Uganda Gorilla Safaris in January
Uganda Gorilla Safaris in January -Best Time for Gorilla Trekking Tour
Explore our refreshed guide to book Uganda gorilla safaris in January. Experience one of the prime months for a safari in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Learn about Uganda’s January climate, optimal times to see gorillas, and insightful tips.
Do you still wonder, “Is January a good time to visit Uganda?” Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd answers all your travel queries about organizing Uganda gorilla safaris in January. January safaris offer an unforgettable chance to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their wild habitat.
January presents an excellent opportunity for gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. According to Uganda’s travel calendar, January is the second month of the short dry season, which typically runs from December through February in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Visiting in January provides clearer trails, superior visibility due to sparser foliage, and better chances of seeing silverback gorillas and their families.
Guide to weather conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks
Bwindi weather conditions in January
Daytime temperatures rise up to 22 degrees Celsius
Nighttime temperatures 12 degrees Celsius
Mgahinga weather in January
Daytime temperatures rise to about 20 degrees Celsius
Nighttime –temperatures drop to 9 degrees Celsius.
Generally, there is less rainfall in January across both gorilla trekking destinations (Bwindi & Mgahinga). Note, temperatures reduce depending on the altitude, and at each 1000m you take.
Why January is the Best Time for Uganda Gorilla Trekking/Gorilla Safaris
Key reasons why January should be your ideal month of the year to embark on Uganda gorilla safaris/mountain gorilla trekking include;
The long dry season is perfect for gorilla trekking
January is one of the driest months, characterized by low or no rainfall, which keeps the trails drier. The dry conditions in the Bwindi or Mgahinga make it easier trekking through the forest in search of mountain gorillas than when it is the wet season.
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in January to enjoy easier access to your gorilla family. Around January, you have fewer worries about getting distracted by weather conditions or the slippery/muddy trails.
Excellent Visibility during gorilla safaris
Traveling in January to Uganda to participate in gorilla trekking allows you to appreciate the amazing visibility in the natural forest. The vegetation is less dense, thus providing you a higher chance to catcher the exceptional pictures.
Tour combo
January is a favorable month of the year and also presents an avenue for you to plan a combined safari. Visitors can combine gorilla habituation, chimpanzee tracking, volcano hiking, game viewing in the savanna Parks (Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth Game Park, Kyambura Gorge, and more.
The Overview of Bwindi and Mgahinga –Best Uganda Gorilla Safaris Tour Destinations
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga are lying in the Southern part of Uganda. Covering over 331 sq. km, Bwindi is composed of 4 regions, including Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga sectors. Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro has the Ntebeko region where gorilla trekking starts from.
Overall, about 25 habituated gorilla groups are open for gorilla safaris in Uganda. These are distributed across the five gorilla trekking sectors. A maximum of 8 (eight) guests are allocated to a single gorilla group (fully habituated).
Preparing for your Uganda gorilla safaris in January –here are the amazing tips to take
As you prepare to book your Uganda gorilla safaris in January, key things must be secured, including a valid permit. A gorilla permit for Bwindi and Mgahinga should be booked at least 3-5 months before the actual planned date of visiting mountain gorillas.
Consider the essential/practical gorilla trekking packing list/gear which covers waterproof hiking boots, neutral safari clothes, a first aid kit, gardening gloves, a sweater, a tin of insect repellents, and others.
Consider booking the safari lodge adjacent to the gorilla sector in Bwindi or Mgahinga. This can make it easier to catch up with the Uganda Wildlife Authority officials at the briefing centre for you to understand the gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
What to expect during a gorilla trekking experience in January
Whether you visit Uganda in January or December to enjoy your gorilla trekking safaris, be aware that your actual day begins with briefing and followed by guided walk. Gorilla trekking primarily involves walking through the forest to find mountain gorillas in the wild. Visitors are accompanied by an experienced ranger guide and the focus is usually on the fully habituated gorilla groups.
A gorilla trek may last in varying periods depending on the visitors’ hiking speed, the location of the gorillas, and other essential factors. But the gorilla trek allows you an hour to spend with mountain gorillas in the jungle.
Wildlife & Biodiversity to see besides the mountain gorillas in Uganda
Uganda protects more than gorillas. There are lots of other animals including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, to see. Visitors can also explore the Big 5 game, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys. In terms of bird species, a record of 1080 species of avifauna exist in the varying habitats in the Pearl of Africa making Uganda a favorite birding destination.
Suggest Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tour Packages
Here are the top gorilla trekking safaris and tour packages to book with Flawless Adventure Planners, one of the best gorilla trekking companies offering unmatched premium Africa safaris in East Africa.
A 1 day Bwindi gorilla safari is an ideal package for visitors with plans to embark on Uganda gorilla safaris in January and they have limited time. This is a budget-friendly package and begins from Kigali. It includes border crossing through Chanika or Katuna and the key highlight is gorilla trekking.
The 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Tour from Kigali offers memorable gorilla trekking adventure in one of the enriching regions/sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Book our short 2 days Bwindi gorilla tracking tour from Kigali to be part of the journey to observe a family of massive mountain gorillas.
Spend 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari as you witness a group of mountain gorillas. This includes guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but is flexible in the sense that you can also spend 3 days in Mgahinga.
Want to spend adequate time exploring gorillas, then booking our 3 days fly Bwindi gorilla habituation adventure should be a must. Gorilla habituation is only in the Rushaga region, southwestern Uganda. Rushaga lies in the Southern part of Bwindi and is also credited with its highest concentrations of gorilla groups.
Did you know that you can combine gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda? Oh yes, it is absolutely possible, and you can start with our captivating 4 days Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari. Enjoy gorilla trekking from Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, the best places to see gorillas in Africa.
The Best Gorilla Trekking Company in Uganda to Book With
Flawless Adventure Planners Limited is your trusted and best gorilla trekking company to consider planning and booking your Uganda gorilla safaris in January and beyond. We offer the best Uganda gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
We start and complete the journey to witnessing mountain gorillas in Uganda and even Rwanda. Book a gorilla permit with our expert in advance at USD 800 per person! Note, January is a peak month, and you should have your gorilla trekking slot booked early through our expert to avoid last minute puzzles.