Best Time to Visit Mountain Gorillas in Uganda – Mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. Mgahinga National Park is located in Kisoro District at the border of Uganda with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest number of mountain gorillas, with about 500 individuals in 20 families. This makes it the most popular destination for gorilla trekking.
Mgahinga National Park has one gorilla family that offers an unforgettable trekking experience due to its peaceful members.
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered primates due to factors such as poaching, diseases, and habitat loss.
Mountain gorillas live in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi in Uganda. They feed on vegetation such as leaves, shoots, stems, roots, and fruits.
Mountain gorillas live in families of about 5 to 30 members, led by a dominant silverback. The silverback protects the family, mates with the females, and decides sleeping and feeding times.
Mountain gorillas live at an altitude of about 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level.
Best Time to Visit Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit them is during the dry season because there is little rainfall. During this time, the trails are not muddy or slippery, making gorilla trekking easier.
The dry months are June to August and December to February.
How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga
- By Road: Tourists can travel from Kampala or Entebbe to Kabale or Kisoro, where they can access the national parks. The journey takes about 9 to 10 hours. From Rwanda, tourists can travel for about 4 to 5 hours via the Cyanika border to either of the national parks.
- By Air: Tourists can book a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip. From there, they can connect to the parks by road. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Mountain gorillas are magnificent creatures that provide tourists with a great experience when visited.
