The Uganda safari calendar can be divided into two seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. There are mainly four months that often fit in the category of the dry season. That is; July, August, December, and January. But even in these months, you might get some surprise rain. Here is what to expect on a rainy gorilla safari to Uganda.
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All the roads in both Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are non-tarmac. On a rainy day, some parts of the road are quite slippery. But this is nothing to worry about if you are using a 4×4 car that has a winch.
There are also rescue trucks from Uganda wildlife Authority that can help out in case you are stranded within the park. However, it is important to note that most of these slippery roads are often from the gorilla safari lodges connecting to the main road to the national park.
Slippery Trails
The forest is often wet throughout the year. But on a rainy day; it gets more slippery. This is still nothing to worry about as long as you a walking stick. Gorilla trekking involves walking off the demarketed paths and this is where it is most slippery on a rainy day.
To some people, this is a special experience. While to other people, it is an experience that has to be avoided. The best way to walk safely on the slippery trail is to walk slowly.
Expect Some Rain
As earlier stated, rain in Uganda is fairly unpredictable. A raincoat is a must-have for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. There are very high chances that you will not need it but carrying it will put you on the safer side.
Poor Network Reception
It is quite common for the cellphone network to become poor on a rainy day. To avoid the stress that comes with poor network reception, it is important to expect a cellphone network interception when it is raining.
It is also important to note that in Uganda, it rarely rains for the whole day. Therefore you should expect rain for a maximum of three hours.
Delay in Transfers
Gorilla safaris in Uganda often start at Entebbe international airport. You then drive through the edges of Kampala to connect to the Kampala-Masaka highway. There is a lot of traffic jam at Busega roundabout more so on a rainy day. You should therefore leave some allowances for the delay in your transfer from Entebbe international airport to the gorilla national parks.
Safety Stops
In Uganda, it is relatively common for people to simply park alongside the road during heavy rain. In case the rain is too much on your transfer to the gorilla national park or your lodge near the gorilla parks; expect the driver to park for a few minutes until the rain becomes bearable for driving.