Located in the south western region, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the two places tourists visit for Gorilla trekking in Uganda. It covers a total area of 331 square kilometers and part of it is occupied by the renowned Bwindi forest.
Stretching eastwards from the Albertine Rift Escarpment, Bwindi forest shelters the most diverse mammalian fauna in Africa including the species of Mountain Gorillas.
This park boasts a diverse biodiversity which includes 160 tree species, 100 fern species, 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, reptiles and insects.
Besides Gorillas, visitors to the park see other primates like black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, Red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and olive baboons.
Getting to Bwindi is easier. You can go by road or use air travel, the quickest mean. From Kampala it requires about 8-9 hours to reach your place of residence either in Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma or Ruhija sector.
If not road, air transport is the best alternative and private charters set off from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airstrip.
Top Activities in the Park
Gorilla trekking
Mountain trekking is an activity that every traveler would like to be part once in a life time. It allows tourists to meet Gorillas in the Jungles.
In Bwindi this expedition is offered in four sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Rushaga is recorded with the highest number of fully habituated Gorilla families.
After the briefing conducted at Park office to highlight trekkers about Gorilla trekking, the journey to the jungle starts in a group of eight tourists with ranger guides. Time taken and distance moved in the Jungle depends on where these apes spent their last night.
After locating them you are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour while seeing them feeding, playing, resting and moving around. It’s recommended for tourists to come with packed food from your lodge and water for drinking.
Birding
Bwindi is ideal for bird watching excursions and birders love to do it in Buhoma. This side of Bwindi is recorded with over 190 species.
You can see species like the red-throated alethe, collared apalis, short tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black fly catcher, Ruwenzori Batis, blue-headed sunbird, Shelley’s crimson wing and white-bellied robin chat.
Apart from that, a hike from Ruhija in Mubwindi swamp rewards sights of multiple bird species along with views of the towering Virunga volcanoes.
Hiking Adventures
Bwindi has various hiking trails suitable for those who love to spend most of their time ascending hills. Visitors are advised to book these expeditions in advance.
There are three trails that begin from Buhoma including the easiest Muyanga River trail. The waterfall trail follows the Muyanga River as it streams down the steep slopes south-east of Buhoma.
Another route to try is the Rushura trail. It is strenuous but rewarding with panoramic views across the western Rift Valley and the towering volcanoes.
Nature walks from Buhoma
Don’t miss several of guided nature walks offered in Bwindi. They range from 30 minutes to 8 hours.
These walks all start from Buhoma and grants you an opportunity to see variety of Wildlife species including primates and bird species.
Rushara hill trail and Mazubijiro loop trail are both finished in three hours and offer spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains. Ivo River Walk is the longest trail. This eight hour walk leads you to Ivo River on the Bwindi southern boundary.
Batwa Visits.
The Batwa were hunters and gatherers who used forests as their shelters, tree leaves as medicine and bush meat as food.
These people migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some settled in Rwanda and others settled in the western part of Uganda.