 331 square kilometers in size. Bwindi is found near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. In Bwindi national park, there are at least 400 mountain gorillas and 24 habituated gorilla families.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated within geographical coordinates of approximately Latitude 1.0521° S, and Longitude 29.6201° E. On road, reaching there is about 540 kilometers from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. And from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, Bwindi is about 220 kilometers north. Bwindi is found on altitudes ranging from 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level.
On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda covers a relatively smaller total land surface of about 33.7 square kilometers. Mgahinga is situated on geographical coordinates of about 1.3641o S and 29.6383o E, and is bordered by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga massif that constitutes Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park besides Mgahinga. On road, Mgahinga is about 470 kilometers southwest of Kampala, and from Kigali, it is only 227 kilometers.
How’s the vegetation in July?
During the month of July, the dry season influences the vegetation within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Due to the diverse altitudes at Bwindi, it comprises of dense tropical jungles, characterized by various vegetation types. Bwindi is largely composed of montane forest; characterized by tall trees, dense undergrowth, and a plush canopy. During the dry season of July, the trees a composed of relatively thick leaves, that are often shed due to low chances of rainfall. Some parts of Bwindi are composed of bamboo forest, especially at higher altitudes. This is essential for providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, including the mountain gorillas.
Therefore, in July, the bamboo may still be green and dense, but due to rising temperatures, they may start to dry out. There are also grasslands and clearings in the dry season, that provide important habitats for elephants and various antelope species. These clearings make the park relatively visible to these species and the travelers on gorilla trekking safaris. Therefore, you could locate the mountain gorillas with less difficulty compared to the wetter seasons.
Mgahinga Gorilla National park in July also experiences its dry season that influences the vegetation composition much like in Bwindi. During this time Mgahinga is dominated by montane forest, and the vegetation varies with altitude. Bamboo forests at higher altitudes and grasslands in the lower altitude regions. The montane forest is characterized by tall trees and dense undergrowth.
The grasslands and clearings are more noticeable in July and provide clearer views for wildlife species such as buffaloes, leopards, and bush pigs among others. Also, like in Bwindi, this rich vegetation is a food source and cover for the mountain gorillas.
Besides the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also known for its rich biodiversity, with at least 160 tree species and over 100 species of ferns that comprise some of its undergrowth. Bwindi has around 120 mammal species, including the elephant, duiker, buffalo, golden cat, bush pig, giant hog, black-fronted duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otter, side-striped jackal, civet. There are also numerous species of bats and rodents in Bwindi. Mgahinga is also known for its rare golden monkeys.
How gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi and Mgahinga?
It is mandatory for gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi to commence before 9 am, with the trekkers gathering at a briefing point. Here, an experienced park guide will brief you on the proper code of conduct while hiking on the forest trails. After the briefing you will be put in a group of trekkers composed of 8 individuals. Like other groups, yours will be accompanied by a park guide and an armed guard to seek for a designated gorilla family. The duration of your gorilla trekking safari varies and is reliant on the location of the particular gorilla family and also your level of physical fitness. This hiking adventure may take either an hour or a full day.
Also, Mgahinga gorilla trekking safaris follow similar procedures like at Bwindi, with an early morning briefing session conducted at the park headquarters, before the hike begins. But due to the relatively smaller park size and only 1 habituated mountain gorilla family, your gorilla trekking safari will be a more intimate and quiet experience. Once the gorilla family is encountered, you are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour with them, before you return to the park headquarters.
Due to the combination of higher temperatures and the lower chances of rainfall in the destinations, consider packing lightweight outfits for your gorilla trekking safaris. Do not forget a raincoat, or poncho for the unexpected rainfall.
