Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in south-western Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was gazetted in the year of 1942 and later in 1992 it was upgraded to the Bwindi Impenetrable 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.

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 450 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.

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. This is really a destination to explore. Because 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.

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.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The highlight of a visit to Bwindi 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 a few 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.

Birding

Bwindi’s four trailheads 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

Though gorilla trekking is the man attraction, other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to explore one of Uganda’s loveliest rainforests. The following walks 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.

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.

Climate

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.

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