Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is certainly possible throughout the year, and the month of April is no exception. In April, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks typically receive substantial amounts of rainfall that usually peaks at 152.7 millimeters in this month, with frequent afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms.
The heavy rainfall presents a challenge for gorilla trekking safaris in April, as they cause the forest grounds trails to become muddy and slippery. This hiking adventure dares you to have superior levels of physical fitness. Despite these challenges, April offers unique opportunities for those courageous travelers who desire a more daunting experience in the mountainous forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. So do not forget to bring along with you waterproof clothing or a raincoat or poncho, and a pair of hiking shoes or boots to have a successful gorilla trekking experience.
Location of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda
Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Kanungu district, southwestern Uganda, covers a total land area of 331 square kilometers. Bwindi is situated close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and within geographical coordinates of about Latitude 1.0521° South, and Longitude 29.6201° East. To reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road, you will cover approximately 480 kilometers on road from Kampala, and about 168 kilometers from Kigali city. 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.
With only one habituated gorilla family, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda. The park is situated on geographical coordinates of approximately 1.3614o South and longitude 29.5874o East. Mgahinga shares its ecosystem with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the Virunga Massif. this is home of several iconic peaks of Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount. Sabinyo. 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 at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in April.
The relatively high precipitation, including high rainfall in April causes both Bwindi and Mgahinga to be covered by extravagant and diverse vegetation. This creates cover for its inhabitant wildlife species, including the mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, l’Hoest’s monkey, golden monkey and African elephant 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.
Plant species comprises albizia, Newtonia, pine, mahogany, and star apple among many others. Such vegetation are sources of fruits, leaves, buds, stems for mountain gorillas to feed on. Since the dense vegetation during April provides cover for the gorillas, this makes the gorilla trekking safari fun and full of mystery as you will wonder how long it will take to find them.
Additionally, the increased amount of rainfall in April 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 conditions at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in April
During the month of April, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experience relatively lower temperature conditions in April, with average daytime temperatures at around 20-25oC (68-77oF), and nighttime temperatures of about 10-15oC (50-59oF).
The drop in temperatures during the heavy rains in April can also significantly influence gorilla behavior in either Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks by presenting icy conditions. Since the mountain gorillas are adapted to the climatic conditions with the thick fur covering their bodies, they may cope with the temperatures by looking for shelter in the dense vegetation, or crowding together for warmth. Again, this may also reduce their foraging or movement behaviors. This might make it relatively difficult to locate but once encountered, you will not be more excited, hence find it to be the most memorable trek of your life.
How gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks?
Hiking for mountain gorillas in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park must start early in the morning, and latest 8:00 am. This implies that you must be at the park headquarters by 7:00 am for briefing. While gathered at the designated briefing site, a knowledgeable park guide will brief you regarding the proper code of conduct of conducting 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-familiar to human presence. Meanwhile you should expect to spot a variety of mammals, rodents and some beautiful insects and plant species. The duration of a hike varies, from an hour to even a full day, depending on the location of a 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.
