Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable forest is is a large primeval forest located in south weatern ugada and is located in three districts of Kisoro, kabale and kanungu. The Bwindi forest is on the edge of the Albertine Rift , the western branch of east African rift at elevations ranging from 1160 to 2607 meters .
The name Bwindi is derived from the Runyakitara word ‘‘Mubwindi’’ meaning ‘‘a place full of darkness’’. The park was a reserve in 1942 later into a park in 1991and acknowledged as a heritage site in 1994. The park was created to protect the forest mountain gorilla population from poachers and habitat destruction.
Activities in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The main activity in the park is gorilla trekking, this is because the forest is a home to almost half of all mountain gorillas found in the world today and the chance to get up close to the amazing animals is an experience worthy of the once-in-in a lifetime description. However, if you take a little more time to explore the forest you will discover more activities in the park including ;
Nature walks/hiking.
Hiking and nature walks provide more relaxed opportunities to explore Bwindi national park.The park has several nature walk trails that u can follow during the guided nature walk such as muyangwa waterfall trail in buhomo sector, muzubijiro loop trail, rushura hill walk, buhomo-nkuringo trail, lvi river tail and habinyanja trail. Visitors shall get chances of seeing various primate species , beautiful butterflies, various tree species and views of some bird species singing in the air as thy hike through the forest .
Bird watching.
The impenetrable forest shelters a massive of 350 bird species. 14 these are exclusive birds in Bwindi impenetrable national park. The impenetrable forest is one of the best birding sites in Uganda for spontaneous observers .
The park is a home to endangered bird species such as Shelley’s crimson, Chapin’s Fly Catcher and Gruaer’s Broadbill and also sheltering 3 species that are the only surviving of their respective genera, namely Grauer’s Warbler, African Green Broadbill and short tailed Warbler which are more closely affiliated with Asian than African species.
Visiting the Batwa people.
While at Bwindi national park, the Batwa experience is one of the activities you should not miss out to participate in. the Batwa experience proves you on how thy lived in huts built with grass , tress, the use of tree-houses and caves . The experience brings out the life of the villager people and how they lived , the sharing , learning the things ,that they revered and cared for and almost lost.
You can learn how they lived, hunted in a traditional manner through visiting the Batwa people.
Attractions in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Mountain gorillas .
These are the most famous residents in the park which number around 456. Mountain gorillas are are the most popular attractions to see in Bwindi national park. Thy are very special creatures and are among thr earths rarest and most majestic creatures. The mountain gorillas in the park are splint into 50 famillies and has 19 habituated gorillas families set for the gorilla treking experience. The gorillas stay in different sectors which include the following
Buhomo sector in the northern region of the park and it has gorilla families like Mubare , Habinyanja and rushengura.
Nkuringo sector which is located in the southern region of the park having 3 gorilla families including Nkuringo, bushaho, bikingi.
Rushanga sector is situated in the sothern region of the park and known to be the most visted and having the nshongi, busingye kahugye, bweza and mishaya gorilla families.
Lastly there is Ruhija sector which is located in the eastern region park consisting 3 families where visitors go for gorilla trekking activities. The 3 families include; oruzogo, Butukura, Kyaguliro gorilla families .
Birds.
Bwindi impenetrable national park harbors over 350 bird species. The park is known to be the perfct destination for montane-forest bird watching in Africa. Tourists who are bird lovers will will get to see many different birds in the park which include; handsome francolin, Tit Hylia, Dusty twin spot, Strange weaver, Chapin’s fly catcher, Rwenzori batis, western green thinker bird, grey gecko and many others. More so, 23 of these birds are found in the Albertine rift and 14 of them are mainly staged in the park.
The Batwa people [pygmies].
The Batwa people are mainly referred to as the forest keepers and they only depend on hunting wild animals , and fruit gathering in the forest. Visitors will get to see these peoples way of lifestyle and how thy do their stuff in the ancient way for example building their houses local material and get to watch their local dance performances and drama, listen to their music and many more activities that will capture their full attention.
Ancient rainforest.
Bwindi park is surrounded by a unique vegetation known as afro Montane forests which has about 220 tree species and 100 fern species and plant species including the following ;nwetonia , symphonia, globulifera, red stinkwood, strombosia and east African yellow wood. Due to the tropical forest covering the park, the low land and the montane vegetation zones meet in the park. The park is also crossed by many rivers which include; Ihihizo, Ishasah, Ivi, Munyaga, Ntegere that is flowing to Lake Edward .
Getting to Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The park can be accessed by both road and air.
By road
Bwindi forest can be accessed from Queen Elizabeth national Park to the northern jstb2 to 3 hrs, from Kampala through mbarara its about 6 to 8 hours or from kabala town to the southern just 1 to 2 hours. A 4WD vehicle is needed the rainy months.
By air.
Travelers can choose to fly from Entebbe or from Kampala at kajansi airfield to the up to date tarmac airstrip found at Kisoro. Air travel from Entebbe to Bwindi is the fastest option and perfect to those with limited time. It also provides breathtaking aerial views of the landscape
Accommodation in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The park has eco-lodges stunning views of the forest and mountains with comfortable accommodations, including private cottages and family villas. They are known for their excellent services and provide a cozy atmosphere with amenities like restaurant and bar.
These accommodations are thoughtfully located within the parks 4 main trekking sectors; Nkuringo, Buhomo, Rushaga, and Ruhija , providing easy access to the wildness adventures in the rainforest and its star inhabitants.
The Uganda safari lodges and camps in Bwindi forest cater to a range of preferences and budgets. Choose a luxurious option with stunning forest views where you will enjoy exquisite meals amidst the vibrant rain forest backdrop. Budget conscious travelers will also find welcoming lodges outside Bwindi providing clean and comfortable accommodations that prioritize access to the parks natural wonders.
Best time to get to Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The tropical climate of the park means regular weather patterns are hard to predict, and you should expect some mist and short downpours even during the dry seasons. Trekking conditions are more difficult during the rainy seasons which run from March to May and October to November. Visiting during the dry seasons of June to august and December to February will maximize your chances of getting the best conditions for wild life reviewing, making it the best time to visit the park.
