Bwindi in January
In the month of January it is a dry season in Uganda and the temperatures are generally very hot . The temperatures range from 7 to 20 degrees Celsius . During the day temperatures rise up to 20 degrees Celsius and during the night it is generally cool as temperatures drop up to 7 degrees Celsius.
Being that Bwindi at large is a tropical rainforest, it experiences tropical type of climate characterised by heavy rainfall and hot temperatures.
During the dry season in the month of January, Bwindi experiences little showers ranging from approximately 50 to 90mm.
January is one of the best months to trek mountain gorillas because trails are not muddy or slippery and as well gorillas descend to lower altitudes in search of food thus enabling tourists to trek them with ease.
Additionally, tourists will be in position to watch birds because those that migrated from other parts of the country are still present in the park.
Also most of the lodges in Bwindi are quieter because most tourists have evacuated the park because Christmas and New year periods have ended . This gives chance to January tourists to have a great time .
January tourists are advised to book at least 3 months prior to their visiting date to avoid missing out on their gorilla permits.
January is still a popular time for visiting Bwindi this it is worth noting that prices will remain fixed to peak season rates.
Tips to consider if booking a trip in January
Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are limited being that January is a peak season for gorilla trekking thus tourists should book in advance.
Accommodation
Bwindi accommodation options range from luxury to budget options . Tourists ought to book in advance because most accommodations fill up so fast during the dry season due to high number of tourists visiting the park.
Transport
Tourists are advised to book favourable transport options while putting in mind the costs according to your budget . For luxury tourists private vans are available and for budget tourists public buses are a good option.
Activities to carry out in January
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Being a dry month , the trails are dry and therefore not muddy thus it is easier to walk in the forest searching for gorillas.
Nature walks
Bwindi offers various hiking trails where tourists can view the beautiful scenery of the park ranging from flora and fauna . Viewing these is possible because the trails are dry and not muddy due to the dry month of January.
Birdwatching
Bwindi is a birders paradise with over 350 bird species , because of the dry season, foliage is not dense thus spotting birds in their natural habitat becomes much easier
About Bwindi
Bwindi impenetrable National park is located in south western Uganda in the districts of kabale, Kanu hi and kisoro.
The park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas which are about 500 gorilla individuals living in the sectors of Buhoma , Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga .
Bwindi was established as a National park in 1991 and as a UNESCo world Heritage in 1994 .
Bwindi experiences tropical type of climate which is characterised by heavy rainfall and hot temperatures.
The heavy rainfall ranges from 1400mm to 1900mm per annum and temperatures range from 7 to 15 degrees Celsius minimum and 20 to 27 degrees Celsius maximum.
What to carry
Hiking shoes
Insect repellent
Long trouser
Long sleeved shirt
Camera
Binoculars
Short clothes
Hut
Sunscreen
Sun glasses
By and large , January is a great month to experience the nature of Bwindi at ease
