Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be considered the most evocative African destination. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most ancient habitats. The park survived the Ice Age when most of the continent’s other areas did not.

Composed of 321 square kilometers of both mountains and lowland forest, the park is only accessible on foot.

Flora and Fauna in Bwindi Impenetrable Park

The park includes different types of species. That is one of the main features of the park. It provides habitat for 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 220 butterflies species, 27 frog species, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species. 

Floristically, the park is one of the most diverse forests in East Africa. The National park also includes a huge amount of species of flowers with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.

The park also includes around 340 mountain species individually known as the Bwindi population which makes up the majority of the mountain gorillas in the world. The rest of the worldwide mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Mountains which is nearby.

Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1- Gorilla Tracking 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best national parks to find the endangered mountain gorillas. This activity can be done in four regions around the park: Ruhiija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla tracking areas. 

Buhoma and Nkuringo regions in the south of Bwindi are the only two regions authorized sectors for Gorilla trekking. Buhoma is the most famous sector among them and it was the first to be established for gorilla trekking under the Uganda Wildlife Authority. 

It is the most famous one as it has well developed trails that make trekking much more enjoyable and easier. Besides enjoying gorilla trekking, visitors also have the chance to be accompanied by beautiful views of plenty of bird species. 

There is also a chance to enjoy a cultural tour in Buhoma and enjoy some cultural activities like cultural performances in songs and dances. 

Located South west of Bwindi, Nkuringo region is also an amazing area for gorilla tracking. While  trekking through the forest in search of the gorillas, there is a chance to be encountered with habituated gorilla families such as Orozogo, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura. 

2- Nature Walks 

This is a great opportunity to indulge in the beauty of nature. Visitors will be guided by a tour guide who will lead the way and help understand the nature system in the park.

There are six trails in Buhoma to enjoy nature: Muyanga waterfall trail, Rushura Hill walk, Muzubijiro Loop Trail, Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail, The Ivi River Walk, The Habinyanja Trail or Raleigh trail.

3- Trekking 

Same six trails as mentioned before are perfect for hiking activities. It will also be an excellent chance to witness lots of primate species, butterflies and plenty of tree species. 

4- Bird Watching

The ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to more than 350 bird species including the Blue-headed sun-bird, short- tailed warbler, white-tailed Blue Flycatchers, Red-headed Blue-Bil, African Emerald cuckoo,  African Blue and the common and precious Bul-bul.

The Ruhiija sector is the most recommended sector as it includes various birds such as Francolin white-tailed crested, Flycatcher and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, western green tinker, Woodland-Warbler, Rwenzori batis and many others. 

During a tour to gorilla trekking there is a high chance to enjoy bird watching. Various birds can be spotted in the air singing giving the tourists a memorable experience.  

5- Mountain Biking 

Mountain biking at Bwindi Impenetrable National park is a must do activity for biking enthusiasts, It is best done around Bwindi impenetrable forest.  

As it is offered by a women organization called Ride 4 a woman organization, visitors will be  supporting the local community as well as the women who are part of this organization by renting a mountain bike for a ride. 

Depart in the morning hours to start this activity and you will follow a well-maintained 13km trail right from the park headquarters at Buhoma to the Ivi River. The ride usually lasts 6 to 7 hours. 

There is a chance to spot some wildlife such as  the black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, bushbucks, squirrels, duikers and chimpanzees on the way. 

Location 

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley. 

Climate 

Dry Season 

The dry season in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lasts from June to August and from December to February. During the dry season the weather is sunny and humid. 

Wet Season 

The wet season occurs from March to May and from September to November. The weather during this period becomes misty and wet.  

Best Time to Visit 

Tourists may visit the park any time during the year as it is open all year long, although conditions in the park are more difficult during the rainy season. The park is in a remote location, and the roads are in poor condition.

The dry season is the best time for gorilla tracking. Note to bring warm clothes in case it gets cold at night, and also water during the sunny time of the day. As the peak season is in June and July, it is common to go on gorilla trekking routes along with other tourists. 

The wet season is the best time for bird watching activities, as there are migratory birds in the park. Although the access roads might be hard to travel on and the trails become slippery, gorilla tracking can also be done during this time. 

Some lodges and camps might close in the wet season especially from March to May. It is recommended to bring warm clothes during this season as the weather gets really cold especially during the early mornings and the late nights.