Bwindi Impenetrable National Nark is located in southwestern Uganda. Like its name suggests, it is a thick forest and vegetation which is very difficult to penetrate even on foot. The rangers have to cut vegetation to create way for tourists visiting to track the mountain gorillas. It is true African jungle, so thick allowing little sunshine to come through the canopies and keeping the forest cool and serene. It is wonderful feeling walking in the forest being so close to nature and observing plenty of forest wildlife. Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because its rich biodiversity hosting a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna including close to half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of 321 sq km all of which is forested with areas having bamboo and shrubs. The forest lies on steep slippery valleys with ridges and hilltops. The weather in Bwindi is ever 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 to anyone who chooses to trek the mountain gorillas or search for birds, butterflies or shrubs, you need to be in good physical condition to go up and down the terrain. It lies at an altitude between 1,160m-2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is divided in different trailheads for those who want to track gorillas. The gorillas habituated for tourism are in different families based at different trailheads. When you choose to visit Bwindi, be sure to know which trailhead you have been allocated before yFou rush to book your hotel. After knowing your allocated trailhead then you can book the hotel in that location. Currently 21 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism and only 8 individuals from 15 years of age are permitted to visit a gorilla family per day. It is important to book your gorilla safari way in advance to avoid disappointment. The trail heads include; Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushanga, Nkuringo and Nyondo.
In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is a prime birding spot which was named Africa’s number one birding spot by Africa Bird Club. It is home to over 350 species of birds which include 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. The species include; African Green broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, Black billed Turaco, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds etc. The parks is home to 120 mammals’ species but are rarely seen as they hide in the thickets, they include; Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats etc. It has 11 primate species which include; black-and-white monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, De Brazza monkey, Baboons, Chimpanzee and of course the gentle giants of Bwindi: the Mountain Gorillas. It is home to over 200 butterfly species and 400 species of trees.
Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: There are scheduled/ charter flights from Entebbe International Airport. Otherwise, you can drive from Kampala and the route depends on the trailhead you are visiting, Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija, Kampala – Kabale – Rubuguri/Nkuringo, Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukugiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo. You can also fly-in with the scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kihihi.
Gorilla tracking
Bird watching
Nature and waterfalls walks
Mountain Hiking
Mountain biking
Community walks and Cultural experiences.