Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. It is approximately 321 sq km and situated in South Western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests. Dating back over 25 000 years and containing almost 400 species of plants. More importantly, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 450 mountain gorillas. Several habituated gorilla family groups can be tracked along with an accredited guide. This is truly one of the most exhilarating activities offered in the world.
Bwindi was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.
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 in this forest; including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops, and village walks.
Bwindi’s various trailheads can be reached by vehicle. However, there are no roads within the park itself, which is explored on foot. Bwindi is aptly named the ‘impenetrable forest’. As paths pass through dense vegetation and can be steep. The altitude is between 1,160m – 2,607m above sea level. Take advantage of walking sticks offered at the start of a walk.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Entebbe International Airport is the major entry point to Uganda. From here, you will drive for approximately 9-10 hours to reach Bwindi National Park for your gorilla trek.
The journey takes you through different regions and districts of this beautiful country, Uganda. Stopover at the equator with its road side craft stalls and fresh fruit shops. Pass the beautiful scenery of the Kigezi rolling hills. With changes in vegetation, rivers and escarpments before reaching the home of mountain gorillas. From Kampala to Bwindi is 550 kilometers on a fairly good road except for the last section from Rukungiri town (6-9 hours drive).
To break the journey, we would recommend stopping at Lake Mburo National Park. Which is about a 5 hour drive and then another 4 hours or so to Bwindi.
If you are coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park, the drive time is between 2 -5 hours. This depends on which section you are in. The drive passes through Ishasha section of the park. To Kihihi town and then Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
If you are going to other regions of Bwindi such as Bitukura, Rushga or Nkuringo, the drive time changes slightly.
You can also get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by scheduled or chartered flight. Kihihi is the closest airport to the Buhoma and Ruhija trailheads. Kisoro is closest to the southerly Rushaga and Nkuringo sections. Both are about 40km / 25mi from the park. The drive from either takes usually about 1½ hours.
Alternatively; you can fly into Rwanda (Kigali) and then drive approximately 4 hours to Bwindi.
When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi is chilly in the morning and at night with average temperatures ranging from 7⁰C – 20⁰C. The coldest period in Bwindi is June and July. While wet seasons are March to May and September until November. With a total annual rainfall of up to 2390mm. Rains from March to May are short. They are heavier rains from sometime in September until November. But can just be long hours of soft drizzle. Light rain season falls in November and December. Dry seasons are from December to February and June until August. Therefore the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is December to late February. And from June to September.
Bwindi Gorillas
The main attraction is Gorilla tracking as Bwindi has a population of around 450 gorillas. Gorillas are intelligent, majestic, gentle giants that share over 90% of their genetic material with humans. All of Bwindi’s habituated gorillas are known individually by the rangers and have been given names. In order to identify them. The males can weigh more than 500lb and some silverbacks exceed 6ft!
Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the gentle giants (Gorilla); is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla
Other Forest Species
There are at least 120 mammal species living in the forest. Which makes Bwindi second only in mammal numbers to the vast Queen Elizabeth National Park. The are 11 x primate species here. Including black and white colobus and L’Hoest monkeys, baboons, and chimps. There are also forest elephants and several species of antelopes. Of Bwindi’s 200 x butterfly species, 42 are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Birds
Bwindi offers some of the finest montane forest bird watching in Africa. An unmissable destination for any birder visiting Uganda. There are an estimated 350 bird species. With 23 endemics to the Albertine Rift and 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda. These include globally threatened species such as African Green Broad bill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Other birds include: Handsome Francolin, Black-billed Turaco, African Broad bill, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Western Green Tinker bird, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sun birds, Short-tailed and Black-faced Rufous Warblers, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Many-colored Bush-Shrike, among others.
Bwindi birding – Blue Taraco
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Areas of Interest
Buhoma
Buhoma is located to the northwest of the park and faces the dark, hilly forests of Bwindi. Several gorilla groups can be tracked from here and there are also community run village walks. For exploring the culture and lifestyle of the local Bakiga and Batwa tribes. Bird watching is also a major activity with great opportunities to see various Albertine Rift endemics. Such as the Short-tailed Warbler. Other activities include mountain biking and nature walks to waterfalls and parts of the forest. There are also numerous accommodations to suit all budgets and many local craft stalls.
Nkuringo
Nkuringo, on the southern edge of the park, became Bwindi’s second gorilla tracking trailhead in 2004. Tracking the Nkuringo groups is strenuous. Their forest home lies a full 600m below the trailhead at Ntungamo village on Nteko ridge. Walks along the ridge-top road provide superb views north towards the forested hills of Bwindi. And south to the Virunga volcanoes. There are also opportunities to discover the Bakiga culture. Through village walks, vibrant dance performances, and cultural workshops organized by community groups.
Rushaga
Shongi trailhead, in the southeast of the park, opened for gorilla tourism in 2009. There are now 11 x family groups from this point. The trail descends into the depths of the forest. Directly to the south of the park. Furthermore, this area offers village walks, bird watching, and a spectacular waterfall.
Ruhija
On the eastern side, sitting on top of the hill at 2,345m is Ruhija. Home to the Bitukura, Oruzoojo, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro gorilla groups. This is Uganda’s highest tracking trail, and one of only two areas (the other being Rushaga) where elephants reside. A six-hour bamboo trail leads to Rwamunyoni Peak; at 2,607m. It is the highest point in the park and notable for good birding. Also of interest to birders is the three-hour trail descending to Mubwindi swamp. Along which one could find the endemic and localized African Green Broadbill.
Nyundo
This community is a short drive north of Buhoma and sits on the DR Congo border. Enjoy wonderful guided hikes along the hill crests and rivers; to discover waterfalls, glorious views. And the traditional lifestyle and folklore of the Kigezi people.
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