Top things to do at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Things to while at Four Gorillas Lodge in Bwindi

Mountain Gorilla Trekking/Gorilla tracking in Bwindi

Top things to do at Bwindi: From your lodge, you can access the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the remaining mountain gorilla population. The lodge is located just 10 minutes away from the gorilla trekking and briefing center. The Rushaga Sector where the lodge is located, is one of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, This sector of the park is inhabited by more than 7 habituated mountain gorilla families and 1 gorilla group under habituation. The 7 habituated gorilla families here and 1 gorilla family under habituation guarantee up to 48 permits and 4 habituation permits per day.

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure that entails navigating through the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to search for mountain gorillas. Many past travelers have described the experience as life-changing, making it one of the must-do safari activities in Bwindi. During your stay at Four Gorillas Lodge, you can embark on a gorilla trekking adventure. Our team of experts at the lodge can help you craft your safari and book gorilla permits.

Gorilla Permits

To be able to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you are required to purchase a gorilla trekking permit that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Gorilla permits sell out quickly, especially during the high season, and getting one may be difficult. There is no need to worry though, Acacia Safaris Limited, a reputable and licensed travel company, can easily help you with the gorilla permit purchasing. Purchasing gorilla permits, however, must be done well in advance (6 months prior to the gorilla trekking dates) to avoid any inconveniences.

The permit price is generally based on the type of visitor and different types of visitors pay different fees. Foreign non-residents (International Visitors) pay USD 800 per person/trek. Foreign residents (foreign visitors living in Uganda) pay USD 700 per person/trek. East African citizens pay UGX 300,000 per person/ trek.

For those interested in Gorilla Habituation, two gorilla families are undergoing the habituation process, one in Nkuringo and another in Rushaga. All the two habituation families are tracked from Rushaga. The Gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500.

Note: The gorilla permit is only issued to eligible visitors. Only children aged 15 years and above can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Besides the normal gorilla trekking, Bwindi also offers a rare opportunity to a few lucky visitors to participate in habituating gorillas. Gorilla habituation allows visitors to stay with the rangers and trackers and observe these magnificent creatures up close for about 4 hours.

Gorilla habituation is the process of introducing mountain gorillas to human presence. The habituation process is lengthy and takes up to 5 years. If you book a gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi, you will get the rare opportunity to spend more time with the gorillas in the wild. There are currently only two gorilla families undergoing the habituation process in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and only four visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family. Each day, a total of 8 habituation permits are issued to lucky visitors. During the habituation experience, you join a team of researchers, ranger guides, conservationists, and trackers.

This experience is really awe-inspiring as you will enjoy more time with the gorillas in the wild.

A complete Packing list for your gorilla trekking safari

When planning a gorilla trekking safari tour, we recommend carrying the following items.

Long-sleeve shirt: Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothes with neutral colors are recommended.
Long pants: Cary durable and comfortable long pants.
Lightweight waterproof jacket for protection from rain showers
Sturdy Hiking boots. Cary a pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Cary a hat with a brim. A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and a warm hat for cold weather while trekking in the forest.
Gardening Gloves. Trekking happens in dense forests and you will need to hold branches for support.
Pair of Socks.
Daypack. Choose a lightweight and comfortable daypack for carrying essentials.
Cary a pair of Binoculars.
Camera. Cary a camera with extra batteries and memory cards for capturing iconic moments in the jungle.
Insect repellent

Nature Walks in Bwindi

Besides popular adventures like gorilla trekking and bird watching, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers meaningful Nature walking adventures. The Nature walking Safaris in Bwindi are off-the-beaten adventures that connect you with the people, nature, and the rural landscape of this mesmerizing region of the world. Four Gorillas Lodge offers these exciting off-the-beaten-path adventures to visitors during their stay at the lodge. Fall in love with the humble people and the gorgeous rural landscape as you explore the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, traverse its lush, ancient rainforest witnessing the abundant flora and fauna on a guided nature walk.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most bio diverse National Parks in the world, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. This National Park has about 200 different tree species, 350 bird species, and approximately 120 different mammal species. It also inhabits half of the remaining population of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Venturing into these iconic jungles on foot will allow you to spot different fauna and flora in the park. At Four Gorillas Lodge together with our partners Acacia Safaris Limited, we guarantee customized service that blends the feel of comfort and meaningful adventures on foot during your stay. We can tailor your journey to Bwindi with nature-guided walks through various trails in the park, allowing for an incredible and memorable journey through this stunning Impenetrable National Park.

Nature Walking Trails in Bwindi

The Ivy River Trail

The Ivy River trail is one of the oldest routes through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and an important footpath for locals traveling from Nteko to Buhoma, especially on market days.

