Bwindi in September – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which make up almost half of those remaining in the wild.
The park is located in Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu districts at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, with various wildlife species such as:
- Mammals like elephants, yellow-backed duikers, buffaloes, and forest hogs.
- Bird species such as black bee-eater, Kivu ground thrush, regal sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, mountain masked apalis, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, purple-breasted sunbird, mountain oriole, and bar-tailed trogon.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a tropical climate, characterized by heavy rainfall and hot temperatures. The park covers an area of about 331 square kilometers along the Albertine Rift on the western side of the East African Rift.
The forest was declared a national park in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for gorilla trekking, making it a top destination for trekkers. The park can be visited all year round, although the dry season is the best time.
Tourists visiting during the wet season can also experience the natural beauty of the park.
The month of September is part of the wet season in Bwindi, and the park receives very heavy rainfall.
Daytime temperatures are usually around 22°C in September.
Gorilla treks can still take place in the wet season because the rains do not last the whole day.
However, the most challenging part is that the trails are very muddy and slippery, making hiking difficult.
Therefore, a higher level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy gorilla trekking.
For tourists interested in bird watching, September is the best month because the park receives many migratory birds.
Check our article on Visiting Bwindi in October.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in September
A gorilla permit costs:
- 800 USD for foreign non-residents
- 700 USD for foreign residents
- 300,000 UGX for East African citizens
A gorilla habituation permit costs:
- 1,500 USD for foreign non-residents
- 1,000 USD for foreign residents
- 750,000 UGX for East African citizens
Tourists should book their permits in advance.
How to Book Gorilla Permits in September
Tourists can book their gorilla permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator.
You need to send the dates you want to trek via email, and officials will check the availability of permits and reply. Once permits are available, you will be required to pay, and your date will be fixed.
What to Pack
- Sweater
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Long cotton socks
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- First aid kit
- Camera
- Binoculars
How to Reach Bwindi
- By Road: Tourists can travel by car from Kampala via the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale road, which takes 9 to 10 hours to reach Bwindi. Those coming from Kigali, Rwanda, can travel via the Cyanika border, which takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- By Air: Tourists can travel by plane from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and land at Kisoro Airstrip, which takes about 1.5 hours. From there, tourists will use a car to reach Bwindi.
In September, Bwindi is greener, and tourists can enjoy a perfect view of the beautiful environment, making it a unique experience.
