Bwindi Impenetrable mountain Gorillas National Park

Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda at latitude 1.0521° S and longitude 29.6201° E was gazetted in the year of 1942 and later in 1992 it was upgraded to a national park and in 1994 it was recognized as a World Heritage Site in Uganda. In local language (Rukiga), Bwindi actually means ‘Impenetrable.’ This repeated warning is apt, for Bwindi is all however impenetrable; 327 km2 of tangled plant life draped over a deep fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys & high, draughty ridges, exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Gorilla trekking has attracted travelers from the world over and it is without a doubt that almost every traveler who has had a safari to Uganda and Rwanda has had gorilla trekking on their travel itinerary. Follow the Gorilla Trekking Rules; Mountain gorillas are very calm and peaceful.

Bwindi Impenetrable mountain gorillas national park experience

The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. The Bwindi impenetrable rainforest in addition protects a predictable more than 500 population of mountain gorillas in the mist of the forest; approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking and trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is when you embark on tracking mountain deep in the thick misty montane tropical forests 2,500 meters above see level with expert guides or rangers. Mountain gorillas are endangered species with less than remaining on the planet. Their present grown numbers from almost extinction have been due to consistent conservation efforts by individuals, organizations & wildlife authority bodies. Mountain gorillas are different from lowland gorillas. Contact Travitude safari tours for a well planned & detailed gorilla trekking safari experience.

Mountain Gorillas trekking experience packages

Bwindi Impenetrable mountain gorilla trekking experience

In addition to the endangered impressive mountain gorillas there are also 350 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species, about 324 species of trees, ten of which are only found in this areas in the whole of Uganda. There are few habituated Gorillas living here, actually the time offered to see them is limited and so are the permits which currently are offered at a cost of $800 per individual. This biologically varied region as well offers shelter to an additional 120 mammals, among which are various primate species like the baboons plus chimpanzees, in addition to elephants as well as antelopes. There are also 350 bird species supported within this forest, among which are twenty-three Albertine Rift endemics. The adjacent towns of Nkuringo as well as Buhoma offer a remarkable collection of luxury lodges, budget campsites, restaurants, rustic bandas and craft stalls in addition to guiding services. A gorilla safari tour will cover plentiful Opportunities to discover the neighboring Bakiga plus Batwa Pygmy people’s cultures which they well showcase in performances plus workshops as well as on guided village walks.

Gorilla trekking sectors

The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, hiking, Batwa experience beautiful landscapes, bird watching such as hornbills, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori batis, rufous chested swallow, regal sunbird, red-throated alethe, among others.

The park has the highest number of gorilla families in four sectors given having more than 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla species. The sectors are;

Buhoma sector with; –Habinyaja gorilla family, –Mubare gorilla family, –Rushegura gorilla family –Katwe gorilla family
Ruhija sector with; –Mukizo gorilla family, –Oruzogo gorilla family, –Bitukura gorilla family, –Kyaguriro gorilla family
Nkuringo sector; –Christmas gorilla family, –Nkuringo gorilla family, –Bishasho gorilla family
Rushaga sector with the highest number of family; –Bikyinji gorilla family, –Rwiji gorilla family, –Muchunguzi gorilla family, –Kahunjye gorilla family, –Businjye gorilla family, –Bweza gorilla family, –Mishaya gorilla family, –Nsonji gorilla family

How is gorilla trekking done?

The highlight of a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable mountain Gorillas National Park and the climax of the long journey to the impenetrable forest by air, car and steep forest trail is a magical hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas. Tracking the gorillas can last from 4-6 hours to a whole day depending on how far the group has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening. Bwindi has 15 habituated gorilla groups that are tracked from four trailheads. Three(3) of these groups are found in the vicinity of Buhoma in northwest Bwindi; four(4) at Ruhija in the east, and eight(8) at the park’s southern trailheads at Nkuringo and Rushaga. Eight permits are available to track each of the fifteen(15) habituated groups giving a daily maximum of 120 permits. Permits must be booked in advance.

Bwindi impenetrable forest Birding experience

Bwindi Impenetrable mountain Gorillas National Park has four trailheads which all offer excellent birding opportunities with the prospect of checking off forest rarities. The river Ivi trail between Buhoma and Nkuringo is recommended as is Buhoma’s forest-edge Munyanga river trail. Ruhija’s bamboo trail leading to the 2607m Rwamunyoni peak and Mubwindi swamp trail are renowned for Albertine Rift endemics including the localised green broadbill, red-faced woodland warbler, red necked spur fowl, pin-tailed whydah, paradise fly-catcher, olive woodpecker, olive thrush, olive pigeon, montane nightjar, malachite sunbird, scarlet-tufted sunbirds, Ibis, handsome francolin, grey capped warbler, fly eagle, dusky turtle dove, Doherty’s bush shrike, crowned crane, Chubb’s Cisticola, cape robin—chat’ black kite, banded Prinia, archer’s ground robin and alpine chat.

