Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It was gazetted as a park in 1991 and covers an area of about 331 square kilometres covering districts of Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro.
The park is famous for its mountain gorillas, housing nearly half of the world’s population. Gorilla trekking here is a highlight. Bwindi is incredibly rich in wildlife and plant species, with over 350 bird species and many types of trees and plants.
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla tracking is an amazing activity that starts in the morning around 7am with briefing by experienced guides. Visitors are entertained so as to put them in the tracking moods. Gorilla tracking involves hiking through dense forests to find a habituated gorilla family.
You will be accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers who know the gorillas’ locations. Once you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing them from a safe distance of about 10 meters. During this time, you can take photos, watch their behaviour, and enjoy this unique experience.
Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park basically has four gorilla tracking sectors. Each sector has its own unique gorilla experience.
Buhoma Sector
It is the headquarter of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in the Northern part of the park. It is the first sector to be opened for gorilla trekking. The sector is known for relatively easier trails, making it popular among visitors.
Gorilla Families in the sector Includes the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe families.
Ruhija Sector
Located in the Eastern part of Bwindi. Known for higher altitude and more challenging treks though it Offers stunning views and a rich biodiversity.
Gorilla Families Includes the Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Mukiza families.
Rushaga Sector
Located in the Southern part of Bwindi and hosts the highest number of habituated gorilla families. Gorilla Families includes the Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye, Kutu and Kahungye families.
Nkuringo Sector
Located in the South western part of Bwindi and Known for its tough but rewarding treks. Offers breathtaking views of the forest and the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Families includes the Nkuringo, Bushaho and Christmas families.
Best sector for gorilla tracking
Each sector has its unique appeal, but if you want an easier trek, go with Buhoma. For more adventure, Ruhija and Nkuringo are great choices. Rushaga stands out for its high number of families and the habituation experience. It’s all about what suits your preferences the most.
Other activities one can carry out besides gorilla tracking
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation experience is only carried out in Rushaga sector. It is a unique opportunity to spend more time with mountain gorilla and a permit goes for $1500 per person which covers a guide and park entrance fees.
A visitor is able to spend 4 hours with the gorillas, which is significantly longer than the standard one-hour trekking experience.
Bird watching.
Bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is fantastic, offering sightings of unique species like the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler and the Short-tailed Warbler, which are only found there.
African Green Broadbill in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Other notable species include the Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, Common Bulbul, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and Red-headed Bluebill. With over 350 bird species and a permit goes for $40 for Foreign Non residents, $30 for foreign resident and 30,000 Ugx for East African Citizen. Bwindi is truly a bird watcher’s paradise.
Community visits.
Community visits is an amazing activity to carry out. Visitors get involved in activities such as village walks, see traditional dances, taste local food and stay in community lodges. They learn more regarding the Batwa and how they adapted to community life after staying in the forest for over 300 years.
Batwa trail Experience.
The Batwa Trail Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Batwa people who are the original forest inhabitants. It is a guided walk through the forest, seeing it through the eyes of the Batwa people.
Batwa explaining how they used to make fire while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Learning how the Batwa hunted small animals, gathered fruits and made traditional shelters. Visitors are in position to Watch demonstrations of fire making, honey harvesting and traditional dances by the Batwa as well as tasting the local meals prepared by the Batwa.
The Batwa trail experience cost $40 for Non foreign and foreign residents, 40,000 Ugx for East African Citizen.
When Were the Batwa removed from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Batwa were moved out of the forest in 1991 when Bwindi was gazetted as a national park to protect the mountain gorillas.
Nature walk.
Munyaga River Trail
Munyaga river trail is about 2 hours walk. It is a simple trail that takes you along the Munyaga River, where you can see women washing clothes traditionally as you enjoy bird watching.
Muzabajiro Loop
The walk takes around 6 hours and its a 6km walk around a hill, offering views of the Virunga and encounters with primates and birds. It costs $40 For foreign non resident, $20 for foreign resident and 10,000 Ugx for East African citizen.
Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail
Takes around 3-4 hours. The trail Connects Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors, providing impressive views of misty hillsides and the forest.
The permit costs $60 for foreign non residents, $50 for foreign resident and 50,000 Ugx For East African citizens.
Rushura Hill Walk
Its duration Varies regarding on the what the visitor wants and it Offers views of Lakes Edward and George, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the Virunga Volcanoes on clear days.
The permit costs $40 for foreign non resident, $20 for foreign resident and 10,000 Ugx For East African citizen.
Ivi River Walk
Takes around 7 hours and its a 14km trail passing through Mukempunu, where wild pigs can often be found, and offering bird watching opportunities.
Habinyanja Trail
The walk is for about 4-6 hours and it Features a steep ascent of the Habigorogoro and Riyovi Ridge, with views of the Buhoma River and the Habinyanja swamp.
Bamboo Trail
The walk takes around 6 hours and it takes you through the highest part of the park. Offering scenic views of bamboo zones and Lake Bunyonyi.
The permit costs $40 for foreign non resident, $20 for foreign resident and 10,000 Ugx for East African citizens.
Waterfall Trail
It’s a trail in Rushaga sector that leads Leads to three beautiful waterfalls, showcasing the forest’s natural beauty and diverse flora though its duration varies.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
By Air
You can take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips near Bwindi. Flights are about 1 hour 45 minutes, followed by a short drive to the park.
You can also book a chartered flight directly to Bwindi.
By Road
The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes about 8-10 hours and the roads are scenic but can be bumpy. If you’re already in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it’s a 2–3 hour drive to Bwindi.
The drive from Kabale to Bwindi takes about 1-2 hours
By Bus
You can take a bus from Kampala or Kabale to Butogota, which is about 10 kilometres from the Buhoma entrance gate.
By Car
You can hire a car as well or join a guided tour that includes transportation to Bwindi.
Accommodation
Accommodations in Bwindi ranges from Budgeted to midrange and luxury lodges costing between $2000 to $100 according to someone’s budget and pocket. Most of the lodges are near the park and offers comfortable rooms and great views of the forest.
Some of the lodges includes; Four gorilla lodge in Rushaga sector Bwindi impenetrable national park that offers all kinds of accommodation. The lodge has family bedrooms, honeymoon rooms and the budget type of rooms located in an eco friendly environment offering the view of the park and at times one have the chances of viewing the gorillas from the lodge.
Four gorilla lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Rushaga sector
Other accommodations include, Safari Lodge Bwindi, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Karungi Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge among others.
Gorilla permit.
A gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $800 for international visitors, $700 for foreign residents and 300,000 Ugx for East African Citizen.
This permit allows you to spend one hour trekking and observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.
