Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda; Location, Activities, Lodges, and Best Time to Visit Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the leading Uganda gorilla safari destination most visited for gorilla trekking adventures. Half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas are believed to be thriving within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with 20 gorilla families already undergone through habituation.
Location of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is suitably located near Uganda border with the D.R. Congo. Featuring a lush Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is geographically found in the South-western part of Uganda, approximately 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The compact rain-forest protected area sits on altitudinal range of 1160-2607m and surrounded by three districts- Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu.
Gazetted in 1991 as one of the best Uganda safari parks and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most biodiverse destinations in Africa. Mountain gorillas are undeniably the top attractions tourists should expect to see while on a Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Its vast rainforest dates back over 25000 years, sheltering over 400 different species of plants.
Bwindi National Park is also positioned within the Western Rift Valley Area with misty hillsides. The designated UNESCO site and rainforest park spans on 331sq. km of land area, consisting of 4 sectors; Nkuringo, Rushaga in the South; Ruhija in the East and Buhoma to the North.
Top Attractions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an important home to all 120 mammal species which include a total of 459 mountain gorillas. The mountain gorilla is a prime reason why most tourists undertake Uganda safari in Bwindi National Park. Not more than 1063 of these rare apes still live in the wild and there are only 4 National Parks to visit to see them including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park.
The primary reason why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was founded was to provide shelter to some of the world’s mountain gorillas. It is in Bwindi where the first gorilla family was opened for gorilla trekking in 1993 after undergoing habituation for 2 years.
Mubare is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Uganda and it is found right in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Still in Buhoma, the additional 3 groups include Katwe, Habinyanja, and Rushegura.
A total of 4 sectors are in Bwindi and besides Buhoma, the other 3 sectors/regions include Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.
Rushaga hosts the biggest number of gorilla groups- about 9 of them including Mishaya, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Busingye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Kutu, Biking, and Bweza. Nkuringo currently has 3 families- Nkuringo group, Christmas, and Bushaho. Trekking any of the habituated gorilla families in any of the 4 sectors in Bwindi requires you to have a valid gorilla permit, each costing USD700 per trekker per day.
Other Species of Wildlife
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an ultimate Uganda safari park, protecting more than mountain gorillas in the same habitat. The 331sq.kms tropical forest park also protects important wildlife species such as chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, rodents, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, jackals, and vervet monkeys. Bwindi is also a special habitat for about 220 butterfly species, 27 frogs, 104 fern species, 163 tree species, and more.
Bird Species
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers more than mountain gorilla encounters. A total of about 360 bird species make Bwindi a true birder’s paradise and they include 23 endemic bird species.
The birds to expect to encounter on Uganda safari in Bwindi include Chapin’s flycatcher, African wood owl, Shelley’s greenbul, Neumann’s warblers, African broadbill, and Handsome francolins.
Additionally, expect to look for Western green tinker birds, Dwarf honey guides, Red-throated leather, African emerald cuckoo, African green pigeons, Flycatchers, and Harrier hawks to mention but a few.
Waterfalls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is a beautiful place worth visiting by any nature lover on safari in Uganda. The park has exceptionally beautiful waterfalls including Kashasha River Falls and Munyaga River Falls.
A nature walk in existing trails from the Buhoma to Nkuringo sector offers a great chance for tourists to visit, and explore these natural endowments while also spotting a variety of flowering plant species, birds, butterflies,s and more.
The People around Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like most African safari parks is surrounded by local communities worth visiting for cultural safari or encounter. Adjacent to Bwindi are the Batwa pygmies and Bakiga communities each with distinct cultural practices, traditions, and norms.
The Batwa people are long known as the ‘forest people/dwellers’- this is a fact that they spent 500,000 years hunting and gathering in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Southwestern Uganda. Visiting the Batwa or Bakiga community after or before your gorilla trekking adventure makes visitors’ safari holiday in Bwindi or Southwestern Uganda complete.
Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda
Gorilla Trekking or Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife activity and experience that attracts thousands of Uganda safari goers each year to Bwindi National Park. There are 4 major areas or regions in Bwindi, each with already habituated gorilla families for gorilla trekking/tracking.
Tourists undergo briefing early morning before setting foot into the jungles of Bwindi to look for mountain gorillas. Briefing time is from 7:00 am to 8:00 am when you can begin the actual trek with a park guide, expected to take 2-6 hours including one hour of face-to-face encounter.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Rules
- Only use a camera that is free from flashlight for taking photos.
- No one shall be permitted to set foot into the jungles to trek gorillas if they are sick or ill.
- Keeping a distance of 10 meters from gorillas is mandatory to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to these endangered species.
- Visitor voices should be kept low at all times while in the jungles.
- Only those with valid gorilla permits have a chance to visit a habituated family of gorillas in Bwindi/Mgahinga. About 168 gorilla permits are available for booking in Uganda at USD700 (FNR/Foreign Non-Residents), USD600 (FR. Foreign Residents) and East Africa Citizens Uganda shillings 250,000.
- One hour of face to face with gorillas is guaranteed upon finding them in the wild.
- Don’t forget to wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth.
- Have all human wastes buried deep as recommended by the park official.
