Best time to visit Uganda.

Uganda is a beautiful country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and the Democratic republic of Congo, it is most sought of for primates, and many wildlife species distributed in the biodiverse environments of Uganda, there are 10 national parks including Mgahinga national park a home to mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo national park, Semliki national park, Queen Elizabeth national park , Mountain Elgon national park, Rwenzori national park , these are accompanied by the undeniable beauty of the Pearl of Africa from the magnificent rolling hills, Lakes and rivers, it is a beginning place to one of the world’s longest rivers river Nile.

Uganda experiences a good climatic season all year round and can be visited all year round, the angelic country experiences 2 seasons the wet and dry season, the dry season ranges from December , February and January and then June, July, August and September, the wet season on the other hand is in March, April, May, October , November. The dry season is the best time to visit Uganda, during this time there is less rains and more of the sun, the trails within the conservation areas are less slippery and easier to access. The wilderness of the savannah conservation areas gets to have shorter grasses and animals gathering around water sources to get a fresh water drink, it is possible to come across animal species for example leopards, lions, antelopes of different species, warthogs, in the primate destinations you will see the famous Mountain gorillas in the Bwindi impenetrable national park, and the chimpanzee of the Kibale forest national park.

Despite the weather being good, there has been a lot of global warming and climatic change taking place in the world at large hence it can rain anytime even in the dry season, the wet season is equivalently enjoyable, the grasses are greener, it is also a perfect time to go birding there are over 1000 species of  birds most of which are endemics of the great Albertine rift valley region, example species include the African green broadbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, plover birds, sunbirds, pelicans, Rwenzori Turaco, grey crowned cranes among other species.

How to access Uganda is through the main entry points, from the Entebbe international airport to land borders, it is important to consider having a valid passport to at least 6 moths to the month of expiry, yellow fever vaccination card, passport photographs, a travel plan, and visa, Uganda visas can be acquired from an online portal, single entry visas are charged $50 and multiple entry visas $100.  Our company will assist in arranging ground transfers to the national conservation areas, Uganda safaris have the advantage of seeing most of the ecosystems in a few days, safaris can be 10 days , 2 days , 5 days, or even 15 days depending on the time travelers have to pay a visit to the lovely country

Dian Fossey hike at Volcanoes National Park.

The Dian Fossey grave hike is one of the outstanding activities there’s in the picturesque Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. The hike will take the visitor through the most beautiful places of the National Park and also enable them to watch exciting creatures therein.

Visitors on the hike have the golden chance to set their eyes on most significantly the mountain gorillas and other exciting fauna species since they will be traversing through their habitat.

Volcanoes National Park as the host of the hike.

Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable destination in Rwanda. It hosts an incredible diversity of both plants and animal life. Visitors to Volcanoes National Park get immersed in the sensational beauty of the Virunga massif.

Travelers have the opportunity to indulge in a series of exciting touristic activities ranging from the most outstanding mountain gorilla tracking to hikes. Volcanoes is a host of five of the eight captivating Virunga mountain ranges.

It is located in the northwest of Rwanda and spans an area of approximately 160 square kilometers.

Who was Dian Fossey?

Dian Fossey was a renowned primatologist. She rose to fame due to her exceptional work in the Virunga massif. She undertook extensive research about mountain gorillas between 1966 to the time she was murdered in 1985 by unknown assailants.

She dedicated her entire life to studying the lives of gorillas and other primates. She would do that regularly and she deserves the credit for the booming gorilla tourism activities in East Africa today.

It was because of her works and ideas that gorilla habituation processes were undertaken in the Virunga conservation area which has led to the exciting gorilla tourism activities such as trekking that many travelers enjoy in various national parks today.

Dian Fossey started the Karisoke Research Center which is up to date used by researchers from all corners of the world who wish to study primates in Volcanoes National Park.

The researcher spent 20 years in Rwanda studying mountain gorillas and indeed her work didn’t go to waste.

She was a renowned lover of the mountain gorillas and that is why when she died, she was buried close to her friends – the mountain gorillas who had also breathed their last. She indeed deserves the credit for her achievements. Travelers from time to time have hiked her grave in honor of the legend and her legendary works.

Hiking experience to the Dian Fossey gravesite.

The hike to Dian Fossey’s gravesite is normally done in the morning. Visitors arrive at the parks office in Kinigi at around 7:00 AM when they get briefed about the activity by the Ranger guides.

 The Ranger guides provide travelers with information about the rules that govern the hike and what to do in case they meet wildlife species along the way.

The message is always about responsible travel and sustainability.

Visitors then embark on the hike at around 8:00 AM starting from the base of Mount Bisoke. Walking sticks are provided at the start of the hike at a free cost by the service providers at the National Park headquarters.

The Walking sticks help support the visitor while on the hike and enable them to maneuver through the thick tropical rainforests and make their way through shrubs and mountainous terrain.

Travelers can also hire porters to help them carry their bags and personal equipment they’ll need throughout the hike.

While on the climb, visitors unveil the breathtaking views of the entire Virunga massif that are good for photography and videography which usually act as souvenirs for the never-to-be-forgotten adventures in Africa.

Visitors will set their eyes on several wildlife species along the way including primates and bird species, especially the African endemics.

