BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

Bwindi national park is one of the best conservation areas in the country located in southwestern region of Uganda. The park covers an area of 321 sq. km and it was first gazetted as a national park in 1991 and 1994 was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

This park is considered to be among the oldest national parks in this country, and also one of the two national parks that shelter mountain gorillas. Bwindi is on record to have half of the world’s mountain gorilla population with over 50 families but only 19 families are habituated and open for tourists.

These gorillas can be found in 4 sectors which are Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. The park has other wildlife such as over 350 bird species of which 23 are Albertine endemics while 14 can be spotted only in this destination. Huge mammals such as forest elephants, antelopes, primates like olive baboons, chimpanzees among others are also occasionally sighted here.

The neighbouring cultures are Batwa pygmies and Bakiga who live around this forest having great art pieces, crafts, music and dances, traditional dances, story tales by the elders among others.

Activities in Bwindi national park.

Gorilla trekking;

This adventure is a highlight of any tour to Bwindi forest, lasting for about 2-8 hours. Booking a gorilla permit in advance is essential to avoid inconveniences. An hour will be given to you while in the presence of gorillas as you watch them play, feed, make sound among others. The activity will end with a certificate of recognition for trekking these beautiful apes in Bwindi.

Gorilla habituation.

This is a behind the scenes experience where the gorillas are trained to get used to human presence. Only a few people, only 6 are allowed to go for a gorilla habituation exercise daily and it lasts the whole day but only 4 hours is allocated in the presence of these apes.

Gorilla habituation differs from trekking in terms of time spent, the number of people and even the fees for the permit. Also, a certificate of completion is issued out after the experience by the park authorities.

Bird watching.

With over 350 species of birds in Bwindi impenetrable national park, it’s a birder’s haven with over 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 birds that cannot be recorded elsewhere.

Birds that can be spotted include Fraser’s eagle handsome francolin and blue-headed sunbird among others. One day birding will be a great adventure in your lifetime.

Community tours/Batwa experience.

The park neighbours Batwa pygmies and a tour to this community rewards you with the true African culture. From their traditional dances and music, meals to story tales and their language.

Nature walks.

Various trails are demarcated to make your experience more comfortable. The trails are Muyanga waterfall walk, Rushara hill walk, Habinyanja trail, The Buhoma-Nkuringo trail among others. All these take you to the best attractions in the park for adventure and thrill.

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National park?

Bwindi National park can be visited any day of the year depending on your budget and time but the best time to enjoy your safari can be December-February and June-August. These are dry seasons favouring activities to be carried out smoothly without being interfered with than in the wet season of March-May and August-November when the roads and trails in the park are impassable.

How to access Bwindi impenetrable national park?

Bwindi national park can be accessed either by air or road. By road, the park can be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda crossing via Katuna or Chyanika border taking about 3-4 hours’ drive.

Or from Kampala/Entebbe taking about 8-9 hours’ drive on a well-tarmacked road. Also, by air, you can access the park by use of charter or scheduled flights from Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips and then connect to the park by road.

Bwindi national park safari can take only 3 days for a short tour but in case you are interested in a long tour, where we can include Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi we are here to make your dreams come true. Book a safari to Bwindi national park with us now!

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