Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a world capital of primates, mostly the endangered mountain gorillas, located in the southwestern part of Uganda in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, boasting various tourist attractions and divided into four regions where gorilla trekking takes place, namely the Buhoma region or gorilla section in the north of Bwindi; Rushaga in the south; Nkuringo in the south; and Ruhija in the east. A number of attractions are to be seen in these sectors, such as birding, hiking, mountain biking, cultural encounters, the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and mountain gorilla trekking, which is currently available to all regions.
However, the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest is one of the few forests in Africa that still flourished even in the last ice age. More so, the park covers an area of about 332 square kilometers at an altitude of 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters within the Ishasha Gorge, up the Rwamanyonyi peak.
Bwindi’s average temperatures range between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius and the temperatures are normally cool in the months of June and July. The park also receives heavy rain in the months of March ,April ,September and November, though it’s normally dry in the rest of the year; however, there is no guarantee that it won’t rain since Bwindi is a tropical rainforest.
The ancient, impenetrable rainforest is a habitat for over 600 mountain gorilla individuals; in other words, estimating half of the total population of mountain gorillas in the whole world, thus making Uganda among the three countries, Rwanda and Congo, the best leading gorilla safari destinations. More than that, the tropical rainforest also inhabits over 120 species of mammals, of which 7 species are diurnal primates, about 350 species of birds, 200 beautiful butterfly species, as well as over 324 tree species of 10 species that cannot be found in any other part of Uganda, including the 23 Albertine Rift endemics, thus rewarding Bwindi Forest as favorable for gorilla trekking.
The Mountain Gorillas
This is the main and most fabulous activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has attracted many tourists, thus promoting more gorilla visits in Uganda. Bwindi is a home of mountain gorillas and currently hosts 21 habituated gorilla families, which are divided into four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Bwindi Gorilla trekking costs USD800 per person per day; therefore, tourists who wish to participate in gorilla trekking are required to have their Gorilla trekking permits, which can be acquired through contacting the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) head offices or through help of reliable tour agent
While tracking gorillas, trackers are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas in a group of 8 people per gorilla family assigned for the trek. Gorilla trekking has an age limit, which is 15 years and above. Therefore, clients below 15 years are not allowed for gorilla trekking. Through trekking with gorillas, you’re able to view the colorful beautiful birds, butterflies, the black and white colobus monkeys, and other animal species.
Hiking /Guided nature walks
Hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is quite exciting. As you enjoy the nature walk, you will be led by the park’s guide, who leads you to an amazing view of various beautiful bird species while listening to their sweet melodies and butterflies. You will have a rewarding sightseeing experience of the beautiful scenery of the green vegetation and waterfall trails within the forest, which is very interesting.
While hiking, you will be able to see small primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and other primates. Of all regions Buhoma has the most rewarding hike trails, including the Rushara hill walk, Munyanga waterfall trail, Muzabajirro loop trail, Ivi river walk, Buhoma Nkuringo trail and the Habinyanja trail.
Bird watching—Birding
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a paradise of birds with about 350 species. Birds to spot include the short-tailed warbler, red-headed blue bill, blue-headed sunbird, white-tailed blue flycatcher, African emerald cuckoo, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Grauer’s broadbill, black-faced warbler, black-faced rufous warbler, many-colored bush-shrike, yellow-streaked greenbul, western green tinkerbird, regal sunbird, Ruwenzori apalis, olive-breasted greenbul, Neumann’s warbler, and mountain-masked apalis, among others. The best birding time is in the months of March and September and June and July, though heavy rain might interfere with your bird-watching time. Migratory birds are good to see from November to April. Endeavor to carry a pair of binoculars.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is carried out in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offered by a women’s organization called Ride “4.” As you are biking, you will be able to climb the Buhoma mountain trail, and while at the top, the view is rewarding with wildlife and the beautiful scenery of the forest, thus leaving you with quite an unforgettable experience at Bwindi.
Cultural Encounters
In Bwindi, a cultural encounter can be done in the local communities of the Batwa and Bakiga local people. Where you will be able to enjoy their amazing cultural dances and singing, learn how to prepare their local food, engage in craft activities and farming skills and meet up with the blacksmiths.
Essentials to pack on your Uganda safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park
Essentials include comfortable hiking boots, sun hats, waterproof bags, digital cameras, enough mineral water bottles, insect repellent, warm clothes, snack and packed lunch boxes.
Where to stay
With no worry, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has got a number of classic accommodation facilities ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget. Some of the accommodation facilities you can choose to book for your comfortable stay at the park include Gorilla Heights Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Sabinyo Guest House, and many more.
Book now your safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and get marveled at with the quite unforgettable activity of gorilla trekking or the gorilla habituation experience, a whole-day tourist activity.
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