Bwindi in May
Bwindi impenetrable National park in May receives heavy rainfall which is around 114mm however it is less than for the month of April.
Being a wet month , the trails in the forest are more challenging and difficult to hike because they are muddy and slippery.
The day time temperatures in the park are about 22°C while the night temperatures drop up to 12°C .
The heavy rains received in May encourage the growth of lush vegetation which is a hide out for different wildlife species such as mountain gorillas , chimpanzees, blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys thus making it difficult to spot them.
The month of May is a suitable visiting time most especially for travellers on a budget gorilla safaris in Bwindi as many accommodations cut down their rates during the wet season.
Additionally, most of the routes in Bwindi are more difficult to navigate because they are muddy and slippery thus tourists will require 4×4 vehicles when visiting the park.
About Bwindi
Bwindi impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda in three districts of kisoro , Kabale and Kanungu . The park is found on the edge of the Albertine rift , the western arm of East African Rift.
The park covers an area of 321 sq km and contains around 160 tree species and over 100 fern species .
The name Bwindi was derived from a local word Mubwindi meaning a place full of darkness . The forest was called so because of the dense bamboo stands , thick ground cover and various plant growth within the park.
Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas containing almost half of the endangered mountain gorillas, about 120 mammal species like elephants , yellow black duikers , chimpanzees, blue monkeys , red tailed monkeys etc , over 350 bird species such as great blue turaco , black billed turaco , black bee eaters , African green Broadbill , handsome francolin , African black ducks etc .
In 1991 , Bwindi impenetrable National Park was established to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas were majorly affected by factors such as poaching , habitat loss and diseases.
Origianlly , Bwindi forest was a home of the Batwa who traditionally called it their hunting ground however they were displaced to protect gorillas
Cost of gorilla permits
A gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non residents
USD 700 for foreign residents
UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
In a nutshell, May is a fantastic time to immerse in the beautiful nature of Bwindi
