All about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered slopes are covered by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, dating back more than 25,000 years and containing nearly 400 species of plants. Most famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects about 320 mountain gorillas, roughly half the world’s population, including various inhabited groups, which can be traced.

This biologically diverse region also provides shelter for 120 mammals, including several species of primates, such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds housed in this forest, including 23 endemic to the Albertine Rift.

You can get to Bwindi from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 hours). The roads are located in Butogota, 17 km from the entrance gate of Buhoma. A 4WD vehicle is necessary during the rainy season. Travelers can fly from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to the modern paved airstrip at Kisoro. You can also rent planes to the Kayonza or Savannah grass airstrips. Bwindi has three airfields in Kayonza and Kihiihi for the north sector and Nyakabande in Kisoro for those who are going to track gorillas in the south sector (Nkuringo, Nshongi and Mishaya).

Several trails in Bwindi can be reached by vehicle. However, there are no roads within the park itself, which is covered on foot. Bwindi is aptly called the “impenetrable forest”; the trails cut through dense vegetation and can be steep. Take advantage of the poles offered at the beginning of a hike.

Good hiking boots if you intend to hike or climb, wet weather clothing and warm layers for the evenings; it’s cold and damp at this altitude. The sun is still fierce during the day, even when it’s cloudy, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a sun hat. You can also bring waterproof bags to protect cameras and other gear when hiking.

This park has several areas of interest that can be explored in one visit.

Buhoma is located to the northwest of the park and faces the dark and mountainous forests of Bwindi. Three groups of gorillas can be tracked from here, and there are also community walks to explore the culture and lifestyle of the local Bakiga and Batwa tribes. Bird watching is also an important activity with great opportunities to see several endemic Albertine Rift species, such as the Short-tailed Warbler. Other activities include mountain biking and nature walks to waterfalls and parts of the forest. There are also numerous accommodations for all budgets and many local craft stalls.

Nkuringo, at the southern end of the park, became the second start of the Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Trail in 2004. Tracking the Nkuringo groups is exhausting, as their forest home lies 600m below from the trailhead in Ntungamo village in the Nteko mountain range. Walks along the ridge top road provide magnificent views north towards the forested hills of Bwindi and south towards the Virunga volcanoes. There are also opportunities to discover Bakiga culture through village walks, vibrant dance performances, and cultural workshops organized by community groups.

The Shongi trailhead, in the southeast of the park, was opened for gorilla tourism in 2009. Three groups (Shongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye) can be tracked from this point. The trail descends deep into the forest directly south of the park. This area also offers village walks, bird watching, and a spectacular waterfall.

On the east side, at the top of the hill at 2345 m, Ruhija is home to the gorilla groups Bitukura, Oruzoojo and Kyaguriro. This is the highest crawling trail in Uganda and one of two areas (the other being Nshongi) where elephants reside.

A six-hour bamboo trail leads to Rwamunyoni peak; At 2,607 m, it is the highest point in the park and stands out for its good bird watching. Also of interest to bird watchers is the three-hour trail that descends to the Mubwindi swamp along which the localized and endemic African Green Broadbill can be found. The community of Nyundo, a short distance north of Buhoma, sits on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and offers wonderful guided hikes along the ridges of the hills and rivers to discover waterfalls, glorious views and the flair. life and traditional folklore of the Kurezi people.

The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo have an impressive array of luxury hostels, rustic bands, and campgrounds, as well as restaurants, craft stalls, and guide services. Discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy culture through performances, workshops, and village walks.

Bwindi is cold in the morning and at night with average temperatures ranging between 7 ° C and 20 ° C. The coldest period in Bwindi is June and July, while the wet seasons are March-May and September-November. with total annual rainfall of up to 2390 mm. The rains in March-May are short. They are heaviest in September-November, but can be long hours of light drizzle.

On your next visit to Uganda, come to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the Ultimate Gorilla experience!