- Trekking gorillas in Uganda is open to persons above 15 year.
- It is highly prohibited to liter the gorilla habitat.
Gorilla Habituation
There is only one destination to visit for the gorilla habituation experience which is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Gorilla habituation is unique from normal gorilla trekking because it takes a long day or half day of monitoring/following the semi-habituated gorilla group to make it used to the presence of people before it is opened for actual gorilla trekking. Gorilla habituation permits- Uganda costs USD1500 but guarantees visitors 4 hours face to-face with mountain gorillas as opposed to one hour during the normal gorilla trekking.
Birding Tours
Birding is another special Uganda safari activity Bwindi has to offer nature lovers. The park is a host to all 360 bird species in its different birding areas such as the Bamboo zone, Mubwindi, and Buhoma waterfall trail. The birds to keep an eye on birding tour here include African broadbill, Kivu ground thrush, African wood owl, Handsome francolins, Red-headed blue bill,
The special birds of Bwindi N/Park include the African wood owl, Regal sunbird, African broadbill, Red-headed blue bill, Handsome Francolins, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, Dwarf honey guide, Red throated leather, African emerald cuckoo, African green pigeon, Flycatchers and more.
Cycling
Cycling is another astonishing experience tourists in Bwindi should expect to enjoy. It is arranged by Ride 4 a Woman a local project intended to support residents. Bikes are available for renting for interested cyclists/bikers and this amazing activity is conducted in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi.
Batwa Experience
Before or after gorilla trekking Bwindi, the Batwa cultural experience is the best way to end your day. You visit the Batwa community to learn how they lived for 500000 years as hunters and fruit gatherers, how fire can be made using traditional ways, and get entertained by dances, music performances and plenty of other activities.
Forest walks/hiking
Over 6 hiking/nature walk trails in Bwindi introduce visitors to the hidden treasures of what this park has to offer. They include among others Buhoma village walk, the waterfall trail, the Ivy trail, the Muzubijiro loop, Habinyanja, the Munyaga trail, and the Rushura hill walk.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Best Time to visit
Uganda safaris in Bwindi National Park can be conducted on any day, time, or month of the year. However, the dry season is undoubtedly the best time for anyone to have an excellent exploration of this lush protected area. The dry season often begins from June, July, August to September; December, January to February.
Where to stay – Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi National Park has all accommodation types, budget, mid-range, and luxury.
The top budget safari lodges in Bwindi include Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Community Camp, Gorilla Friends Resort, Nshongi Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge;
Mid-range lodges include Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge while luxury options include Gorilla Mist Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
By road, Bwindi is easier accessed in a 4×4 safari vehicle for about 8-9 hours’ drive starting from Entebbe/Kampala; a 3-4 hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park or Kigali through Chanika/Katuna borders.
By air: Fly-in gorilla safaris can be arranged and flights begin from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrips where you can easily connect to the Southern sectors of Bwindi that are Nkuringo or Rushaga. The Northern (Buhoma)/Eastern (Ruhija sector) is served best by the Kihihi airstrip.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
What is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park known for? Bwindi is most famous for being one of the few places in the world where you can trek and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key conservation area for gorillas.
Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How do I get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Bwindi is accessible by road or air. The nearest airports are in Kisoro, Kihihi, or Entebbe, with several daily flights. You can also travel by road from Kampala or Kigali (Rwanda).
What are the main activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The primary activity in Bwindi is gorilla trekking. Other activities include bird watching, nature walks, community visits, and cultural encounters with local tribes like the Batwa.
What is the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when the trekking trails are more accessible.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi? Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding as the terrain is steep and muddy. However, there are various trekking sectors with different levels of difficulty, so there is a trek suitable for different fitness levels.
How long does gorilla trekking take? Gorilla trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the difficulty of the terrain. It involves hiking through the dense forest to find the gorilla family.
Do I need a permit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi? Yes, you must obtain a gorilla trekking permit. Permits are required for each trek and must be booked in advance, as they are limited in number to protect the gorillas and the environment.
What should I bring for gorilla trekking in Bwindi? Recommended items include sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants, insect repellent, gloves, a hat, a camera (without flash), and plenty of water.
Can I take photos during the gorilla trek? Yes, you can take photos of the gorillas during the trek, but using a flash is not allowed as it can disturb them. It’s important to keep a respectful distance from the gorillas at all times.
What other wildlife can I see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Besides gorillas, the park is home to a wide range of other wildlife, including forest elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, various bird species, and a diverse array of plant life.
Are there any accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Yes, there are several accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to budget options, including lodges with views of the park, tented camps, and homestays.
Is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park safe for visitors? Bwindi is considered safe for tourists. However, visitors should always follow safety guidelines provided by the park rangers, especially during gorilla trekking. It is also advisable to check current safety conditions before traveling.
Can I visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Rwanda? Yes, it’s possible to visit Bwindi from Rwanda, as it’s close to the Rwanda-Uganda border. You can cross via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts, but ensure you have the necessary visas and documentation.
How do I support gorilla conservation in Bwindi? The revenue from gorilla trekking permits directly contributes to the conservation of the gorillas and the park. Visitors can also donate to conservation initiatives or participate in community-based conservation activities.