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Entebbe, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, is the ultimate place for Gorilla safaris in Africa.
It is one of the only two destinations in Uganda where you can do Mountain Gorilla trekking, the other being Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Outside Uganda, you can experience Gorilla trekking at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The first Gorilla group to be habituated and tracked at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was the Mubare Gorilla Group in April 1993. Today, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects 23 habituated Gorilla families that spread within the park’s 4 sectors, which are the Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija Sector, and the Rushaga Sector.
Bwindi also boasts a wide range of unique physical features like the misty hillsides, the valley, and the ridges. The park is likewise a source of five major rivers that pour into Lake Edward.
The rich biodiversity at Bwindi, Uganda, covers a range of about 120 mammal species, and 350 bird species,s including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, 400 plant species, and 200 butterfly species, including 8 Albertine Rift endemics.
Other notable attractions at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the neighbouring cultures, including the Indigenous Batwa Pygmies and the Bakiga
Send us an email and inquire at Orinoco Expeditions about the best Gorilla experiences and other safari tours at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
History of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda, was first designated as a Crown Forest Reserve in 1932. The Northern Block was called the Kayonza Crown Forest Reserve, and the Southern Block was called the Kasatora Crown Forest Reserve. They both had a total area of 207 square kilometers.
Both forests were combined in 1942, and they were renamed the Impenetrable Central Crown Forest, and the area increased to 298 square kilometers. Later in the same year, the protected area was gazetted as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve, and in 1992, it was designated a national park 1992.
In 1994, Bwindi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in Southwestern Uganda at the Rift Valley, and it is situated in Kisoro District, covering an area of 321 square kilometers and rising at an altitude of 1,160m and 2,607m above sea level.
The park likewise also sits at the Rwanda and DR Congo borders.
Tourist Attractions at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a list of remarkable tourist attractions that you can explore and have an amazing experience at the park, as seen below.
The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The endangered Mountain Gorillas are the star attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and they live in all four sectors of the park. These are the Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo Sector, Ruhija Sector and Rushaga Sector.
The park protects 459 Mountain Gorillas out of the estimated 1063 surviving in the world.
The Mountain Gorillas live in families, whether they are habituated or wild, although Gorilla
Habituated Gorilla Families in the Buhoma Sector
Find the habituated Gorilla families in the Buhoma trailhead below.
1. Mubare Gorilla Family
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family
4. Katwe Gorilla Group
5. Muyambi Gorilla Family
6. Bunyindo Gorilla Family
Habituated Gorilla Families in the Ruhija Sector
We look at the habituated Gorilla groups in the Ruhija trailhead below.
1. Kyaguliro Gorilla Family
2. Birukura Gorilla Family
3. Oruzogo Gorilla Group
Habituated Gorilla Families in the Rushaga Sector
Discover the different Mountain Gorilla families in the Rushaga sector, for example, the
1. Mishaya Gorilla Family
2. Nshongi Gorilla Family
3. Bweza Gorilla Group
4. Kahugye Gorilla Group
5. Busingye Gorilla Group
6. Kutu Gorilla Family
7. Bikyingi Gorilla Group
8. Mucunguzi Gorilla family
9. Rwigi Gorilla group
10. Tindatine
11. Oruzugo Gorilla Group
Habituated Gorilla Families in the Nkuringo Sector
Below, we list the Gorilla families of the Nkuringo trailhead.
1. Nkuringo Gorilla Family
2. Bushaho Gorilla family
3. Christmas Gorilla family
4. Posho Gorilla Family
Birds at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Bwindi Forest Park is home to over 350 bird species to explore during your birding adventures. 23 out of 24 Albertine Rift Endemics can be seen in the park, and about 14 species are endemic to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Common bird species to watch at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include endangered species like the Chapin’s Fly Catcher, Shelley’s Crimson, and Grauer’s Broadbill.
Other common bird species at Bwindi Forest Park are the Great Blue Turaco, Green Broadbill, Mountain Masked Apalis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Pied Kingfisher, and the Red-faced Barbet, among others.
The Batwa Pygmies
The Batwa are an indigenous group of people who live at the edge of the forest. The Batwa community once lived in the forest and were believed to be the true protectors of the trees.
They are a hunter-gatherer group that will expose you to their unique way of life as you explore their food, dances, songs, and local stories, among others.
Safari Activities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Below, we dive into the different safari activities at Bwindi.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Gorilla trekking is the most famous safari activity at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Uganda.
