Bwindi Impenetrable National park- Gorilla Safari

Gazetted in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National park is situated along the borders of Democratic Republic of Congo next to Virunga National park on the edge of the Albertine rift. Covering an area of approximately 331 square kilometers, Bwindi impenetrable national park is renamed from the thick forest of Bwindi impenetrable forest which is located within the park and also the main attraction of the park. The park is also composed of both the montane and lowland forests which can be accessed while on a safari walk.

Established in 1991, Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in Kanungu district and it is governed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The park hosts a diversity of species including over 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 27 species of frogs, and chameleons and also over 220 butterfly species. Bwindi Impenetrable national park is among the diverse forests in the world with over 1,000 flowering plant species, 163 tree species and also 104 fern species.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is most notable for the habituating almost half of the remaining world’s mountain gorillas which are over 400 in number. The park has 23 habituated mountain gorilla families that are open for tourism. These families are grouped into four different sectors of Ruhijja, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro and Kanungu. Among the families in different sectors include;

Ruhijja sector

• Bitukura
• Mukiiza
• Kyaguriro
• Oruzogo

Buhoma sector

• Rushegura
• Habinyanja
• Mubaare
• Katwe
• Binyindo
• Muyambi

Rushaga sector

• Bweza
• Mishaya
• Nshongi
• Kutu
• Mucunguzi
• Busingye
• Kahungye
• Bukingi (under habituation)

Nkuringo sector

• Chrismas
• Nkuringo
• Bushaho
• Posho (under habituation)

What to do while in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

There are a number of fabulous activities that one can involve in while having a Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Among these activities include;

Gorilla trekking

This is the most done activity in the thick rainforests of Bwindi impenetrable national park. The experience is done after the purchase of a gorilla permit at $700. Gorilla trekking involves walking and hiking through the rainforests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The impenetrable forest has 19 habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism.

These gorilla families are group into the 4 different sectors of the park. These sectors include Ruhijja sector in the east of the park with 4 families, Buhoma sector in the northern part with 4 families, Nkuringo sector in the south with 3 families and then Rushaga also in the south with 8 habituated families. When planning to go for this experience, it’s better to book a gorilla permit 3 months before the safari.

Gorilla habituation

This adventurous experience involves trailing and hiking through the impenetrable forests with the park rangers and guides so as to learn more about the life styles of the endangered mountain gorillas. A group of only four people is allowed to visit each gorilla family and this experience takes place in Rushaga sector. After the travelers finding the habituated mountain gorillas, they are allowed to spend at least 4 hours with each family. Gorilla habituation experience is at a cost of $1500 for the non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents and then Ugx 750,000 for the East African residents. Booking the gorilla habituation permit earlier will be a better decision.

Bird watching

With over 350 recorded bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable National park is one of the birders paradises in Uganda. Of the 350 recorded birds, 23 are endemic to the Albertine rift and the 14 can never be seen anywhere else in Uganda. Among the birds include the African green broadbill, the short-tailed warbler, Rwenzori night jar, blue-headed sunbird and others.

The cultural encounters – Batwa experiences

During this experience, travelers interact with the nearing community of the Batwa villagers. The Batwa were the first inhabitants of the forest before they got evicted. Enjoy the dances, songs, social, political and their economic aspects of life.

Nature walks and hiking

Enjoy the guided nature walks through the trails of the impenetrable rainforest. Explore the park to the fullest and also learn more about the rainforest. Some of the trails in the park include Munyaga River trail that takes the travelers to the splendid waterfalls in the park, and others. During the walk, spot a numerous beautiful and colorful bird species in the park.