Bwindi forest national park is an equatorial green-covered jungle sheltering half of the world’s endangered great apes known as the mountain gorillas. The park is at an elevation2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi forest is located in the southwestern part of Uganda 512 kilometers from the capital. The forest dates back over 25000 years with about 400 tree species, 120 mammal species, and 350 bird species. The park was gazetted in the year 1991 and in 1994 it was declared a UNESCO natural world heritage site.
Bwindi forest national park is characterized by a wet yet mild climate with its temperature remaining constant year long due to its closeness to the equator. Usually, the daytime temperature is around 230c /730f with a drop night of 110c/520f.
Annually the forest is gifted with lots of rainfall though June and July are noted with the least rain. From March to May and October to November, the rains are very heavy so you can’t even think of leaving behind your waterproof gears and hiking shoes.
Seasons of Bwindi forest national park
Wet seasons (March to May and September to November)
- March, April May
You are advised to have a 4×4 vehicle as the rainfall increases having its climax in April making the transportation to Bwindi very difficult. The trails become very muddy and slippery with morning temperatures at 120c and daytime temperatures at 230c.
- September, October November
These are the wetter months’ temperatures around 230c making the forest trails muddy and slippery. The days are covered with drizzles but do not forget that October and November are the rainiest months.
Dry seasons (June to August and December to February)
- June, July august
Temperatures range from 230c during the afternoon and 110c in the morning as coldness takes over at a higher altitude. This season has June and July as the driest months and the rains start penetrating during August.
- December, January to February
This is a dry season though the rains can drop at any time making it a short drier spell. Having its temperatures at 110c in morning and 240c during daytime but slowly the rains raise by December to February.