Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is incomparably an outstanding Uganda safari destination. It is set in the extreme Southwestern Uganda along the rift valley about 8-10 hours’ drive from Entebbe or Kampala and 4 hours from Kigali. This stands at elevation of 1160 and 2607 meters, comprising of steep slopes, valleys, lush montane rainforest. It was established in 1991 and in 1994, it was designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park extends up to 331sq.kms and consists of misty hills with the oldest and biodiverse montane rainforest that dates 25000 years back.
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi National Park is a home to 120 distinct mammal species and they include 7 diurnal primates and significant number of elephants; 200 butterflies, 400 plant species, 360 bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics, 27 frog species and several reptiles. About half of all the 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth thrive in this park making it an exceptional gorilla safari destination for gorilla trekking. Other primates to look for while on Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, chimpanzees among others.
Birds in Bwindi Impenetrable National park
About 360 bird species are confined in the lush rainforest of Bwindi National Park making it one of the best birding spots in Uganda. Visitors on Uganda safari in Bwindi National Park have a chance t0 identify birds like the Shelley’s Crimsonwing, the African green broadbill, the blue headed sunbirds, short tailed warblers, the African emerald cuckoo, white tailed blue flycatcher, red headed bluebill among others. The best birding trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Mubwindi Swamp trail and Bamboo zone in Ruhija area and Buhoma waterfall trail.
What to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking
Majority of travelers on Uganda safari visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park mainly to trek mountain gorillas. Over half of all the 1004 mountain gorillas call this park a home which makes it the best gorilla trekking destination in East Central Africa. Visitors on gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park start their treks from anyone of the 4 regions; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma. Each of these regions consist of habituated families that make up a total of 20 in Bwindi National Park.
Gorilla habituation experience
In addition to gorilla trekking, you can also embark on gorilla habituation experience, a unique experience that involves following the semi-habituated gorillas in order to make them get used to human presence. This adventure is best done in Kutu gorilla group in Rushaga region. Gorilla habituation experience permits cost $1500 per person.
Birding
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a perfect birding safari destination. It inhabits over 360 bird species and while on birding tour, you will come across different birds including the Shelley’s Crimsonwing, the African green broadbill, the blue headed sunbirds, short tailed warblers, the African emerald cuckoo, white tailed blue flycatcher, red headed bluebill among others. The ideal birding trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Mubwindi Swamp trail and Bamboo zone in Ruhija area; Buhoma waterfall trail.
Nature walks
Nature walks in Bwindi National Park require about 2 to 3 days for you to fully explore different trails. Each trail rewards nature lovers with unique experiences with a chance to spot out diverse species including primates, birds, butterflies, plants that are of medicinal importance. The main trails include Munyanga trail, ivy river trail, Muzabajiro trail, Rushura hill trail, Kashasha river trail, bamboo trail and Mubwindi swamp trail.
Mountain biking
This takes visitors via Buhoma mountain trail with dramatic view of diverse wildlife. Mountain biking experience takes you through well kept trail from Buhoma area to Ivy River about 13kms but comes with incredible sights at the black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, red tailed monkeys and others. It takes bikers about 6 hours and this initiative is run by Buhoma community rest camp under Rid for a Woman.
Cultural encounters
Cultural experience is what makes Uganda safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park complete. Cultural tours in this park are best done in Batwa and Bakiga community. You will enjoy the best dances, music performances as well as stories told to you by local residents.
Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open to all visitors throughout the year. However, for gorilla trekking safaris, the dry season is considered the best and it begins from June-September and December-February. This park is perfect to visit for birding tours during the wet or rainy season which is experienced in the months of March, April, May and October, November.
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Each trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has its own accommodation options.
- In Buhoma sector-they include Engagi Lodge, Silverback lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Spring Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge.
- Ruhija area-Bakiga Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge.
- Nkuringo region-Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
- Rushaga sector consists of Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in Kabale, Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda. It is accessible by road or air. By road-you will spend about 8-10 hours depending on the route starting from Kampala or Entebbe and 4 hours from Kigali with border crossing at Katuna or Chanika border. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will spend about 3 hours to reach Bwindi.
By air, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip.