Bwindi Forest National Park: Home of the Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the South Western part of Uganda and prominently known to offer unforgettable Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventures to travelers that visit Uganda to watch the Mountain Gorillas.
The Park comprises of dense, mist-covered jungles that inhabit the Gorillas, forest elephants and other wildlife animal species. Bwindi Forest National Park covers an area of 331 square kilometers with over 400 mountain gorillas which get many travelers visiting the country on holiday in Uganda.
Other than the Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi Forest National Park consists of other flora and fauna species i. e 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species and plant species.
The park’s impenetrable nature has helped preserve its rich biodiversity. Conservation efforts have been vital in ensuring the survival of the mountain gorillas and their habitat, with initiatives aimed at preventing poaching, habitat destruction, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the South Western part of Uganda and can be accessed by use of both Road and
By Air:
Bwindi Forest National Park can be accessed by use of Air as they catch domestic Flights from the Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to the Kihihi Airstrip, Savannah Airstrip in Kisoro where you are picked up and transferred to Bwindi Forest National Park.
By Road:
After landing at the Entebbe International Airport then you’ll need to arrange road transportation to Bwindi Forest National Park. The journey from Kampala to Bwindi Forest National Park is approximately 8-10 hours depending on the specific location within the park.
Route Options
Getting to Bwindi Forest National Park will require you to follow differing routes to the park and these include;
- Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara – Ntungamo – Kabale – Bwindi Forest National Park. This applies to using both public buses and private means Private car hire from companies is recommended for a more flexible and convenient adventure in Uganda.
Things to do in Bwindi Forest National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is the most popular safari activity carried out in the park. Travelers from around the world visit Uganda to witness these magnificent apes in their natural forest habitat.
Watching the Gorillas requires you to be led by a park ranger guide who leads you through the dense forest vegetation habitat as you search for the Gorillas till you meet them and take many photos to keep with you about the adventure. This experience is not only awe-inspiring but also provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered species.
Bird watching
For avid birdwatchers, Bwindi Forest National Park is a paradise. There are many bird species that are watched in the park and these include the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Blue-headed Sunbird.
Cultural Encounters
Bwindi Forest National Park offers unique cultural encounters as you adventure and experience the local Batwa people, who introduce you to their local lifestyle and traditions. You join them through dance and drama as well as other practices.
Practical Tips for Travelers on Gorilla Trekking Adventure
You Must have a valid Gorilla Trekking Permit and these are the Permit Requirements
- Gorilla trekking requires a valid trekking permit which is advised to book in advance due to the limited number of permits issued daily.
- Fitness Level: Trekking the Mountain Gorillas is physically demanding, so visitors should be in good health so as to beat the challenging terrain that varies as you hike and descend as you trek the Gorillas.
- Weather: Bwindi Forest National Park’s climate is unpredictable as rainfall is common 24/7 hence travelers are advised to carry a rain jacket/ gear, sturdy hiking boots to enable you transfer along the slippery terrain as you trek the Gorillas.
