Uganda

When to go on safari in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla tracking in the tropical forests of Uganda is relatively good year round. However, the level of rainfall does vary quite considerably, which can make navigating the forest trails a good deal more difficult. For that reason, most people tend to aim for the May-Sep and Dec-Feb dry seasons.

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Bwindi Forest

is usually best visited during

May-Sep and Dec-Feb

aiming for the two drier periods

Bwindi Forest is best visited during the May-Sep and Dec-Feb dry seasons, when the forest trails should be slightly easier to navigate.

The area is dominated by a tropical rainforest climate, which is characterised by high temperatures year round. It also tends to rain year round, but some months are usually wetter than others.

one of the greatest

wildlife experiences on the planet

Mar-Apr : Early rainy season in Bwindi Forest

higher rainfall leads to slightly more adverse conditions

The Mar-Apr season is a period when the Bwindi Forest area usually experiences slightly higher than usual rainfall, although showers tend to be lighter and more fleeting than those later in the year. The difference is probably not enough to significantly affect trip planning.

Visitor traffic tends to be relatively light at this time, although can peak over Easter.

If you are looking to combine with Murchison Falls, then this period can be less than ideal up there.

May-Sep : Winter dry season in Bwindi Forest

the best time of year for gorilla tracking

The May-Sep dry season is a period when the Bwindi Forest area usually experiences slightly less rainfall than usual, making for easier and more pleasant gorilla tracking conditions.

Temperatures can get relatively cold at night, dropping to around 7C or 45F, especially in June and July. Early morning activities can therefore be quite chilly so travellers should bring appropriate clothing.

Visitor traffic tends to be relatively high at this time, typically peaking around August, so it’s best to book well in advance in order to ensure rooms at the best lodges and permits for the best gorilla families.

It is important to note that if you are planning to combine with Kidepo Valley in the far north of the country, this is the worst time of year up there. It is also not the best time for Murchison Falls, especially into September.

Oct-Nov : Late rainy season in Bwindi Forest

a more challenging time with higher rainfall

The Oct-Nov season is a period when the Bwindi Forest area usually experiences slightly higher than usual rainfall, potentially with torrential downpours and (even worse) long periods of drizzle.

Whether or not these conditions are sufficiently adverse to seriously affect trip planning is questionable, after all you are likely to experience some rain around here year round. Often it’s the more dramatic seasonal variations in the safari areas that you may also be visiting that will prove the more decisive factor.

Visitor traffic tends to be very light at this time, although earlier in October may still be a little more busy due to visitors coming in from Serengeti (where there are migration events taking place).

If you are looking to combine with Murchison Falls, then this period can be far from ideal up there.

Dec-Feb : Summer dry season in Bwindi Forest

slightly more favourable conditions for gorilla tracking

The Dec-Feb dry season is a period when the Bwindi Forest area usually experiences slightly less rainfall than usual, making for easier and more pleasant gorilla tracking conditions.

Visitor traffic tends to be very light at this time, although peaks sharply during the two weeks of the Dec-Jan holiday season. February may also be a little more busy due to visitors coming in from Serengeti (where there are migration events taking place).

It is important to note that if you are planning to combine with Murchison Falls and/or Kidepo Valley further north, this is the best time of year up there.