Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a prime gorilla destination in Africa located in southwestern Uganda, this remarkable park is celebrated worldwide as a haven for endangered mountain gorillas. The spans 331 square kilometres, this rugged landscape varies in altitude from 1,160 to 2,607 meters above sea level.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s location within the Albertine Rift, a region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, contributes to its richness of life. In 1994, Bwindi was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity and critical role in conserving mountain gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands as one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, boasting an incredible collection of wildlife species. Over 120 mammal species thrive in this misty forest, include the endangered mountain gorillas, elusive forest elephants and playful chimpanzees. The park is also home to over 350 bird species, 200 different species of butterflies and over 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 tree species and 104 fern species.

Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects over 459 mountain gorillas, a population representing half of the world’s total count of this critically endangered great apes. The park’s habituation team has successfully habituated 20 gorilla groups, making them accessible for the incredible gorilla trekking experience in the natural sanctuary.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four different gorilla trekking sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each of these sectors offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these gentle apes in their natural habitat.

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Forest teems with other fascinating mammals including forest elephant roaming the dense forest, chimpanzees, and several monkeys, including black and white colobus monkeys and the energetic blue monkeys.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a total of 120 mammal species.

Birdlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Forest is a birder’s paradise with approximately 350 bird species recorded within the forest. Most of these birds are endemic or rare such as the African green broadbill and Grauer’s swamp warbler. Bwind’s varied habitats are home to several bird species including handsome francolin, the cinnamon-chested bee-eater, the majestic crown hornbill, the purple-breasted sunbird, giant kingfisher, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and western green tinkerbird among others.

What to do in Bwindi impenetrable National park

Safari Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offering visitors a chance to come face to face with one of a habituated gorilla troop in Bwindi Forest. The journey through dense foliage and up steep climbs you are rewarded with one hour of being in presence of these magnificent apes, sharing their daily lives and experiencing their day to day activities.

Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 800 remaining in the wild. This is an experience you will not forget. Sighting of mountain gorillas in Bwindi cannot be guaranteed. However, viewing success rates are over 90%.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla Habituation Experience is a unique gorilla experience allowing visitors to come face to face with a semi-habituated gorilla family for four hours. Visitors are accompany researchers and scientists, giving them an opportunity to study the behaviours of the gorillas, their characteristics, collect samples among others.

Forest Walks and hiking

Guided forest walks and hiking are the best way for nature enthusiasts to experience and explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are several hiking trails winding through the misty rainforests, providing opportunities for exploration and diversity. Bwindi’s diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity also make it a prime destination for nature walks.

There are several trails used to explore the forest including Kashasha River Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Ivy River Trail, Munyaga River Trail and Bamboo Trail.

Batwa Village Visits

Cultural visits to the Batwa village is one of the amazing activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of the Bwindi Forest, they lived as hunter-gatherers in harmony with the forests. The gazetting of Bwindi Forest as a national park in 1991 led to their displacement from their ancestral lands, disrupting their traditional way of life.

Visitors can engage in cultural encounters with the Batwa communities living around the park, gaining insights into their ancient traditions and customs. These encounters include captivating traditional dance performances, storytelling sessions that recount their hunting and gathering practices, and demonstration of their unique skills in building houses using local materials.

Birding

With over 350 bird species inhabiting its diverse habitats, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birder’s paradise. The park’s avifauna includes both forest and montane species, with notable sightings such as the African green broadbill, rauer’s swamp warbler, black bee-eater, dwarf honeyguide, and Rwenzori batis.

Birders should expect encounters with endemic species and those unique to the Albertine Rift, guided walks through the forest with an experienced birder offer a chance to spot and identify a wide collection of bird species while immersing you in the tranquillity of the forest.

Getting There

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed by road and air.

By Road – it is a long drive of approximately 9-10 hours. There are several routes used to get to Bwindi from Kampala that is

Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma which is approximately 523 m
Kampala – Kabale – Kanungu – Buhoma which is approximately 469 km
Queen Elizabeth NP (Mweya) – Kihihi – Buhoma which is about 469 km
Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija – Buhoma of around 507 km
Kampala – Kabale – Nkuringo which is approximately 501 km

By Air – There are also domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to either Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip. These flights are operated by AeroLink.

Best Time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round, however the dry seasons from June to August and December to February are often considered the best times to plan your Bwindi Safari. During these periods, the park experiences relatively less rainfall, resulting in drier trails and better accessibility to the gorilla trekking areas.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are several accommodation options in Bwindi ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. These include

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Mutanda Lake Resort
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Haven Lodge
Engagi Lodge
Chameleoon Hill Lodge among others