Uganda is one of the only three countries where tourists meet the mountain gorillas in the wild. If your dream is to meet these great apes, you should not miss visiting the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s exclusive tourist destinations. It’s among East Africa’s thickest tropical rainforests and covered with dense canopy. Located in the southwestern part of the country, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest occupies a big area of about 331 sq. kilometers. It’s an impenetrable forest because of its mass concentration of trees and canopy, and its floor is usually water logged making its penetration somehow difficult.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the great known places where gorilla safaris are done in Africa. The park is known globally renowned for its exceptional gorilla trekking experience that thousands visitors look for into the impenetrable jungles of South Western Uganda. Despite it sharing the mountain gorilla species with other parks like Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park, Bwindi forest has the biggest share – 47% of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world that live in all the vast four sectors Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.
This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The park is most famous for gorilla trekking, an adventure that is undertaken daily within the impenetrable forest of Bwindi.
The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops and village walks.
Quick Facts
Size: 321km2
Altitude: 1,160m – 2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.
The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. Nine groups are now habituated for tourism, and one for research.
Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi is the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.
Where is Bwindi?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south-western Uganda, near the Rift Valley. Lying in the south west of the country, 414 kms from Kampala, on the border with The Congo, the park covers an area of over 330 sq kms.
Things to See in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi’s mist-covered hillsides are surrounded by one of Uganda’s oldest and most ecologically diversified rain forests, dating back over 25,000 years. Despite its nature, Bwindi is still among the East African destinations that receive the highest number of visitors because of its biodiversity. It’s a home to several wildlife and bird species and many other tourist activities like wildlife safaris, forest nature walks, etc. Let’s take a look at some of its major attractions;
The impenetrable forest contains around 400 plant species.
This “impenetrable jungle” also protects an estimated 480 mountain gorillas – almost half the world’s total, including many habituated groups that can be followed.
Around 120 animals live in this biologically rich region, including various primate species such as baboons and chimps, as well as elephants and antelopes. This woodland is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda has a total of four gorilla trekking sectors that visitors can during your Uganda gorilla safari and these include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla trekking sectors.
There are also over 350 species of bird, 202 species of butterflies and over 200 species of trees found within the park.
Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
As the name dictates – this park real African jungle area, with dense undergrowth, vines and a wide variety of flowers and aphrodisiac plants. Most visitors come to the park to catch a glimpse of the mountain gorillas, but the park is home to over 120 species of mammals, including chimpanzees, black & white colobus, blue monkey, bush pig, duiker, leopard, jackal and elephants in the south east of the park.
Gorilla Trekking
For one to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park Uganda, a gorilla permit is an essential component reserved through tour agents or booked directly at the Uganda wildlife park head offices in Kampala. Gorilla permits cost $600 but those who chose to track gorillas in April, May and November get hug discounts since permits cost cheap. This gorilla permit price is said to run until 2019 the year Uganda national park management body UWA will revise its park tariff.
- Gorilla tracking is limited to small groups and it’s advisable to book well in advance of your intended visit.
- Bookings can be made through most tour operators or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Getting There
The forest is a distant and remotely located tourist destination, in the far southwest of Uganda. It can be reached by both air and road transport. Taking about 6 – 8 hours on the road and less than an hour in the air from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kahihi or Kayonza air strips from where, it’s only a short distance to the national park. The trip to Bwindi Impenetrable rain forest is very rewarding as it offers travellers wonderful scenic views of the countryside, enjoying the gently sloping and terraced Kigezi highlands, taking in the Ugandan atmosphere.
- A 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended to get around the park. You can get an affordable Uganda car rental from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
Best Time To Visit
Though mountain gorilla trekking can be enjoyed at anytime of the year; when it comes to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable tropical rain forest, the best recommended time is the dry season. This is when the thick forest is quite passable and easy to trek through with less disturbances from the rains and the muddy / or waterlogged floors and even the roads to the different sectors are very passable though a well air conditioned vehicle with an AC may be required to avoid flu and cold due to the dust.
What To Carry
Anyone planning a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable rain forest for any of its adventures; one should come with his/ her full tracking gear consisting of a water proof bag, rain coat and jacket, light long trousers, long sleeved shirt, sweater, knee-level hiking shoes/ gumboots, a pair of woolen stocks and hand gloves, and a camera without flash lights for clear coverage.
Where to Stay
There are several lodges spread within the different sectors of the park. However, with the many lodges and accommodations both within and outside the park, not all lodges offer this opportunity. Remember, gorillas are free to move freely and roam around their home giving tourists the opportunity to spot them around your lodge compound.
Always chill outside the lodge and keep your eyes out for different forest creatures that visit the lodge on different occasions. Besides, some lodges have stunning view of the entire gorilla park and wondering around your balcony may give opportunities to catch up with your favorite. But remember to move with your camera to grab such great moments of the wildlife jungle.
Community Accommodation:
Camping facilities and a deluxe tended camp is available at Buhoma. If you have camping equipment, camping is permitted in designated areas in the park.
