Bwindi in May – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in May receives heavy rainfall, around 114mm, though it is less than in April.
Being a wet month, the trails in the forest are more challenging and difficult to hike because they are muddy and slippery.
Daytime temperatures in the park are about 22°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to around 12°C.
The heavy rains in May encourage the growth of lush vegetation, which provides a hiding place for wildlife species such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. This makes it harder to spot them.
The month of May is a suitable time to visit, especially for travelers on a budget gorilla safari in Bwindi, as many accommodations reduce their rates during the wet season.
Additionally, most routes in Bwindi are more difficult to navigate because they are muddy and slippery. Tourists will need 4×4 vehicles when visiting the park.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in three districts: Kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu. The park is found on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift.
The park covers an area of 321 square kilometers and contains around 160 tree species and over 100 fern species.
The name “Bwindi” comes from a local word, Mubwindi, meaning a place full of darkness. The forest was given this name because of its dense bamboo stands, thick ground cover, and various plant growth.
Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas, containing almost half of the endangered mountain gorillas, about 120 mammal species (like elephants, yellow-backed duikers, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys), and over 350 bird species (such as the great blue turaco, black-billed turaco, black bee-eaters, African green broadbill, handsome francolin, and African black ducks).
In 1991, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas were mainly affected by factors such as poaching, habitat loss, and diseases.
Originally, Bwindi Forest was home to the Batwa people, who traditionally used it as their hunting ground. However, they were displaced to protect the gorillas.
Facts about Visiting Bwindi in March.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in May
A gorilla permit costs:
- 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents
- 700 USD for foreign residents
- 300,000 UGX for East African citizens
May is a fantastic time to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of Bwindi.
