BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park lies suitably in southwestern Uganda along the Albertine rift valley just at a border area with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It covers an area of about 331 square kilometers featuring largely a tropical rainforest making it a few water catchment areas. This forested park straddles between altitude 1160 meters and 2607 meters. Given its unique habitat, this park ranks among a few most endowed protected areas in East Africa. Its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to mountain gorillas and a side from these magnificent apes, there are also other incredible wildlife species including 10 more primate species for instance chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons a mention but a few. Besides, there are also small mammal species for instance the bats and rodents as well as over 350 bird species that include about 23 Albertine rift endemics and 14 of them are never spotted anywhere in Uganda. The notable bird species that thrive within this park include African green broadbill, white tailed flycatcher, blue flycatcher, brown necked parrot, Frazer’s eagle owl and many others. There are also about 200 butterfly species that call this park their home.

What to do in Bwindi National Park

Gorilla trekking

This features as a major safari activity in this park and remarkably, it is such a thrilling experience never to be missed while on Uganda safari. It takes you through the thick rainforest in search of mountain gorillas that make up part of the 1004 individuals that still exist today in the world. For visitor experiences, there are 4 main trailheads where treks usually kick start in this park and they include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each of these trailheads feature habituated families which are assigned to trekkers. To take part in this adventure, you will need a permit and in Uganda gorilla permits cost $600 per visitor.

Gorilla habituation experience

Habituation experience is another remarkable primate adventure that is offered in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Two groups have been set aside for this particular experience and they include Bushaho and Bikingi. Unlike the usual treks, with habituation experience, you spend the entire day with these creatures and all the 4 hours of magical encounter. This experience is only conducted in Bwindi National Park, southwestern Uganda and permits cost $1500 per person. This habituation exercise lasts for about 2 years and it is a process of making mountain gorillas get used to human presence.

Nature walks

If you love nature, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is that one unique park you shouldn’t miss to pay a visit while on Uganda safari. It features many trails where you can embark on nature walks and each trail rewards visitors with rare views of its natural wonders. They include Munyanga River trail-this is found just outside the park and rewards visitors with incredible views of its primates, birds and others. The waterfall trail-this take you to the 3 scenic waterfalls in this trail, Muzubijiro loop-remarkable for its clear views of Bwindi forest, western rift valley, the Virunga volcanoes and others, Bamboo trail that is characterized by 14 different vegetation types, Ivi river trail which is ideal for bird watching, Buhoma village tourist walk that takes you to Batwa and Bakiga community, Rushura trail and others.

Cultural encounters

A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is only complete with a visit to a nearby community for cultural experience. While on gorilla safari in this park, do not miss to include the Batwa encounter or visit to Bakiga community for you learn more about their traditions and cultural practices

Bird watching

With over 350 bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s best birding sites. The notable bird species for you to sight at while on safari in this park include western green tinker bird, chestnut throated apalis, Kivu ground thrush, montane oriole, African green broadbill, collared apalis, shinning African blue, common bulbul, white tailed fly catcher, fine banded woodpecker, short tailed warbler and many others.

The other incredible safari activities for you to take part while on safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park include mountain bike ride, village walks,

Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park features wide range of safari lodges right from budget to luxury. They include Buhoma lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and these are mainly luxury lodges. Budget lodges include Buhoma community rest camp, Broadbill forest camp, wagtail eco safari camp, gift of nature lodge, Nshongi camp, Ruhija community rest camp and many more. The midrange lodges include Gorilla Mist Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Silverback lodge Bwindi, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, Engagi Lodge Bwindi, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp and others.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

To get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you can either take a drive or flight. By road, you need about 9-10 hours to drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi National Park and a 4 wheel drive safari vehicle is ideal for your road trip. From Kabale, you drive for about 108 kilometers to Buhoma through Ruhija which is approximately three hours. If you are taking the Kampala-Buhoma route-the route is good from Kabale to Ntungamo. From Ntungamo, drive for 45 kilometers to Rukungiri where you then drive via Kambuga to Kanungu then finally come to Butogota about 17 kilometers to Buhoma park headquarters. By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe and you land into Kisoro airstrip where you can connect to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. If you are traveling from Kasese or Fort Portal, you can take the Katunguru route, Ishasha and Kihihi.

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi National Park is considered as an all year round safari destination. However, take note of the 2 seasons-the dry and wet season. The dry season usually starts from June to September which is the longest dry spell and short one begins from December to February. The wet season starts from March to May and the short one is experienced from October to November.

In conclusion, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an ideal destination not only for gorilla trekking but also for other varied safari activities. Visit this park and you will be rewarded with life changing experiences.