Bwindi in March – The month of March is part of the wet season in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with increasing rainfall and humidity, which rises further in April. Temperatures range from 22°C during the day to 12°C at night.
A drop in temperatures changes the behavior of mountain gorillas in Bwindi, such as seeking shelter in dense vegetation, making it harder to locate them.
The trails in the forest are more slippery than usual, making hiking through the forest difficult.
Tourists will also need a 4×4 car to navigate the roads within the park.
However, this is the month when tourists can enjoy the best views of different bird species, as many are migrating to the park.
Additionally, tourists must book their gorilla permits and accommodation in advance because many campgrounds and lodges may be closed from March to May.
Due to heavy rainfall in March, the park becomes lush and green, adding to the magical atmosphere of gorilla encounters.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
The park covers an area of about 331 square kilometers near the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is found at geographical coordinates 1.0521° South and 29.6201° East.
Bwindi is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, with about 500 individuals in over 20 gorilla families.
The park is located about 487 km from Kampala and 168 km from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the body in charge of national parks in Uganda.
The forest was declared a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The park also includes other wildlife species, such as:
- Mammals like chimpanzees, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, elephants, and antelopes.
- Bird species like black bee-eater, regal sunbird, handsome spurfowl, black-billed turaco, and mountain oriole.
March Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing by well-trained park rangers.
Tourists are then divided into small groups of 8 members, and each group is assigned a specific gorilla family.
As tourists hike through the forest in search of mountain gorillas, they can spot other wildlife species like insects, plants, elephants, and monkeys.
Gorilla trekking takes about 7 hours in the jungle, depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family.
After trekking, tourists are awarded a trekking certificate.
What to Carry
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long trousers
- Rain jacket
- Sweater
- Binoculars
- Camera
March offers wonderful opportunities for adventurous tourists who want to have unique experiences.