This trail allows for an exciting nature walking adventure during nature walking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can hike the Ivy River Trail in three major ways: the first route takes starts from Nkuringo, you will walk for about 8 kilometers to Nteko village, proceed with another 5 kilometers down the steep valley to Ivy River and back.

The other way you can trek this trail is by starting from Nteko outpost, 8 km from Nkuringo, where your driver would have dropped you. You’ll then hike down the valley to the river and back. The third and last one is the most interesting. This way, you will start your nature walk from Nteko and proceed down the valley before you cross to the Buhoma sector on the northern side of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Ivy Trail takes you through the center of the beautiful rural landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable forest while taking breathtaking views from different viewpoints. Enjoy viewing the lush mist-shrouded valleys before snaking into the jungle over the Ivy River, where you will encounter several monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and different bird species.

The Kashasha River Trail

Located in the southwestern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, The Kashasha River Trail is a popular trail for nature-guided tours in Bwindi. This trail meanders gently through the ruggedly beautiful landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The trail has several viewpoints that allow for spectacular views of the lush mist-shrouded valleys of Bwindi. This trail takes you up to the Kashasha River, where you can also enjoy a walk along the river for an hour or even more.

This Nature walking trail gives an unforgettable jungle experience as you will enjoy the calming sounds of babbling brooks and the natural soothing melodies of the forest as you traverse the forest. This experience is truly rewarding with will leave a feel of nature at its best.

This trail can also allow you to connect to the nearby Buhoma sector.

The Buniga Forest Trail

The Buniga Forest Trail is a captivating nature walking trail, it is known for showcasing the symbiotic relationship between the Batwa pygmies and the Bwindi jungle. Although the Batwa were evicted out of the forest, this trail takes you through how this tribe of hunter-gatherers used to live in the forest. The Buniga Forest Trail reveals the unique heritage and traditions of the native Batwa Pygmies to the world. While on this journey, you will also have an opportunity to visit the Batwa people, who then through their community organization NCCDF take you through small pocket forests, showcasing their historical nomadic cultures, drawing you back to the imagination when they once occupied these jungles.

This trail takes you through the Batwa-enacted settlement where you will observe how the women prepare, cook, and serve a meal. You will engage with medicine men, learn about the lush forest flora’s medicinal properties, and hear ancient legends and traditional songs – all enriching your adventure in Bwindi with a memorable experience.

Suma Waterfall Trail

The Suma waterfall is a 50-meter waterfall hidden away at the edge of Suma village. This waterfall rumbles on the edge of the village, pouring its water into the stream a river through a family-owned valley across the village. While on a nature guided walk on this trail, the sight of this waterfall is a magnificent wonder that you will surely cherish.

This trail takes you through the beautiful landscapes and the communities around the National Park. The excitement even increases as you walk through various villages, kids chanting for a “haroo” (hello) and the locals do their normal routines.

Bird Watching Trails

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a superb birding destination, hosting about 350 species that fly through and up the forest canopy. For those interested in bird watching, the Bird Watching Trails is an excellent trail to explore on a nature guided walk. Exploring this trail will take about 2-3 hours.

Experience the best of Bwindi during your stay at Four Gorillas Lodge. Experience tailored walking safaris to explore the stunning Bwindi jungle. Enjoy watching different forms in the park. Experience more than just gorilla trekking while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can as well book other Uganda adventures with our partners, Acacia Safaris Limited.

Bird Watching in Bwindi

Besides inhabiting the endangered mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to a diverse array of birdlife that you can witness during safaris. The National Park features a number of birding trails with a diverse number of bird species. As you prepare to be enchanted on your safari tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, rest assured of witnessing rare, endemic, and migratory bird species. The bird watching tours in Bwindi take you through the evergreen and montane marshes of Uganda’s lush forest floor – giving you opportunities to witness different bird species. While at Four Gorillas Lodge, Bird watching starts just right out of your room as you will witness different bird species hoover just overhead and others perched on the tree branches.

Some of the bird species that you will see in Rushaga include; the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s rush warbler, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-headed Waxbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Bar-tailed Trogon, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Great Blue Turaco, and African Broadbill among others. Birding safaris while at Four Gorillas Lodge however take you beyond Rushaga Sector. There are several other birding trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Birding Trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma Waterfall Trail

The Buhoma Waterfall Trail is a must-visit for birding enthusiasts visiting Bwindi. This trail is a hotspot for different bird species including; the White-tailed Ant Thrush, dapper francolin, splendid Black Bee-eater, Yellow-eyed Black, and African Sooty Flycatchers along the green bamboo zone. This region of the park also offers scenic views of the mesmerizing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Experienced guides will help you identify different bird species as you explore this iconic safari park.