There is also accommodation available in Kabale and other upcoming groups around the park. Our community accommodation around Bwindi national park include, Buhoma community rest camp, Nguringo cultural centre, clouds lodge, Ruhija gorilla friends camp and Nyundo valley hill traditional accommodation. The site you will use depends on the group you have paid to track, please tell me the gorilla group you will track and I will tell you which accommodation is suitable for you.
Other Recommended Lodges
Among the gorilla trekking lodges in parks Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the most recommended camps where gorillas often roam around the campsite compound and tourists get high chances of seeing them both in the forest and at the lodge. Also being on a steep hillside of Bwindi forest national park it’s very easy for one to have forest birds as you roommates since the breath-taking bathtub overlooking the rainforest attract variety. Other animals to see and enjoy while here are the eleven types of primates, mammals among others. Tourists here just walk to the start trekking point, relax in leisure enjoying great views of the forest plus much more than that. Other gorilla lodges I would recommend for such a fabulous gorilla viewing opportunity is, Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Community Bandas, Mahogany springs to mention but a few.
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Tel: +256 312 100060
Mobile: +256 772 384965
Email: buhomacommunity@yahoo.com, buhomacomunity@gmail.com
Website: www.buhomacommunity.com
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Mob: +256 772 753619, +256 777 912448
Tel (UK): +44 (0)20 7190 7728
Email: info@sanctuaryretreats.com
Website: www.sanctuaryretreats.com
Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp
Tel +256 312 277304
Mobile: +256 782 399235 / +256 775 887258
Email: kitanda@infocom.co.ug
Website: www.kitandarabwindicamp.com
Buhoma Lodge
Tel: + 256 414 321479
Mobile: + 256 772 502155, +256 772 721479
Email: reservations@wildfrontiers.co.ug, info@wildfrontiers.co.ug
Website: www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com/buhoma.html
CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp
Tel: +256 414 531 389
Email: gorillaconservationcamp@ctph.org, info@ctph.org
Website: www.ctph.org
Silverback Lodge
Tel: +256 312 260260/1, +256 414 255992
Email: reservations@marasa.net, mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ug
Web: www.silverbacklodge.com , www.marasa.net
Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge
Tel: +256 414 346 464/5, +256 312 263823
Email: salesug@volcanoessafaris.com
Website: www.volcanoessafaris.com
Engagi Lodge
Tel: +256 414 321552
Mob:+256 701 563437
Email: mantana@africaonline.co.ug
Gorilla Resort
Mobile: +256 785 790690, +256 772 419238
Email: reservations@gorillaresort.com
Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mobile: +256 792 740300/9
Email: blueink@sympatico.ca
Bwindi Guest House
Mobile: +256 785 999112
Email: ruden888@yahoo.com
Bwindi View Bandas
Mobile: +256 738 78437, +256 772 399224
Email: bwindiview@yahoo.com
Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
In Kitahurira, close to Buhoma and Ruhija. Suitable for those tracking the Oruzogo and Habinyanja gorilla families
Mobile: +256 792 345000
Email: info@ecomarvelsafrica.com
Website: www.ecomarvelsafrica.com
Gorilla Friends Lodge
Mobile: +256 782 822043, +256 774 836371
Email: magrichard@yahoo.com
Jungle View Lodge
Mobile: +256 772 549088
NKURINGO
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Tel: +256 414 501866
Mobile: +256 772 657700
Email: info@wildplacesafrica.com
Website: www.wildplacesafrica.com
Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
Tel: +256 774 805580, +256 792 805580
Email: info@nkuringocampsite.com
Website: www.nkuringocampsite.com
Nshongi Camp
Mobile: +256 774 231913
Email: nshongi@gorillamail.com
NYUNDO
Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas
Contact via Pearls of Uganda:
Mobile: +256 772 930304, +256 772 657700
Email: info@pearlsofuganda.org
Web: www.pearlsofuganda.org
RUHIJA
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Tel: +256 414 503065
Email: www.gorillasafari.travel/contact.html
Website: www.gorillasafari.travel
Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp
Mob: +256 772 563577, +256 774 959477, +256 754 315151
Email: info@gorillamistcamp.com
Trekkers Tavern cottages
Mob: +256 772 455423
Email: access@utline.co.ug, mutebihassan@yahoo.com
Gift of Nature Lodge
Mobile: +256 756 731767
Ruhija Gorilla Resort
Tel: +256414503065
Mobile: +256 756 000598, +256 712 187411, +256 776 000598
Email: reservations@asyanuttours-safaris.com, info@asyanuttours-safaris.com
Website: www.asyanuttours-safaris.com
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite
Tel: +256 772 480885, +256 382 275160, +256 772 874803
Email: bitariho@gmail.com, mcleakankwasa@yahoo.com
Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Mobile: +256 771 846635, +256 772 635142, +256 777 472967
RUBUGURI
Wagtail Eco-Safari Camp
Tel: +256 392 969222, +256 414 590408
Mobile: +256 755 208775 +256 772 220252
Email: kanyamunyu@yahoo.com, info@nkuringo.com
Web: www.wagtailecocamp.com
RUSHAGA
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Tel: +256 414 345742, +256 392 912673
Mobile: 772 470260, 0712 470260
Email: reservations@gorillasafarilodge.com
Website: www.gorillasafarilodge.com