Gorilla trekking safaris in either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are possible throughout the year and the month of October is no exception. The chances and quantity of rainfall increase compared to the previous month. Both Bwindi and Mgahinga receive around 146-157 millimeters of rain in October. The weather is relative humidity around 81% which is considered very humid but cool. This gives the parks a wet yet mild climate during October.
The relatively heavier rains in October affect gorilla trekking adventures since this causes the forest trails to become muddy and slippery. Such trails are relatively challenging to traverse hence requiring extra caution and physical fitness. Despite these challenges, October offers unique opportunities for those bold enough to conquer the jungles of Bwindi and Mgahinga. Gorilla trekking safaris in October require that you carry waterproof clothing and rain boots to have a successful hiking adventure.
Location of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the Kanungu district of southwestern Uganda covering a total land area of 331 square kilometers. Bwindi is situated close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 501.3 kilometers southwest of Kampala and about 164.4 kilometers north of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. With an altitude of about 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level, Bwindi is covered with dense, ancient rainforests. It is home to over 459 mountain gorillas with over 50 gorilla families but with only 24 habituated gorilla families.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is found in Kisoro, southwestern Uganda is situated close to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers 33.7 square kilometers and is part of the larger Virunga Massif. This is a chain of Volcanic mountains located in the border region of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga is the home of several iconic peaks Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Mgahinga sits at an altitude ranging from 2,227-4,127 meters above sea level. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is approximately 496.7 kilometers southwest of Kampala and 135.3 kilometers north of Kigali. It has only 1 habituated gorilla family.
Vegetation at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in October
Since October is a wet season, Bwindi and Mgahinga are covered by denser vegetation cover compared to the dry seasons. This provides cover and more food sources for the inhabitant wildlife species including the mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, golden monkey, and African elephant, 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. During this month, both parks have mixed ecosystems ranging from montane and lowland rainforests to bamboo forests and grasslands. The tree species comprises Newtonia, pine, mahogany, and star apple among many others. Such vegetation is a source of fruits, leaves, buds, and stems for the mountain gorillas to feed.
The dense vegetation during October makes the gorilla trekking safari very exciting as you push aside numerous large leaf blades while hiking on the trails. This enhances the mystery of whether you will encounter the gorillas because they are mostly out of sight for people on gorilla trekking safaris. However, because trekkers are accompanied by experienced trackers, you will have the confidence to encounter the gorilla family.
Temperature conditions at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in October
During the month of October, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks experience relatively lower temperature conditions, with average highs at around 23oC (73oF), and lows of around 11oC (52oF). These temperatures depend on the altitude and specific location.
The relatively low temperatures in October affect gorilla behavior at both Bwindi and Mgahinga. Since mountain gorillas are adapted to such chilly weather conditions, they usually seek shelter in the dense vegetation or mostly congregate together for warmth and grooming each other. This may also reduce their foraging or movement hence relatively difficult to find if you are on gorilla trekking safaris.
The cool temperatures in October are suitable for gorilla trekking safaris. This ensures the overall appeal of the adventure by allowing visitors to fully experience the biodiversity of the parks without being significantly affected by extreme heat and cold.
How gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks
Gorilla trekking safaris in both Bwindi and Mgahinga are expected to start by 8 am, so you must be at the park headquarters around 7:30 am for a pre-trekking briefing. You will gather at the designated briefing site, where knowledgeable park guides will brief you about the proper code of conduct for the gorilla trek, including the necessary cautions.
Afterward, the trekkers will be divided into groups of 8 individuals, each of these groups will be accompanied by a ranger guide and a well-trained armed guard to follow specific trails in the jungles. Along the trails, the group will seek an indicated habituated gorilla family. Meanwhile, they can spot a variety of beautiful insects and plant species.
The duration of the hike may take from an hour or even a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family or your fitness level. Once the gorilla family is encountered, you are allowed to spend no more than an hour in their presence. Overexposure could cause stress and disturbance. After the trek, you will be awarded a certificate indicating your successful gorilla trekking adventure.
