Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Affordable Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Situated in south west of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a secret gem located on the edge of the rift valley found in three districts namely Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda.
This national park known to be the best place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, covers an area of almost 331square kilometer (128 square miles) between 1160 meters and 2607 meters (3,805 and 8553 feet) above the sea level.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted in 1991 and declared as united National Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Natural Heritage Site in 1994. This forest is widely known as a place of safety for the mountain gorillas which number around 400 individuals splitting across 25-30 troops.
Tourism at this destination focuses on four separated sectors namely Buhoma in the northwest, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo in the southwest, Rushaga in the south west each of these four bases functions as a self-standing gorilla trekking spot.
Note each sector has family members so the park is divided in to four sections corresponding to the above-mentioned location Buhoma is the oldest trailhead for tourists.
The Bio- diversity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This hidden gem is a home to over 120 mammal species namely elephants, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black fronted duikers, clawless, otter golden cats’, side stripped jackal civet, genet with many bats and rodents, as well as a place of safety to primate species the commonly spotted ones include L’Hoest’s monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, red- tailed monkeys, chimpanzees among others
Additionally, this park is home to more than fourteen species of snakes nine of them are endemic to the park, with almost twenty-seven species of frogs, toads, chameleons, lizards and butterfly species.
Much of the vegetation at this park is typical tropical rainforest with a very dense thick undergrowth hence the name “impenetrable” the park also has an extensive stand of bamboo that covers almost six square kilometers a rare and beautiful habitat for birds and primates in the park.
Many bird species call this park their home hence an ideal spot for bird watching activity the commonly seen birds include Frazer’s eagle brown -necked parrot, African green broadbill, sunbirds, blue turaco, white tailed blue catcher olive back, grey parrot, fly catcher grey capped warbler, dusky long- tailed cuckoo, blue throated roller, blue headed sun bird white winged tern malachite, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, papyrus canary and many more.
Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
There are plenty of tourism activities offered to guests during the visit to this park including gorilla trekking, hiking, bird watching, community tours among others as analyzed below.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking is ranked as the highlight of visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park this activity involves hiking through the stunning dense forest in search for the mountain gorillas. Once these creatures are spotted tourists are granted with one hour to watch then up-close playing, feeding, grooming hence an ultimate experience in the wilderness.
Note for one to engage in to this activity must poses a valid gorilla trekking permit that can be easily obtained from two source one is from the local trustworthy tour operators like Uganda Gorilla Tours and the other is the Uganda Wildlife Authority office.
Currently the cost of gorilla Permits in Uganda is
- US$ 800 for the international tourists,
- US$ 700 for foreign Residents
- US$500 for those using other African Passport
- US$80 for the East African Citizen
- USD$1500 for guests going in for gorilla habituation.
For the outlined costs includes the park entrance fees on that day of trekking, tour guide, armed ranger, the charges exclude flight fares, porters, tips, and other personal expenses.
Guided Nature walks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park grants chance to guests to fully immerse themselves in this activity enjoying the peaceful, calm environment while exploring its bio diversity. There are number of hiking trails in the park but visitors must arrange a day in advance for a guide to accompany them.
The trails include the Munyaga River Trail an ideal short walk for visitors with little time to spare alternatively, try the waterfall trail which follows to Munyaga River upstream as it tumbles down the steep slopes south east of Buhoma flowing through a series of waterfalls before entering the camp area.
Then the Rushuura Trail will afford you fantastic views across the western Rift Valley floor with Virunga National Park providing a particular backdrop. On rare clear days Lake Edward and Ruwenzori Mountains are visible.
Buhoma trail is ideal place for one to sight at primate and bird species you are to see many monkeys along the roads, around the periphery of the park, and at the forest edges
Then the other one is Mazubijiro Loop Trail and Rushara Hill Trail, each of these takes 3 hours offering the good views across to the Virunga Mountains, while the Ivo River Walk leads to the lvo River on the southern boundary of the park offering the opportunity to see monkeys’ duikers and a variety of birds.
Last but not least is a three-hour guided hike from Ruhija the scenic walk passes through a stunning forest and affords fine views of the Virunga volcanoes keep an eye open for the Grauers swamp warbler as well as wealth of other birds. Hence an ultimate experience in the wilderness. New trails are always being developed ask about them when you get to the park.
The Batwa Visit Experience
During your visit to this place, you are to engage in to community tour where you are to meet the Batwa people who offer the most authentic richest cultural encounter, The activity take place in the patch of primate forest contiguous Batwa show case their ways of living and their hunter gathering techniques.
They also do tell their tales about the forest life, and they teach how to make fire without using match box hence a unique experience in the forest truly humbling and eye opening.
