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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Charming Experiences

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a natural gem that captivates the imagination and stirs the soul.

The 331sq-km World Heritage Site that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most ancient and most biologically diverse rainforests. It harbours ten tree species which don’t occur anywhere else in Uganda.

It stands as a testament to the raw majesty of nature and serves as a sanctuary for an array of captivating wildlife. This national park, with its rugged terrain, dense foliage, and dramatic landscapes, holds a special allure for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of Bwindi’s allure lies its most iconic inhabitants – the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Here, amid the lush greenery and mist-shrouded hills, resides around 500 of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has 21 habituated groups/families.

These magnificent creatures, shrouded in myth and mystery, roam freely within the sanctuary of the forest, offering visitors a rare and privileged glimpse into their world.

Direction

How To Get To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Visitors can get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park either by road (to see more of the country) or by Air as there are two scheduled daily flights into and out of Bwindi.

By Road – Bwindi can be reached from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours) or from Kampala via Mbarara (8-10 hours). A daily bus service leaves Kampala for Butogota via Rukungiri and Kihihi. A matatu (public minibus), a hired car or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) can be taken from Butogota to the park’s gate at Buhoma.

By Air – Travelers can fly from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to either Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips – all in the viscinity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Planes can also be chartered to the grass Kayonza or Savannah airstrips. Bwindi is well served by three airfields at Kayonza and Kihihi for the northern sector and Nyakabande in Kisoro for those going to track gorillas in the southern sector of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uforgettable Experience

Things to do and see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Tracking/Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the jewel in Uganda’s nature tourism offering. For visitors who are here to track the mountain gorillas, there are 4 locations of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The 4 locations have a total of 21 gorilla families/groups.

Bird-watching

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a birder’s heaven – home to many endemic and rare bird species. This forested heaven boasts about 350 species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics of which 14 are not recorded anywhere else in Uganda.

Nature Walks/Hiking

Beyond the allure of gorilla trekking, Bwindi beckons adventurers with an array of nature trails waiting to be traversed. Arrange for a knowledgeable guide to accompany you on these explorations, which unveil the park’s hidden treasures.

Cultural encounters

Before Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was declared a National Park and World Heritage Site in 1992, the Batwa people shared the forest with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. The indigenous people were the original dwellers of the ancient forest and were known as the ‘keepers of the forest’.

Cycling

Discover the thrill of mountain biking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For those preferring two wheels to nature walks, lodges offer mountain bike rentals for exploring the surroundings. The “For a Woman” project in the Buhoma sector rents bikes, with proceeds empowering local women. Guides lead cyclists through villages and forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and waterfalls.

A visit to Bwindi Bar and Restaurant

Indulge your culinary cravings at the Bwindi Bar and Restaurant, a must-visit destination in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. More than just a dining spot, this establishment serves as a training ground for young underprivileged individuals, imparting essential skills in hospitality management.

Supporting Community Initiatives: Dancing for a Cause

Participate in dance performances dedicated to supporting orphaned and disadvantaged Bakiga children residing around Buhoma. These cultural showcases, complemented by lively gorilla dances, serve as both entertainment and a means of fostering community support. By engaging in these performances, visitors contribute to initiatives aimed at uplifting local communities and preserving cultural heritage.

Canoeing at Lake Mutanda

Experience the tranquility of canoeing on Lake Mutanda, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery and offering unparalleled views of the Virunga mountain ranges. This picturesque lake is a haven for nature lovers, with its tranquil waters and lush surroundings attracting a diverse array of forest birds.