With so much magnificence to behold across its 331-square kilometer landscape, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top safari destinations in Africa, known for sheltering some of the rarest animals including mountain gorillas.
Bwindi National Park Location
This beautiful National Park is situated in south-western Uganda, about 550 kilometers from the Capital (Kampala) and is one of the finest places to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It covers only 331 square kilometers along the edge of the Rift Valley but boasts of the richest diversity you will ever encounter.
Bwindi National Park History
Uganda’s Crown Jewel was initially established as a National Park in 1991 before becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, owing to its ecological significance.
The two blocks that make up Bwindi Impenetrable Forest were collectively established as Crown Forest Reserves in 1932. The one in the south was referred as “Kasatora Crown Forest Reserve” while the Northern block was known as “Kayonza Crown Forest Reserve”.
These two Forest Reserves collectively covered an area of 207 square kilometers. In 1964, these combined Forest Reserves become an Animal Sanctuary to protect the mountain gorillas that were at the time critically endangered. In 1966, two other forest reserves in the south-western part of Uganda were added to the main Reserve hence increasing the size to 321 square kilometers.
Highlights
While mountain gorillas are the star of this Jungle, there are 120 species of mammals that call this Park home. Expect about 10 species of primates including the popular Mountain gorillas (totally to over 600 individuals), chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Other mammals in this Park are giant forest hogs, elephants, African golden cats, African civets, sitatunga, bushbucks, side-stripped jackals and many others.
Gorilla trekking Tours
Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla trekking tours entail briefing at the Park Headquarters before entering into the jungle to search or the endangered Giant Apes. For Bwindi, the activity is conducted in its four trekking regions that Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo, sheltering about 20 habituated gorilla groups (at the time of writing). All you need is to be 15 years and above, be physically fit and possess a valid gorilla permit that costs only $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign resident visitors and Shs. 250,000 for East African residents. This activity guarantees one hour of photography and observation but visitors interested in spending more time book the Gorilla Habituation Experience for $1500 per person and four hours with the Giant Apes.
Guided forest walks
A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also deserves a guided forest walk where the breathtaking waterfalls unique tree species, colorful bird species and other incredible residents of the Forest can be uncovered. There is no better way to see the red-tailed monkeys, forest elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, forest buffaloes, olive baboons, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, vervet monkeys and leopards than undertaking these walks. Commonly used trails in the forest are Bamboo Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Rusizi River Trail, Habinyanja Trail, Muzabajiro Loop Trail, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail, Munyanga Kashasha River Trail, Waterfall Trail, to mention but a few.
Bird watching
Depart from the Park Headquarters of anywhere in Bwindi Forest (including your Safari Lodge) for a guided birding tour where Rwenzori batis, strange weavers, Collared Apalis white-tailed blue flycatchers, Dusky Twinspot, Kivu ground thrush, brown-capped weavers, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Bar-tailed trogon, Archer’s Robin chat, Giant kingfisher, African harrier hawk, Dusky Crimsonwing, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, African Emerald Cuckoo, giant kingfisher, to mention but a few.
Mountain biking Tours
Follow the spectacular bike routes through the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with a knowledgeable local guide who will be helpful in identifying different tree species, local animals, colorful birds and others. The activity is organized by Ride 4 a Woman-a local Women Non-Governmental Organization and offers opportunity of viewing the spectacular scenery of the verdant forest in addition to offering a chance to interact with the local community members.
Cultural tours
Interacting with the aboriginal tribes-Batwa (hunter-gatherers) and Bakiga allows travellers to appreciate the rick and local diversity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as the local communities were the original occupants of the forest before it was gazetted. These tours traditional healers that use herbs to treat common ailments, blacksmiths who make different kinds of tools, participate in basket weaving, take part in making then partake of local dishes before summing it up with entertainment in their traditional dances and songs.
How do i get there ?
By Road
For Road, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is only 540 kilometers south of Kampala and most trips begin from Kampala City.
By Flight
Chartered or Scheduled Flights by Aerolink can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrips then continue to your respective places of lodging by road.