Mubwindi Swamp Trail

The other popular birding Trail in Bwindi is the Mubwindi Swamp Trail. This trail offers incredible birding opportunities for visitors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While on a birding tour, venture to the Mubwindi Swamp Trail in Ruhija, for opportunities to witness the endemic and localized African green broadbill and several other species. Keep your eye open for opportunities to spot the Short-tailed Warbler and Blue-headed Sunbird, the African Green Broadbill, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing among others during your safari here.

Other bird species here include; Montane Oriole, Waller’s starling, Blacke –billed turacos, barbets, Carruthers’ Cisticola Red chested Flufftail, Cabanis’s Green bull, Dwarf Honey guide, Oriole Finch and Bar tailed trogon. This area is also home to the Grey-throated Barbet, Common Buzzard, Black Bee-eater, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Red-throated Alethe, African Shrike-flycatcher Ayres’s Hawk-eagle, to mention but a few.

Other popular birding trails located outside the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Echuya Forest Trail

The Echuya Forest is a distinct forest reserve, located to the northeast of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This forest is home to about 150 species of birds, eighteen (18) of which are endemic to the reserve, including the elusive Grauer’s Swamp warbler. The Echuya Forest Reserve is a fantastic birding destination. For those interested in the endemic Albertine Rift species, Echuya Forest is a perfect destination.

The Muchuya Swamp is also popular for hosting the 30-50 pairs of the Endangered Grauer’s Swamp-warbler. The Echuya Forest Reserve is considered a priority by Bird Life International along with 30 other top birding destinations in Ugandan.

Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round, however, some months of the year offer the best trekking conditions. The dry season is usually considered the best season for visiting Bwindi. Bwindi just like all other safari parks in Uganda receives two dry seasons. The long dry season lasts between June to October and the short dry season runs from December to early February.

The dry season is also the peak season for safaris in Uganda. For those planning to visit Bwindi during this season, we recommend booking your gorilla permit early enough (6 months before the trekking dates).

Cultural Tours in Bwindi – The Batwa Cultural Experience

Beyond nature, wildlife, and birdlife, Bwindi offers a unique opportunity to indulge in its rich culture visiting the nearby Batwa Communities. The Batwa Pygmies are an indigenous ethnic group native to the Bwindi Impenetrable forests and the forested regions of Central Africa. The Batwa can be found in countries including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Batwa Cultural Experience will immerse you in the unique way of the Batwa people, learn a few things about their traditions, and participate in their unique cultural performance including music and dance.

The Batwa People are often referred to as “forest people” due to their historical deep connection with the forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – up to now, their incredible knowledge about this forest is still unknown. While at Four Gorillas Lodge we can tailor your journey to allow you to visit the nearby Batwa communities for an immersive and enriching cultural experience.

Batwa pygmies of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has lived side-by-side with the wildlife in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for thousands of years. While on a cultural tour to the Batwa Communities, Enjoy viewing their homestead, observe how the women prepare, cook, and serve a meal. You can also have an opportunity to engage with local medicine men to learn about their medicinal properties in the lush forest flora. The excitement here even gets to its peak as you hear ancient legends and traditional songs, enjoy a lively music performance, and learn about the Batwa’s fascinating way of life; from religion to their food gathering and hunting techniques. A cultural experience to the Batwa community is really exciting for all ages. Experience beyond gorilla trekking while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Here is more to know about the Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Batwa Traditional Lifestyle

Historically, the enchanting Batwa Pygmies were a hunter-gatherer tribe that relied on the forest for their food, shelter, and medicinal plants. Over the years, due to conservation efforts of the endangered mountain gorillas, they were evicted from the forest and relocated to areas just outside the park. The Batwa Having lived in the forest for many years, have deep knowledge and connection to the forest ecosystem. After they were relocated, many of the locals have been integrated in the conservation efforts of the forest where through their community initiatives, they can engage with the visitors, giving them an opportunity to showcase their culture and earn some money for a living.

The Batwa Social Structure

Batwa Pygmies societies are traditionally organized into clans, with a strong emphasis on communal living and sharing resources. The Batwa are known for their rich oral traditions, music, and dance.

Experience an immersive cultural experience during your safari tour of the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visit the local Batwa communities and experience unique and different ways of life away from home. At Four Gorillas Lodge we can help you customize your journeys in Bwindi allowing you to experience the unique Batwa culture. You can as well book other Uganda Safaris with our partner tour and travel company, Acacia Safaris Limited.