Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the prime home of mountain gorillas in Africa and also the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. This guide explins everything you need to know about Bwindi forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable Park is in southwestern Uganda 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala and 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali-Rwanda.

It is shared by Kisoro, Kanungu and Kabale districts and expands up to 331sq.kms featuring a vast montane forest where most of its iconic creatures are confined. It is one a few magical protected areas in Africa that has elevation of about 1160 to 2607m.

Wildlife in Bwindi;

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home to about 120 mammal species which include among others half of all the 1064+ mountain gorillas on earth, chimpanzees, rodents, bats, elephants, antelopes, red tailed monkeys, baboons to mention but a few.

For all avid enthusiasts, it is such an exceptional birding site to explore in Uganda. Over 350 bird species are all confined in this pristine protected area including over 23 Albertine endemics and over 14 do not exist in any part of Uganda.

The birds to identify in Bwindi National Park include the African green broadbill, brown necked parrot, white tailed blue flycatcher, Turacos, hornbills, Frazer’s eagle owl and many others.

Primate Watching Bwindi

About 220 colorful butterfly species exist in this park plus over 27 frog species as well as 1000 unique flowering plant species, over 163 and 104 of them are tree and fern species respectively which makes it one of East Africa’s diverse protected areas.

Attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking.

The park, Bwindi impenetrable forest is remarkably one of the only 4 spectacular protected areas in the entire world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live and one area where you can catch a glimpse at them while in their natural habitat.

Over 500 of them call this park their home and this represents about half of all those that live on earth today. Gorilla trekking is such amazing and thrilling primate adventure any visitor on safari in Uganda shouldn’t miss.

To strike your imaginations with these dramatic creatures, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comprises of 4 major tracking areas where treks usually start from and they include Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga.

Each of these gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features its own habituated groups and about 11 families have been set aside for this lifetime experience. To be part of this life changing adventure, you are required to have a permit and in Uganda you can obtain one at $700 per person.

You can book your gorilla trekking permits through a recognized tour operator or directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Accommodation, duration and transportation is contribute to the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda, you should consider them a factor as you plan your Bwindi gorilla safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking start with early morning briefing at your respective tracking sector and only persons above 15 years are allowed to go for this thrilling experience in a group of only 8 visitors and only an hour is given for you to strike your imaginations with these amazing creatures in the wild.

Besides, appropriate packing is a must for this adventure and in your packing list, don’t miss to include hiking boots that are waterproof and lightweight to allow you hike through the steep slopes and thick forest, rain jacket/poncho, first aid kit, gardening gloves, insect repellents and walking stick and this can be got at the park headquarters or at your respective safari lodge.

Nature Walks.

For nature lovers on safari in Uganda, nature walks through this park offer you opportunity to explore in depth what this destination has in offer for its visitors. To embark on this remarkable experience you will be in one the many designated trails and you will have your dreams achieved.

When on hiking tour, you get opportunity to catch a glimpse at different butterflies, primates, birds and explore various tree species. Nature walks at this park include the river Munyanga trail and this is considered to be a short trail walk and ideal for those of you who have less time to spend at the destination.

While on nature through this trail, you will be amazed by spectacular views of butterflies as well as explore most of fern tree species and not to forget stunning views of the crystal clear waterfalls.

Butterfly Watching in Bwindi

Muzubijiro trail on other hand fills visitors with spectacular views of the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Virunga Volcanoes, western rift valley and allows you to explore most of its incredible fern tree species.

The Ivy River Hiking Trail is distinct on its own way and for bird lovers; this is a perfect trail for you to catch a glimpse at several bird species. It takes you nearly the entire day as it is the longest trail in this park.

The Rushura trail is dramatic on its own way as it offers remarkable views of the Great Western Rift Valley floor as well as the Congo Virunga National Park, Rwenzori Mountain, Lake Edward and many other areas.

Buhoma village walk is amazing as it is the best for you to experience the rural homestead setting, pay a visit to local traditional healers, experience how the banana beer is made locally made or embark on traditional and cultural experiences where you will be amazed by incredible performances from the Batwa or Bakiga.

You may also embark on the Bamboo trail walk that rewards visitors with over 14 renowned vegetation zones and don’t forget splendid views of Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

Bird Watching.

With over 350 avian species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is a true birder’s paradise in East Africa.

If you are interested in bird watching tours, expect to spot bird species such as the African green broadbill, rusty faced woodland, bar tailed trogon, dusky crimson, Kivu ground thrush a mention but a few.

African green broadbill Bwindi

For amazing Bwindi birding tours, this park is perfect for you to visit during wet season as most birds are attracted as well as the dry season and interestingly, you can incorporate this experience with gorilla trekking.

For a complete list, visit our page; things to do in Bwindi.

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

You can visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at anytime of the year.

However, depending on what your travel interests are, it experiences two dry seasons starting from June to September and from December to February and this is noted to be ideal for one to engage in gorilla trekking.

The wet season is equally perfect especially if you are interested in birding tours. This season starts from March to April and October to November.

Accommodation in Bwindi National Park:

A trip to any destination is complete when there are accommodation options for visitor overnight stay and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got wide range of safari lodges.

You won’t fail to make a choice whether you are interested in luxury, standard or budget.

Luxury Uganda safari lodges

Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

  • Luxury: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, etc.
  • Midrange: Ichumbi Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ihamba Residence, etc.
  • Budget: Bakiga Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Ride for 4 a Woman, etc.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached both by road and air. By road, it is about 8 to 10 hours’ drive. You will kick off from Kampala to Kabale and then drive for about 120 kilometers to Buhoma.

By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro and then you connect to the park.

Best Uganda Safaris to Bwindi:

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda is a special gorilla safari package for primates lovers eager to trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi but are time bound. Trekking mountain gorillas in… 

2 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari

3 Days Gorilla Trekking package is a Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park focusing on Mountain Gorilla treks and Batwa cultural experience. Your gorilla trekking…

5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

The 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari takes you through a lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest Park, 2 game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park…

FAQs on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
What is Bwindi Impenetrable famous for?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is popular for its spot as the world’s prime home for the endangered mountain gorillas and an array of bird species.

As of December 2023, the last gorilla population estimates suggest that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to over 465 mountain gorillas, constituting approximately half of the world’s total population. 

The cost to visit the park typically refers to the price of the permits required for gorilla trekking. These prices are as follows; USD 700 per permit for foreign travelers, USD 600 per permit for foreign residents of Uganda and Uganda Shillings 250,000/- per permit for the East African residents.

If you wanted cost for the whole gorilla safari package, it usually starts at a price tag of $1,200 per person for a 1 day trip and $ 1,450 per person on a 3 day Bwindi gorilla trip.

Yes, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Safe for both the tourists and the mountain gorillas. Uganda Wildlife Authority and tour operators also take significant measures to ensure visitor safety, such as providing armed guards when trekking mountain gorillas.

The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the 2 dry seasons, usually between from December to February and June to September. These months are characterized with drier and more passable trekking trails and clearer views of the forest.

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