The Dian Fossey gravesite is at 2967 meters above sea level and it usually takes about two to three hours of determined hiking. The speed to the summit depends on the physical fitness of the hikers.

The best time to visit and the cost

The dry seasons are the most appropriate times in which one can embark on a successful and uninterrupted hike to the Dian Fossey gravesite. The dry seasons in Rwanda occur from early June to late September and from December to mid-March.

How to access the Dian Fossey gravesite.

Esteemed travelers can drive to Volcanoes National Park. It takes only a 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

On arrival at the park headquarters, continue to the base of Mount Bisoke where the hike starts. Mount Bisoke is only a 30-minute drive away from the park entrance.

bwindi impenetrable national park

Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Do you think of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when you think of any Gorilla Safari in Africa? One of the oldest and most famous national parks in the Republic of Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. for several decades now, its name has appeared on top of many bucket lists, safari itineraries and more because of the its lush tropical forest cover and its permanent residents, the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, largest primate species in the world that can only be found on the African Continent.

Bwindi is among the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Uganda is a wonderful country! Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo surround this country in East Africa. Despite being a landlocked country, it stands out for its pleasant climate, hospitable residents, unique geography, variety of fauna and spectacular landscapes. Winston Churchill, a well-known wartime prime minister, traveled around Africa; he stopped in Uganda and was amazed by how beautiful it was. He referred to it as “The Pearl of Africa” in his book “My African Journey.”

Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Magical Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Semiliki National Park, and Kibale National Park are the other nine national parks in Uganda.

Bwindi national park has four regions from which pre-trek briefing is held at day break. It is advised to reserve accommodations in the area where you will go gorilla trekking in order to manage the early morning wake up call. Uganda Wildlife Authority manages Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and other national parks around the country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda districts, at the farthest south-western corner of Uganda on the western border of Albertine Rift. The Virunga chain of mountains, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo is located about 25 kilometers south of the park. It ascends from a height of 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters. Over 160 different tree species and more than 100 different fern species are typical of it. The Runyakitara word Mubwindi, which means the “location full of darkness,” and this is the source of its name, Bwindi. It is because of the area’s luxuriant tropical forest, fern cover and swamps, to name a few.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established as a national park in 1991, and four years later, in 1994, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its significance to ecology was the reason for this. Because of its distinctive offerings, the critically endangered mountain gorillas, largest primate species in the world, it has developed into one of Uganda’s top safari destinations over time.

The world’s highest population of mountain gorillas reside there in safety. However, the white and black colobus monkey population is equally astounding, along with other primates like baboons, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, mammals, butterflies and more.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors / Regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi national park is split into four sectors, namely; –

  1. Buhoma Sector

The oldest and busiest region is Buhoma. It is close to the Kihihi airstrip and situated in the park’s northern region. There are five gorilla groups in this area: the Rushegura group, Katwe, Mubare, Muyambi and Habinyanja families. Due to the less steep terrain, gorilla trekking in this area is possible for both young and old.

  1. Rushaga region

The Rushaga sector is situated in Kisoro district at the southern tip of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The biggest concentration of gorilla families is found there, and visitors that choose to stay there frequently savor the gorgeous surroundings and far views of the Virunga Mountains.

Habituated gorilla families in this sector are Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Rwigi, Bikingi and Busingye gorilla groups. Hiking in this area necessitates a little greater physical fitness.

  1. Ruhija Sector

Scientific researchers prefer this sector since it is easy to access of all other regions and is to the east of the park. It is simple to travel there from Buhoma or Kabale town. Great views of the forest ridges, distant Virunga mountains, and more may be enjoyed while staying in this region of the park. In Ruhija, there is a chance to see forest elephants, mammals, and numerous monkey species.

  1. Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo sector is located near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo in the park’s southern region. The renowned silverback – Rafiki lived here before dying suddenly in the hands of poachers in June 2020.

Bushaho family, Christmas Gorilla family, Nkuringo Family, and Posho gorilla family are the 4 habituated gorilla families in Nkuringo sector.

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla trekking.

The primary activity here is going on a gorilla trek. It is conducted in four areas under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger guide who will walk with you while narrating the history of Bwindi Forest, the homes of critically endangered mountain gorillas.

About 1 to 8 hours are spent trekking, plus an additional hour when you meet them, for photography and information.

Gorilla trekking permit costs 700 USD for non-residents, 250,000 UGX for citizens of east Africa and 600 USD for residents. The fee includes park entrance and the payment to ranger guides only.

Bird viewing, cultural tours, guided nature walks, and more are other activities. The Batwa pygmies, who were once hunters and gatherers and whose ancestors spent most of their lives in this forest, dependent on it for food and shelter, will be introduced to you.

Accommodation in Bwindi National Park.

The range of lodging options in Bwindi National Park includes affordable, midrange, high-end lodges and campsites. Booking the hotels near the respective trekking points is advised, because it saves time and allows one to be more flexible.

When to visit?

The best months to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are June through August and December through to March when rainfall is minimal and hiking is easy. However, the park is always open to visitors regardless of the season.

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime event, one of its kind on any African safari. The Park is open to everyone and is safe all-year through.