Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Go for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in South Western Uganda 331km from Kampala for a great gorilla safari, on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, at an altitude range from 1.160 m to 2.607m.

This is a real tropical rainforest, spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys. It is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. In the local language “Bwindi” (from “Mubwindi”) means “dark place”, referring to the impenetrable nature of the swamp located southeast of the Park, according to legends.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda in the dense rainforest of Bwindi. This area was officially gazetted in 1991 as a national park and was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

Mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda’s foremost tourist attraction and one of the world’s most remarkable encounters because the mountain gorillas are both rare and endangered animals. There are only 1000 individuals in the world,  with half the population residing in Uganda and the others in Virunga National Park ( the democratic republic of Congo) and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Despite the fact that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for Mountain Gorilla tracking, there are several other activities and sites to see while at the park. The forest trails lead to the scenic waterfalls and rift valley points, tourists are also given the opportunity to visit the Batwa people(pygmy) and Bakiga people living beside the forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable forest is also the ideal Birders destination because the forest inhibits over 350 species with 14 not recorded in any other national park in Uganda. These birds include the African green pigeon, African harrier hawk, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Crowned hornbill, and several other bird species.

The animals living in this park include the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, several monkey species such as the black and white colobus monkey, the African Elephant, and various Antelope types. While at the park, you can take part in various activities such as Mountain Gorilla tracking, cycling along the forest trail, bird watching, nature walks, and community walks.

Species to Encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

There are 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees, Hoest’s, red-tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons. Particularly, Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, remaining in the world.

There are 346 species of birds recorded (Bwindi contains 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics, difficult to see in any other place in East Africa), and 200 species of butterflies. The mammals count is only 30 (buffaloes, leopards, elephants) and there are 324 species of trees.

Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

The main activity is “gorilla tracking” and there are 10 habituated families of mountain gorillas. Hiking trails are open to people to sight birds, butterflies, and primates, (along the Munyaga, Waterfall, Rushura, River Ivi, and Bamboo zone trials).

Especially recommended for bird watchers are the River Ivi and Mubwindi swamp nature walks. Cultural walks to the Buhoma village community can be organized to see the traditional homesteads, the local healer, the banana brewing, handicraft making, and cultural performance.

During the gorilla tracking, you track down one of the fifteen gorilla groups and spend an hour observing the Gorillas in their nests and their way of life. For the bird watchers,  there are several trails to watch birds but the most recommended trail is the river Ivi trail between Buhoma and Nkuringo where you will be able to see several birds such as the localized Green broadbill.

During the nature walks, you are given a chance to explore the very relaxing forest situated in Bwindi. The trail climbs to the summit of Rukubira hill for seraphic views of the Bwindi forest and the Virunga volcanoes. Not to forget, the thrilling and mind-blowing community walks, on this adventure, you will get to learn about different indigenous people such as the Batwa and the Bakiga people.

To get to this park, you can either go by the road where you will use Masaka road towards southwestern Uganda or you can go by air. When going by air, the travelers will fly from Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro with prior arranged transportation for park transfers.

The best time to visit these exciting Mountain Gorillas is between December and February because, during this time, the forest trails are drier and less slippery but the park can be visited at any time throughout the year because it is abundant with wildlife throughout the year.

The Bwindi impenetrable national park is definitely the ideal park to visit on vacation because there are several accommodation options from luxury to mid-range to budget lodges. These include Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla valley lodge, The Crested  Crane Bwindi Hotel, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bwindi community guest house, Bwindi cultural lodge, Karungi Camp, Ruhija gorilla lodge, Bwindi forest lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Bwindi forest farm, and campsite, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Bwindi guest house, Trackers safari lodge, Ferraz motel Kanungu, Gorilla closeup lodge, Nshongi forest camp, and several other lodges.

In conclusion, Bwindi Impenetrable national park is the ideal park to go to, if you desire adventure and want to get the most out of Uganda. This is because the route to the park exposes you to a variety of vegetation types, wildlife, and cultural communities.