Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the South Western region of Uganda, and situated north of the Virunga region. The region is highly mountainous, close to the Virunga ranges that stretch to D.R. Congo and Rwanda. It’s one of the notable safari destinations in Uganda, under the close attention of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was initially a Crown Forest Reserve as of 1932. In 1942, it attained a new name as the Impenetrable Central Crown Forest after being widened in size. Later in 1964 Bwindi was regarded as an animal sanctuary, but was shortly in the succeeding years named the Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve. In 1991, after further expansion, the area was finally named Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. By 1994, there had been resettling of the Batwa people who had initially been occupying the forest and also getting their livelihoods from therein. Since then, the forest has been an important conservation area for the endangered mountain gorillas.
The uniqueness of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
To begin with, Bwindi is the most visited national park in Uganda boasting hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the globe yearly to witness the rare mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also doubles to be hosting the highest population of mountain gorillas in Uganda. It also has about half of the world’s known population of mountain gorillas. This therefore makes it a major destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mountain Gorillas.
Amidst the flora composition however, lives the Forest Park’s major attractions, the Mountain Gorillas! These primate species are part of the great Virunga conservation hub. Globally, these awesome primates can only be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga region, to which Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park forms part. With a population of about 600 individuals, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park houses about half of the surviving population of these primates, the rest being in Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Because of the changing trends in climate and human activity, mountain gorillas are classified as endangered species by UNESCO. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 sectors where trekking takes place. In each of these sectors, different mountain gorilla families have been habituated and are ready for trekking daily. The sectors include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each of these sectors has unique features such as altitude and gorilla families. Traversing these sectors is a revealing experience.
Other primates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Besides the outstanding presence of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a significant biodiversity of over 120 mammal species. The other notable forest residents include (but aren’t limited to) blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, and red-tailed monkeys.
Tourist activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking and habituation tours.
These are the main activities carried out in any mountain gorilla destinations, although both activities have different special characteristics. However, they are both outstanding activities from which visitors get to interface with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. People also get an opportunity to hike as they undertake activities since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is fairly hilly.
Birding.
Bird watching enthusiasts also enjoy an abundance of bird species that fly within, and over the forest’s canopies. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park houses over 340 bird species, with some of those endemics to the Albertine region. Some honorable mentions include Alpine swift, great blue turaco, mountain oriole, black-billed turacos, Mackinnon’s shrike, African olive pigeon, African black ducks, thick-billed seedeater, Cassin’s grey flycatchers, African citril, handsome francolins, mountain yellow warbler, blue-headed coucal, African green broadbill, and the African dusty flycatcher.
Nature walks.
The Park has over 4 nature walk trails in which the park’s visitors have a wide range of fauna and flora to view, allowing easy movement through these nature trails in the park. The nature walks are also thrilling for the mind of visitors as they walk through various points which all have distinct features.
Cultural expeditions of the Batwa, Bakiga and Banyakitara cultures.
These cultures are greatly unique in their customs and traditions such as folklore, music, dance and drama, storytelling, art and craft, architecture and much more. The languages are unique in a way and this often fascinates visitors that have never interfaced with these cultures.
What to pack?
Hiking boots, comfortable hiking wear, goggles, insect repellent, backpack, camera, water bottle, a pair of binoculars, and any other item as recommended by your tour operator.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
- On road.
There are many access routes to the park. One such route is via Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern side to Buhoma gorilla region through Ishasha sector. It takes averagely 2 to 3 hours. Another route, is from Kampala through Mbarara – Masaka – Kabale highway which is about 8 to 9 hours.
- By Air.
This is possible by booking domestic flights by private flight operators either from Entebbe Airport, or from Kajjansi Airstrip. From here one will fly directly to Kihiihi Airstrip or Kisoro airstrip, where tourists can arrange for private transportation to the park.
When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Any time of the year, but recommendable from June to September and December to February. These are dry seasons which have limited weather interruptions and dry hiking trails.