It will take you into the breathtaking forests of Bwindi Park to watch the endangered Mountain Gorillas, which are close relatives to humans according to DNA.
You will meet one of the habituated families and spend one hour with them up close and personal.
Gorilla Habituation at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild Gorillas are introduced and made used to the presence of human beings.
It is the same process as Gorilla trekking, except that Gorilla habituation takes longer hours, that is 4 hours.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Birding is also among the top fascinating safari activities to do at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering great sights of common birds, migratory birds, and Albertine Rift Endemics in natural habitats like the forest, swamps, and the waterbodies.
Get to find common birds like the Common Bulbul, Broad Throated Roller, Black Faced Warbler, Piping Hornbill, Piacpiac, Hammerkops, and Red Faced Woodland Warbler, among others.
Nature Walks and Hiking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi has beautiful hiking trails that will lead tourists to fascinating nature walks.
Depending on the experiences that you would like to have, your guide will lead you through any of the beautiful trails below.
1. River Ivi trail: This trail is great for birding adventures, leading you through the Nkuringo escarpment. The trek takes about 7 hours on a 14-kilometer hike.
2. Habinyanja trail: The breathtaking trail will take about 4 to 6 hours, leading you past the River Munyanga.
3. Waterfall trail: This is a 4-hour trail that will lead you to watch the waterfalls of the park.
4. Kashasha River trail: The trail is about 5 to 7 hours, exposing you to the beauty of the Kashasha River and other natural wildlife.
5. Muzabajiro trail: With great views of the Western Rift Valley and the Virunga, the 6-kilometer trail will also expose the park’s beautiful birds and ferns.
6. Bamboo trail: Taking you to view the beautiful Rwamunyonyi Peak, the 6-hour trail is also a nice route to take for birding.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You can visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest all year round. However, the best time to visit the park is from June to August and from December to February, the dry season, when the tracking trails are drier and thus easier to pass through.
What to Carry for your Safari Trip at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
It is important to carry important necessities for your travels to the park. Below, we list the most important things to pack.
1. Insect repellent
2. Camera
3. Binoculars
4. Sunscreen
5. Backpack
6. Snacks
7. A bottle of water
8. Notebook and pen
9. Guidebook
What to Wear for your Safari at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
To have a more enjoyable trip, dressing appropriately for each experience counts. Below are some of the recommendations to wear/have for your Bwindi Uganda experiences.
1. Trousers
2. Long-sleeved shirts
3. Strong, sturdy shoes
4. A pair of socks
5. Scarf
6. Garden gloves
7. Hat/Cap
8. Rain jacket/ Poncho
Accommodation at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Budget Lodges: Bwindi Guest House, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp, and Ichumbi Lodge, among others.
Midrange Lodges: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi Engagi Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, among others.
Luxury Lodges: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Ichumbi Lodge Bwindi, Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Silverback Lodge, among others.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You can either get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by air or by road.
By air, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to the Kisoro Airstrip, where you will find your driver guide to lead you to your lodge in Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Buhoma.
By road, your driver guide will lead you through the Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija route or the Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo road.
You may also pass through the Kampala – Kabale -Kisoro – Rushaga/Nkuringi route.
Conclusion
Discover some of Africa’s rarest creatures like the endangered Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest during your safaris in Uganda.
Send us an email at Orinoco Expeditions and inquire about your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bwindi Impenetrable Park famous for?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for protecting the world’s highest number of endangered Mountain Gorillas in its ancient forests.
How Many Gorillas are in Bwindi National Park?
According to the last gorilla census of 2018, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 459 Mountain Gorillas, making it home to the highest number of these primates out of the 1,063 surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world.
However, with the passing years, Bwindi is expected to have more Mountain Gorillas as many females have been giving birth over the years.
What is the Main Tourist Attraction in Bwindi National Game Park?
The endangered Mountain Gorillas are the main tourist attraction at Bwindi National Park. However, Bwindi Uganda is also home to various other remarkable attractions like the birds, especially the most sought-after Albertine Rift endemics, the beautiful natural forest, and the Indigenous Batwa people who live around the forest.
How Much is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.
How Safe is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is safe. There is high security at the parks, and during the treks, park rangers are armed.
Additionally, Gorilla trekking is done on habituated Gorilla families, which have gotten used to the presence of humans.
Why Do Tourists Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Visitors visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to experience its tourist attractions, such as the Mountain Gorillas and other fauna, flora, the amazing landscape, and the local Batwa people.