Bwindi National Park

Bwindi National Park is Uganda’s National Park located in southwestern part of Uganda, in Kanungu District near Kanungu town. This Park covers the area size of 331 square kilometers, and is part of the larger Bwindi Impenetrable forest which extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The park was established in 1991 and was designated A UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its significance for gorilla conservation.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its rich Biodiversity, population of mountain gorillas that are over 459 meaning it hosts almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas including several habituated groups that can be tracked. However, besides the gorillas this park is a home to other primates’ species over 120 such as Chimpanzees, elephants, Lhotse’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, white and Black colobus monkeys and other more.350 Bird Species such as African Green Broadbill, Grauer’ss rush warbler, Shelley’s Crimsoning, Black bee-eater, Rwenzori Turaco, African Emerald cuckoo and other more. A diverse range of plant species includes Giant stinging nettle, Orchids, Bamboo, Hagenah, African olive, Giant lobelias are other much more that aren’t mentioned. The park also hosts over 200 butterflies’ rugged terrain and dense vegetation earned it the name “IMPENETRABLE “emphasizing its challenging yet fascinating nature.

CLIMATE IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is generally tropical, with temperatures remaining fairly consistent through the year due to its proximity to the equator.

The park experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November with rainfall being heaviest during these periods. The Drier months are from June to August and December to February. However even during the drier seasons rain can occur.so tourists and visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions.

ATTRACTION OF BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is the park’s primary attraction. Visitors have the opportunity to embark on guided treks to observe gorilla families up close, Providing a once in lifetime wildlife encounter.

GORILLA HABITUATION

For those seeking a more immersive gorilla encounter, Bwindi Impenetrable national park offers gorilla habituation experience, allowing visitors to spend an extended amount of time with a gorilla family undergoing habituation training. This unique experience provides deeper insights into the behavior and conservation efforts of mountain gorillas.

BIRDS

With over 350 bird’s species recorded within its borders. Bwindi is a paradise for bird lovers and watchers. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide variety of avian life, including numerous Albertine rift endemics and sought-after species such as African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsoning.

NATURE WALKS AND HIKING

Bwindi’s lush forests offer numerous trails for nature walks and hikes, providing opportunities to explore the park’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Guided walks are available, allowing visitors to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and cultural heritage from knowledgeable local guides.

ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING

The highlight of any visit to Bwindi’s undoubtedly opportunity to go on a Uganda gorilla trek. Guided treks take visitors into the forest to observe and photograph endangered mountain gorillas in the nature habitat.

GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE

For a more immersive experience, opt for the gorilla habituation experience, which allows visitors to spend an extended period with a gorilla family undergoing habituation training.

BIRD WATCHING

Bwindi is a bird watchers paradise, with over 350 bird species including numerous Albertine rift endemics. Guided bird watching tours for the chance to spot rare beautiful bird amidst the park’s lush forests.

NATURE WALKS AND HIKING

Explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystems on guided nature walks and hikes, learning about the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage from knowledgeable local guides.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National park largely depends on your priorities and interests. However, Note that the drier months, from June to August and from December to February, are generally considered the best time to visit, as the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities like gorilla trekking and hiking since the trails are less muddy slippery, making hiking easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, during the dry season gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations, making them more accessible to trekkers.

HOW TO GET TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK.

The distance from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National park varies depending on which part of the park your travelling to, as there are multiple entry points. On average the drive can take between 8 to 10 hours, covering a distance of approximately 400 to 500 kilometers (250 to 310 miles).

Several ways that can be used get to this national park are

BY ROAD

This is the most common way to travel to Bwindi, the route usually passes through Kabale or Rukungiri, and then you’ll continue to the specific entry point of the park.

BY AIR

For does seeking quicker option, there are domestic flights available from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airfield to airstrips near Bwindi, such as Kihihi or Kisoro.

From the airstrip you will need to arrange for transportations with Explore Rwanda Tours to park since the flights aren’t direct into the park.