Nature walks in Bwindi forest

The following nature walk trails can be arranged to depart in the morning at 09:00 and in the afternoon at 14:00;

Munyanga river trail, in the valley below the Buhoma trailhead, provides a 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 clear water falls.
Rushura Hill trail provides expansive views across the plains of the Albertine Rift Valley 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 Bwindi forest, the Albertine Rift Valley and the Virunga volcanoes.
River Ivi trail follows an old road through beautiful forest emerging near Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest.

Batwa (pygmies) community walks

Forest trails lead to scenic waterfalls and rift valley viewpoints while community walks through local villages provide insights into the lives of the Batwa (Pygmy) and Bakiga people living beside the forest. The Bakiga are farming people who are responsible for the striking terraced hillsides that extend up to the edge of the forest to the south of Bwindi. The Bunga Forest walk at Nkuringo is conducted by Batwa guides who demonstrate their traditional forest lore.

Bwindi Climate & weather

The forest can be cold especially in the morning and at night; the annual average temperature range is 7°C- 20°C with the coldest period being June and July. As well as warming clothing, wet weather gear is essential since Bwindi receives up to 2,390 mm of rain per year.

How to go to/ access Bwindi impenetrable gorillas national park?

Bwindi impenetrable forest is 500km from Kampala and 197km from Kigali, Rwanda. Getting to Bwindi impenetrable gorillas park is through different means which are;

By road, taking a 10 hours adventurous drive to the gorillas national park. Also taking 5 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda.
By domestic flights for 1 hour 10 minutes from MAF- Kajjansi or Entebbe international airport to Kihihi airport and then 2 hours drive to the park headquarters.

Lodges & accommodation at Bwindi impenetrable gorillas national park

Bwindi impenetrable gorillas park sectors have some of the best luxury and affordable accommodation/ lodges where you can stay on gorilla trekking safari/ wildlife tours and holidays.

Buhoma lodge

Buhoma lodge of Buhoma gorillas sector is located at latitude -0.98798° S and longitude 29.61528° E in Bwindi impenetrable gorillas national park in Uganda. Buhoma lodge is 476km from Kampala covered for 10 hours and 53km from Queen Elizabeth national park for a 1 hour & 30 minutes drive. Buhoma lodge is 198km, a 6 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda. Buhoma lodge is 1 minute away from the Bwindi gorillas park gate.

Activities you can do while from Buhoma lodge include;

gorilla trekking
bird watching
butterfly watching
Batwa community walk

Nkuringo lodge

Nkuringo lodge is located at Nkuringo gorillas sector at latitude -1.05172° S and longitude 29.63044° E in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda. Nkuringo lodge is 499km from Kampala, a 10 hours drive and 162km from Kigali, a 4 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda. Nkuringo is a luxury eco-lodge with deluxe cottages & luxury suites with rates from $810- $1,400.

Activities you can take on from Nkuringo lodge include;

mountain gorilla trekking
Bird watching
Nature trail walks
Butterfly watching
Batwa community tours

Gorilla leisure lodge

Gorilla leisure luxury lodge is located at Rushaga gorillas sector at latitude -1.12380° S and longitude 29.71654° E in Bwindi impenetrable gorillas national park. Gorilla leisure lodge has deluxe cottages, family cottages and honeymoon cottages with rates starting at $670. Gorilla leisure lodge is 476km from Kampala in a 10 hours drive and 170km from Kigali, Rwanda in a 4 hours drive.

Activities to do at gorilla leisure lodge;

mountain gorilla trekking
bird watching
nature trails walk
Butterfly watching
Batwa community walk

Ichumbi gorillas lodge

Ichumbi gorillas lodge is located at Rushaga gorillas sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park at latitude -1.12186° S and longitude 29.71454° E. Ichumbi gorilla lodge is 472km from Kampala with a 9 hours 30 minutes drive and 162km from Kigali, Rwanda with a 4 hours 30 minutes drive and also 10 minutes walk from Rushaga gorillas sector park gate. Ichumbi lodge offers twin & family cottages for single & multiple occupancy at rates starting from $180 per person per night.

Activities to engage in at your stay at Ichumbi lodge include:

mountain gorilla trekking
Bird watching
Butterfly watching
Nature trails & walks
Batwa community walk

Orugano bwindi lodge

Orugano Bwindi lodge is located at Nkuringo gorillas sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park at latitude -1.08772° S and longitude 29.63402° E. Orugano lodge is 499km from Kampala taking a 11 hours drive and 162km from Kigali, Rwanda taking a 4 hours. Orugano lodge offers single and twin cottages with rates starting from $250 per night.

Activities you can engage in from Orugano lodge are;

mountain gorilla trekking
Bird watching
Nature trail walks
Butterfly watching
Batwa community walk

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Bwindi Impenetrable mountain Gorillas National Park