Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park features among Uganda’s most magnificent conservation areas. This park is located in South-western Uganda and offers refuge to the world’s popular endangered mountain gorillas and several wildlife species. Safaris to Uganda are only enjoyable when you are certain about the weather and climate of the area which is why it is important that any traveler who is interested in visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park first understands its weather and the climatic conditions. Like any protected area, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest features a wet and yet mild climatic conditions. The temperatures are maintained throughout the year given the fact that it is adjacent to Equator. Daytime temperatures are 23 degrees Celsius and 73 degrees F but drop at night to about 11 degrees Celsius. Bwindi’s altitude varies right from 1160 to 2607 meters. Because of this, it has resulted into broad climatic changes in the protected area as the temperatures reduce by almost 6.5 degrees Celsius from each of the 1000 meters as you hike. For safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visitors usually stop at the base of the park.
While planning for a tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, expect rains at any time of the day given the nature of the habitat even if you are visiting during the dry season. However, in the months of June and July, there is little amount of rainfall received as well as from December to February. From March to May and October to November, the rainfall is much and for tourists who plan to travel to Bwindi during this period are equally encouraged to pack water proof clothes and hiking boots that can help them to hike comfortably.
For gorilla trekking tours in the park, visitors have always preferred the dry season as the gorilla habitat remains relatively dry. The sunny season in Bwindi begins in the month of June and July and then December to February. This is normally referred as the best time to visit the park for wildlife safaris as well as gorilla trekking adventures.
The rainy season
Climate in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is generally mild and wet but during the months of March to May and September to November it is a wet season. The rains normally come heavily and it can drizzle at any time of the day. The rainy season is divided into two;-the short rains that start in March to May and the long rains that begin from September to November. For bird lovers, there are also some migratory birds to sight at the park during this season and this makes it the best birding time for bird enthusiasts.
Whereas gorilla trekking is an all year adventure, it is disturbing especially for trekkers who prefer traveling during this period since the trails are normally muddy and slippery. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park covers an area of about 331 square kilometers and features about 120 mammal species including 10 apes like chimpanzees, L’Hoests, Red tailed monkeys and the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons the popular mountain gorillas. It also inhabits about 350 avian species, 310 butterflies, 51 reptiles and several endangered species as well as 1000 flowering plants and 104 fern species.
In conclusion, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is mainly made up of tropical rain forest whose weather and climatic pattern is some times unpredictable as it can rain at any time including the dry season. However, the park inhabits distinct biodiversity that support various safari interests. In order for visitors to explore its hidden treasure, it is better to understand its weather and climatic pattern. Note that, traveling for either gorilla trekking or bird watching in dry season, rains should be expected at any time of the day since the park is mainly covered by thick tropical rain forest and given the fact that it is located closely to the Equator.