Gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla trekking destination in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is among Uganda’s best and most visited national parks in the country’s southwestern part. The park was gazetted in 1991 and in 1994 it was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The park is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas with 9 habituated gorilla groups and Mubare gorilla group was the first gorilla group to be available for tourists in 1993.
Bwindi Forest is among the major national parks in the country and is widely known as the home of rare and endangered mountain gorillas. The park is made up of impenetrable forests and is also believed to be among the well-reserved and protected tropical rainforests in the country. The national park is strategically located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C) found in southwestern Uganda This makes it easy for a tourist on a study who would love to compare the gorilla trekking in Uganda and DRC.
The park is found on the gentle slopes covered by tall trees which enables the survival of the endangered mountain gorillas. The diverse biodiversity in the park also provides a home to over 120 different species of mammals, including several primate species such as baboons, as well as elephants, and antelopes can also be spotted in the forest by lucky visitors. There are also over 350 species of birds in Bwindi Forest National Park, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
The Bwindi Forest National Park is located between and near other national parks like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park the second destination from where tourists can watch mountain gorillas is found just a 2hours drive from Bwindi Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park the most loved and visited wildlife national park in Uganda is found in just 5hours from Bwindi Forest. When you cross the border to neighboring Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park another gorilla park is found in a few hour’s drive. This makes it easy for tourists on research to discover the difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda easy
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects almost half of the remaining Gorillas in the whole world which camouflages the tropical forest. The forest is made up of tree species like Mahogany, Okoume, and Eucalyptus among others. The forest is divided into four gorilla tracking trails and they include; the Buhoma Gorilla Trail, which is the busiest tourism site in the northern section of the forest. The trail is located amidst a variety of accommodations ranging from Budget to Luxury.
Ruhija is yet another Gorilla trail in Bwindi, this is also a birder’s paradise when visiting the Mubwindi swamp. This also gives a clear panoramic view of Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest. Rushaga is yet another Gorilla trail. Nkuringo is located along the isolated Nteko Ridge which enjoys outstanding views over the Virunga volcanoes in the south and Bwindi forest to the north.
Despite the four gorilla Trail, the demand for gorilla permits remains high throughout the year since meeting Gorillas in their natural habitat is a life experience, that is why all Gorilla families in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park are visited by a maximum of eight people per day.
What to do in Bwindi Forest National Park
There are a variety of tourist activities you can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park among which include;
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This adventure involves hiking through dense forest trails to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Led by professional ranger guides, trekkers have the rare opportunity to spend time close to these gentle giants, watching their behavior and social interactions. The trek can be challenging but is immensely rewarding, offering breathtaking views and memorable encounters with one of the world’s most endangered species.
The River Ivi Trail
The River Ivi Trail in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a scenic 14km hike that offers a chance to explore the lush rainforest. As you trek through the forest, you’ll get a chance to encounter wildlife, including forest buffaloes, elephants, and monkey species. Bird lovers will delight in spotting species like the grey apalis, olive woodpecker, and dusky tit. The trail also provides stunning viewpoints of mist-shrouded valleys and the opportunity to meet the local Batwa people. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bwindi.
It is highly recommended for bird watchers.
Munyanga River Trail
The trail in the valley below Buhoma (park office) provides an ideal short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge. Waterfall Trail leads through one of Uganda’s most pristine tracts of rainforest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns, and orchids to visit three sparkling waterfalls.
Rushura Hill Trail
This provides expansive views across the plains of the western rift valley to the west and (on clear days) Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains to the north.
Muzabajiro Loop Trail
Climbs to the summit of Rukubira Hill for breathtaking views of the Bwindi Forest, the western Rift Valley, and the Virunga volcanoes.
How to Reach Bwindi Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Sign Post
Bwindi Forest lies in southwestern Uganda, about 530km from Kampala and about 530km from Entebbe International Airport. The park can be reached by road using several directions.
The best way to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depends on your starting point and preferences:
By Road: If you’re starting from Kampala, the drive takes about 6-8 hours via Mbarara and Butogota. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially when you are visiting during the rainy season.
By Air: You can fly to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips from Entebbe. Charter flights are also available for a more direct route.
Public Transport: There are daily buses from Kampala to Butogota, from where you can take a taxi or hire a self-drive safari vehicle to the park.
Each option offers a unique travel experience, so choose the one that best suits your schedule and preferences!
