Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in western Uganda is a prime Uganda safari with thick vegetation. Every day when tourists go out for the famous gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi impenetrable national park, the ranger guides have to cut vegetation for trackers to access the way. It is a true African jungle giving you a feeling of paradise.

Bwindi Impenetrable national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 because of its rich diversity of flora and fauna and being home to half of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas. The park covers an area of 321 km² which is forested with some areas being covered by bamboo and shrubs. The forest lies on steep slippery valleys with ridges and hilltops.

The weather in Bwindi is chilly because of the immerse canopy. You are advised to carry some warm clothing for evenings and long sleeved shirts/trousers for trekking. For the ultimate experience, you need to be in good physical condition to go up and down the terrain. It lies at an altitude between 1160m-2607m above sea level.

Gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Bwindi Impenetrable national park is divided into different trail heads where gorilla trekking happens. When you choose to visit Bwindi, be sure to know which trailhead you are allocated before you book your hotel. After knowing your allocated trailhead then you can book the hotel in that location. There are currently 22 gorilla families habituated for tourism in Bwindi impenetrable national park. The different sectors in Bwindi are; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Animals

The parks is home to about 120 mammals’ species that are rarely seen, they hide in the thickets of the dense forest. The animals of Bwindi forest include; Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted Duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otter, side-striped jackal, civet, numerous bats and rodents etc.

Bwindi forest is home to 11 primate species; the black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, De Brazza monkeys, Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Potto, Demidoff’s Galago, Spectacled Galago, Baboons, Chimpanzee and the gentle giants of Bwindi forest – Mountain Gorillas.

Birds

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to about 350 species of birds. It is by far the best place for birding in Uganda owing to its unique species of birds. The forest is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. The globally threatened species include, Grauer’s broadbill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimson-wing. More species include; Handsome Francolin, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, White-bellied Robin Chat, Black billed Turaco, Fraser’s Eagle, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds etc.

Birding in Bwindi is mainly in the Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija sector of the park, ‘The Neck’ a stretch of the forest joining Ruhija to the Buhoma sector and the Buhoma area especially on the waterfall trail.

Butterflies and Amphibians

It is home to over 200 butterfly species including eight Albertine rift endemics. They include the African giant swallowtail and Cream-banded swallowtail. The amphibian species identified in Bwindi forest are 27 with 11 endemic to the Albertine rift. Fourteen snake species, 14 lizard species.

Things to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When most people think of Bwindi Impenetrable national park, they think of gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Bwindi is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You must purchase your permit prior to the gorilla trek. Only 8 individuals from 15 years of age are permitted to visit a gorilla family per day.

You are briefed before starting the gorilla trek. Some of the information shared include; 8m distance from the gorillas, no use of flash photography and no looking directly in the eyes of the gorilla for an extended period of time. You need to wear long sleeved pants and shirts to avoid scratches as you trek through the forest, carry a rain poncho, seasoned boots, lots of water, lunch (sometimes it takes an entire day to locate them) and finally consider hiring a potter because the terrain can be difficult.

Bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Bwindi forest is a prime Uganda birding spot and was named as Africa’s number one birding spot by Africa Bird Club. If you have limited time in Uganda and you must choose only one park for birding, Bwindi forest should be your choice. It has birding trails leading to different areas including the waterfalls. It is home to about 350 species of birds which include 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. There are excellent site guides in the communities who are very knowledgeable about the birds in the area especially the endemics.

Nature and waterfalls walks in Bwindi national park

There are various trails into the forest for your different interests. You walk along with an armed Uganda wildlife ranger guide for your protection in case you meet a wild animal but also as a guide. The available trails; Buhoma – Nkuringo trail which takes 5 hours crossing through the national park. Rushura Hill walk – a trail through forest shared between Congo and Uganda. Muyanga waterfall walk, Ivi River Walk – 14 kms and takes about 7 hours. Muzubijiro Loop – 6km walk around the hill where you have chances of interacting with primates and birds.

Mountain Hiking and biking

Kigezi region where Bwindi impenetrable forest is located is a mountainous area with beautiful scenery. Most lodges have bikes you can rent per day to take on the special trails created in the community otherwise ask them for a project you can rent from. Ivi river trail from Buhoma park headquarters to Ivi river organized by ‘ride for a woman’.

Community walks and Cultural experiences

The community surrounding Bwindi forest is full with activities and cultural experiences for you. You can choose to take on the Batwa experience – a people that lived in the forest for many years. Here you will be able to re-visit the forest with them and experience how they lived in the forest, how they co-existed with the gorillas and the other animals for years.

The different walks include Buniga Forest nature walk in Nkuringo – a forest reserve adjacent to Bwindi impenetravle national park. Nyundo community Eco trails and King Bakyara’s waterfall trail. Tour the village Aquaponics project with Conservation through Public Health (CTPH). Buhoma community tours – areas of interest, handcraft shops, Batwa community, traditional healer, primary school and finally learn how bananas are used to make juice, beer and gin and taste.

Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are scheduled/ charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi town connecting to Buhoma area or to Kisoro Airstrip, which connects to Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. There are also flights from Kajjansi Airfield, which lies between Kampala and Entebbe.

Driving: From Kampala, the route depends on the trailhead you are visiting i.e. Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija OR Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo OR Kampala – Kabale – Kisoro – Rushaga/Nkuringo.