Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Found in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a prime Uganda safari attraction comprising the emerald rainforest, which is a sanctuary to the endangered mountain gorillas. Every day tourists on a Uganda safari visit Bwindi Forest for the famous gorilla trekking adventure to meet the gentle giants in their natural habitat.
In 1994, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna it protects and its being home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It covers an area of 321 square kilometers, comprising forested areas with some areas being covered by bamboo and shrubs.
Bwindi Forest lies at an altitude between 1160 m and 2607 m above sea level and because of that, the weather is chilly. As you plan a Bwindi safari, you are advised to carry some warm clothing for evenings and long-sleeved shirts/trousers for trekking. For the ultimate gorilla trekking experience, you need to be in good physical condition to go up and down the rugged terrain.
Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Being home to the largest population of mountain gorillas—half of the world’s remaining population—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each of these sectors/trailheads hosts different habituated gorilla families, which are open for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Currently there are 22 habituated gorilla families open for tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to about 120 mammal species recorded in the misty forest; due to the verdant forest cover, these animals are rarely seen. Animals in Bwindi Forest include forest elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, yellow-backed duikers, clawless otters, side-striped jackals, civets, rodents and bats, among others.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also home to 11 primate species: the black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, De Brazza monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, potto, Demidoff’s galago, spectacled galago, baboons, and chimpanzees.
Birdlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
With about 350 species of birds recorded, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is recognized as the best place for birding in Uganda owing to its unique bird species. Bwindi Forest is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics, 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. The globally threatened species found in Bwindi Forest include Grauer’s broadbill, Chapin’s flycatcher, and Shelley’s crimson-wing. More species include the Handsome Francolin, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, White-bellied Robin Chat, Black-billed Turaco, Fraser’s Eagle, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, and Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds, among others.
Butterflies and Amphibians in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 200 butterfly species, including 8 Albertine rift endemics. These include the African giant swallowtail and Cream-banded swallowtail. The amphibian species identified in the misty Bwindi Forest are 27, with 11 species endemic to the Albertine Rift. There are 14 snake species identified in Bwindi Forest and 14 lizard species.
Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking. The park is home to 22 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tourism and four sectors/trailheads where gorilla trekking takes place.
To take part in gorilla trekking in Bwindi, visitors must purchase a gorilla permit, which is often included in a gorilla package with Sambu Africa Safaris. Note that only 8 individuals aged 15 and above are allowed to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda.
On the day of gorilla trekking, visitors undergo a briefing session at the park headquarters before starting the trek. A senior ranger guide takes you through rules and regulations to follow while in the presence of the gorillas, such as keeping a safe distance of 8 members and avoiding unnecessary movements, among others. The gorilla trek takes approximately 2 to 6 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night. You are to spend only one hour in the presence of the gorillas as you watch them go on with their lives in the forests of Bwindi, their natural habitat.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
The gorilla habituation experience is a unique gorilla trekking experience allowing visitors to visit a semi-habituated gorilla family; unlike the standard gorilla trekking, this experience is a full-day experience with 4 hours with the gorillas.
On a gorilla habituation trek, visitors join researchers and scientists and get an opportunity to be involved in the process through which mountain gorillas are trained to be less hostile to human presence.
Note: Only 4 individuals are allowed to visit a semi-habituated gorilla family and is only done in Uganda’s Rushaga Sector.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is ranked among the prime birding destinations in Uganda and it is named Africa’s number one birding spot by the Africa Bird Club. The park is home to about 350 species of birds, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda.
There are several birding trails running through the forest used for birding, and with a guidance of an experienced birder, some of the birds to look out for include Ruwenzori Nightjar, Red-throated Alethe, African Green Broadbill, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Short-tailed Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dwarf Honeyguide, Grauer’s Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Strip-breasted Tit, Blue-headed Sunbird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Strip-breasted Tit, Kivu Ground Thrush, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the Strange Weaver, among others.
Guided Nature and Waterfall Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has various trails running through the forest facilitating guided nature and waterfall walks. This experience is led by an armed ranger for visitors’ protection in case you meet a wild animal, as well as guides.
The available trails in Bwindi are
- Buhoma–Nkuringo Trail, which takes 5 hours crossing through the park.
- Rushura Hike Walk running through the forest shared between the Congo and Uganda.
- Muyanga waterfall trail walk
- Ivi River Walk – 14 kms and takes about 7 hours
- Muzubijiro Loop – a 6 km walk around the hill where you have chances of interacting with several primate and bird species.
Mountain Hiking and Biking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the mountainous Kigezi Region with beautiful scenery. Most lodges in Bwindi offer bikes you can rent per day to take on the special trails created in the community. The Ivi River trail from Buhoma Park Headquarters to Ivi River is a perfect trail for mountain biking and is organized by Ride for a Woman.
Community Walks and Cultural Experiences
Bwindi Forest is surrounded by local communities offering fun activities and cultural experiences for you to do. Here you can take on the Batwa Experience, on which you will visit the Batwa people who once lived in Bwindi Forest harmoniously with the gorillas until the forest was designated as a protected area. During your visit, you will be entertained by local dances and drama, visit the local medicine man, and interact with the elders, among others.
The different walks include
- Buniga Forest Nature Walk in Nkuringo Sector – a forest reserve adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Nyundo Community Trail 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 learning how to make juice and gin out of bananas.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessed by road and air.
By Air – There are scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe International Airstrip to Kihihi Town connecting to the Buhoma Sector, or to Kisoro Airstrip, connecting to Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
By Road – Most trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park start from Kampala; the route depends on the trail/Bwindi gorilla trekking sector you are visiting.
- Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija
- Kampala – Ntugamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo
- Kamala – Kabale – Kisoro – Rushaga/Nkuringo
From Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is a journey of approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Each of the 4 gorilla trekking sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts an array of safari lodges and camps ranging from budget to midrange to luxury
Buhoma Sector
- Buhoma Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
- Buhoma Haven Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
- Mwebesa House
Rushaga Sector
- Chameleon Hill
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Gorilla Leisure Lodge
- Four Gorillas
- Kara Lodge
Ruhija Sector
- Bakiga Lodge
- Broadbill Forest Camp
- Kiho Lodge
Nkuringo Sector
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Nkuringo Safari Lodge
- Gorilla Heights
Uganda Tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
6-day gorilla trekking and wildlife safari
8 Days Uganda Primate Safari
10-day Uganda primates tour
