Bwindi in April – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, about half of those remaining in the wild. Bwindi is the major gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and Africa as a whole.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers an area of 331 square kilometers.
The park is known for its enormous biodiversity, which includes 163 species of trees, 104 species of ferns, over 350 bird species, mammal species, and over 200 butterfly species.
Bwindi was declared a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The bird species in the park include the regal sunbird, black-billed turaco, handsome francolin, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Kivu ground thrush, and African green pigeon.
Some mammals include chimpanzees, elephants, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, forest hogs, and bush pigs.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park receives very heavy rainfall in April because it is the wet season.
During the day, temperatures in the park rise to about 22°C, and in the morning, they drop to around 12°C.
Since April is one of the wettest months in Bwindi, the forest trails become more slippery and muddy, making it challenging to climb to higher altitudes.
Gorilla trekking in April, which is a low season, makes gorilla safaris in Bwindi more affordable compared to other months in terms of accommodation and transportation.
In April, there are also many gorilla permits available due to the low number of trekkers.
Check about Visiting Bwindi on Easter.
Top Bwindi Activities to Do in April
- Gorilla Trekking: Tourists visiting Bwindi in April will be able to spot gorillas, although it is a bit challenging because they hide in the dense vegetation for shelter.
- Bird Watching: Bwindi is home to over 350 bird species. Tourists will have the chance to see them during April as many species migrate to the park, such as the handsome francolin, black bee-eater, regal sunbird, African green pigeon, and Kivu ground thrush.
- Nature Walks: During nature walks, tourists will hike through the forests and spot beautiful scenery and different wildlife species like birds, monkeys, and chimpanzees, offering immersive experiences.
- Gorilla Habituation: This is the process of making mountain gorillas used to humans. Tourists will have a more personal encounter with gorillas, which lasts 4 hours compared to gorilla trekking.
What to Carry in April
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Garden gloves
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Rain jacket
- Binoculars
- Long trousers
- Raincoat and sweater
- Backpack
- A hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
April still offers wonderful wildlife encounters, just like the dry months, although it requires more physical fitness.