Highlights and main attractions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Supporting nearly half of the world’s estimated 820 mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated along the Great Rift Valley. As the name suggests, it is an area of almost impassibly dense rainforest spread over a network of valleys and ridges, carving a silhouette of undulating peaks into the skyline. Dating back over 25,000 years, this is one of Africa’s oldest and most captivating parklands; its bamboo and swamp forests provide the ideal environment for the gorilla population that call it home. It is the only forest in Africa in which the gorillas and chimpanzees successfully co-exist.

Quick Facts about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

1. History: the park was established in 1991 and was granted a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.
2. Unique for: the estimated 320 mountain gorillas which live here.
3. Did you know: some parts of the rainforest is covered in 25,000 year old mist.
4. Wildlife spotting opportunities: baboons, chimpanzees and elephants can be spotted here.

"It is also a place that will satisfy keen ornithologists, with a total of 350 bird species having been recorded within Bwindi, making it one of Uganda's main birding areas"

Unesco Status and Primates

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994, the park is situated in the Kigezi highlands of southwest Uganda. Covering an area of 330 kilometres, altitude ranges from 1,106 metres to 2,607 metres and in true rainforest-style, it receives up to 1,500mm of rain annually. Gorilla trekking within Bwindi can be challenging, but the rewards are unmistakable and your first glance at the gorillas in their natural habitat will be one that stays with you for life.

There are currently four families of habituated gorillas in Bwindi that can be tracked in the Buhoma area; Habinyanja, Rushegura, Mubare and Orozugo. There are another six families, making ten in total, that are habituated in the Bwindi area, some requiring overnights in Buhoma or Nkuringo if you wish to track them. In addition to the 340 habituated gorillas in the park there are 120 other mammals that you can see, including a range of other primates such as chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and blue monkey.

Biodiversity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Flora

The park’s diverse plant life includes over 1,000 flowering plant species, 163 species of trees, and 104 species of ferns. The dense vegetation comprises bamboo and various hardwoods, creating a unique and complex ecosystem. This rich flora not only supports the mountain gorillas but also provides habitat for other wildlife.

Wildlife

• Mountain Gorillas: Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park’s gorilla families are habituated for tourism, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
• Other Mammals: The park hosts over 120 mammal species, including forest elephants, bushbucks, African golden cats, and several primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and chimpanzees.
• Birdlife: With more than 350 bird species, Bwindi is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable species include the African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, and the Shelley’s crimsonwing, some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: The park is also home to over 200 butterfly species, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, and geckos, contributing to its status as a biodiversity hotspot.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Experience

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unparalleled adventure. Trekkers hike through dense, misty forests led by experienced guides and trackers who follow the gorillas' movements from the previous day. The trek can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorilla family being tracked. Once the gorillas are located, visitors can spend up to one hour observing their behaviors, social interactions, and sometimes even playful antics.

Gorilla Families

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors, each with habituated gorilla families available for trekking:

1. Buhoma: The northern sector is the most popular, with several lodges and a variety of trekking options. Gorilla families include Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura.
2. Ruhija: Located in the eastern part, Ruhija is known for its rugged terrain and stunning views. Gorilla families here include Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro.
3. Rushaga: Situated in the southern part, this sector has the highest number of gorilla families, including Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, and Bweza.
4. Nkuringo: Also in the south, Nkuringo offers challenging treks and incredible scenic beauty. Gorilla families here include Nkuringo and Bushaho.

Gorilla Permits and Regulations in Bwindo Impenetrable National Park

Securing a gorilla trekking permit is essential for your visit. Each permit costs $700 and allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family. The Uganda Wildlife Authority strictly regulates the number of permits issued to minimise the impact on the gorillas and their habitat. It’s advisable to book permits well in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September and December to February).

Conservation Efforts in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi’s conservation efforts focus on protecting the mountain gorillas and their habitat. The park’s management collaborates with various organisations and local communities to ensure sustainable tourism and effective conservation strategies.

1. Anti-Poaching Patrols: Continuous patrols help prevent poaching and illegal activities within the park.
2. Community Involvement: Local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts, benefiting from tourism revenue and participating in awareness programs.
3. Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research on gorilla behaviour and health helps inform conservation strategies.
4. Habitat Restoration: Projects aimed at reforesting areas and restoring degraded habitats contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the trails are less muddy, and the weather is more favourable for gorilla trekking. However, Bwindi can be visited year-round, and the lush, green forest is always a sight to behold.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

By Road

Bwindi can be accessed by road from Kampala or Entebbe, with the journey taking approximately 8-10 hours. The drive, though long, offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills.

By Air

For a quicker option, domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kampala to airstrips near Bwindi, such as Kihihi or Kisoro. From there, a short drive will take you to your accommodation in the park.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Our expertise of the area means that we know the best lodges for you to base yourself in, with Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge being one of our most popular. This unique eco-lodge puts you in the heart of the atmospheric Impenetrable Forest, with fantastic views. Here you will be accommodated in bandas (traditional huts), under which gorilla families have been known to sleep! Located within the park’s boundaries the luxury Gorilla Forest Camp is also highly recommended. To track the gorillas you will need to obtain a permit and there is a quota of just 24 per day. We highly recommend planning your trip as early as possible, buying your permits well in advance of travelling if possible.

Contact us for a bespoke quote.