Bird watching Experience
Being that this park is a home to many bird species engaging in to this activity it is really unavoidable the activity is usually conducted in two sessions in the morning when birds are leaving their nests and afternoon hours conducted with the aid of tour guides who equips tourists with relevant information.
During bird watching activity expect to sight at numerous bird species the often seen one include ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, sunbirds, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, strange weavers, Shelley’s crimson wings and many more.
Tourist going in for this experience are advised to carry their pair of binoculars, portable camera, enough drinking water, snacks, birding book among others for proper enjoyment of this activity.
Community Walks Around the Park
Bwindi impenetrable National Park also gives a chance for the community walks this is the great way of visiting the community projects like hand craft weaving and tailoring centers, pottery projects, visiting farms among others.
The walk takes about 2 to 3 hours although shorter or longer walks can be prepared depending on the visitors want during the walk tourists are free to interact with local people knowing how they spend their day-to-day life style as well as purchase different soveniors from them enabling them to earn income and promoting sustainable tourism in Uganda.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable National Park can be visited all year round however; the best time is mostly during the dry seasons that is during the months of June, July to August and from, December, January to February.
During these periods the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities with less rainfall making the forest trails easier to navigate through and wildlife is more visible. Bird watching is particularly rewarding in these months as many bird species are more active and easier to spot.
You can as well visit during the west season of the year: during this time permits are discounted and hotels offer disconts as well. This happening during the months of March to May and November.
During this time, Uganda is receiving heavier rainfall which tends to force the gorillas to move lower the slopes making it easier to see them. During this time you will need a 4×4 car to get to Bwindi.
Accommodation Facilities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
There are many lodging facilities situated at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park they do range from luxurious to budget range here are some of them.
Luxurious Lodges
Gorilla Heights Lodge
With the mountain view gorilla heights lodge is set in Kisoro an idea spot for one to spend a cozy stay it comprises of wide range of amenities including onsite restaurant, free shuttle service, bar, garden, outdoor swimming pool, internet connections, private parking free of charge, setting area with flat screen tv and private bathroom with room service, shower plus fridge and car hire services are available.
Buhoma Haven Lodge
This spacious lodge lies above Buhoma Village a five-minute drive from the main road, its strategic elevated location guarantees best views for guests. Buhoma Haven lodge has beautifully designed twin/ double cottages self-contained en- suites tents, self-contained cottages and non- self-contained twin cottages and family cottage.
The Bandas are built with local materials and are of the African architecture design, the lodge has restaurant, well stocked bar, internet connections, free parking among other amenities hence offering quality services to visitors.
Gorilla Leisure Lodge
This accommodation facility is located in Kisoro approximately 47kilometers from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the strategic location of this lodge offers mountain views to clients while at this place guests can have access to the bar and barbecue facilities, gardens, free private parking, playing grounds for children, onsite restaurant that always serves delicious meals to clients.
At the hotel the rooms are equipped with desk, bed linen, and the balcony with the garden view, private bathroom fitted with shower and free toiletries.
Mid- Range Facilities
Bakiga Lodge
This mid-range safari lodge is situated in the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park just a few minutes’ drive from the gorilla trekking meeting point. Bakiga Lodge is built on the top of a beautiful valley overlooking the park.
This lodge is such a wonderful place for people looking for the real African experience offering warm African service and fantastic food. offering almost six family cabins and 2 twin tents all self-contained with ensuite bathrooms and spectacular view.
Agandi Lodge
This is an eco- friendly lodge at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Ruhija located just a few minutes to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point reaching there you will be welcomed by a wonderful team fully available to make your stay an unforgettable.
Budget Facilities
Pack Packers Lodge
This lodge is located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest place it comprises of furnished rooms with amenities like free internet connections, free parking, restaurant, lounge and they do give free breakfast to visitors hence a great stay.
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Buhoma community rest camp offers budget accommodation to visitors with a restaurant and a bar, the accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free Wi-Fi hence a comfortable stay.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You can access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by either road through a long scenic drive or a quick domestic chartered flight from either Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip. Your destination within the park is determined by which of the four main sectors you plan to visit: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo.
Traveling by Air
Flying is the fastest method, reducing travel time from nearly a full day to approximately 2 hours. Scheduled and charter flights depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and we can help arrange your fly-in gorilla trekking experience
Traveling by Road
Driving is the most common way to reach the park, offering a chance to see the Ugandan countryside. Most routes from Kampala take between 8 to 10 hours. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to the steep and often muddy terrain near the park.
The popular Route: Most travelers follow the tarmac highway from Kampala through Mbarara and Ntungamo. From there, you branch off toward your specific sector you will be spotting your gorillas from.
Overall, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a must include on your travel bucket list while in Uganda and your highlight here will be spotting the magnificient mountain gorillas as they play, feed and rest.