Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in Kisoro district in the Southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. It is one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests covering an area of about 327km2 of scrambled vegetation of an intensive landscape of steep, naughty ridges as well as slippery valleys.
The word Bwindi means darkness in the local language. It was termed as impenetrable because of its thick and steep vegetation. Passing through this dark, thick and steep forest is not so easy without the help of walking sticks which are provided by the Park rangers. This stick will help you to clear up the vegetation as you trek through.
Bwindi Impenetrable rain Forest harbors a big population of wildlife which have for years been and still many tourists’ favorites because of their impressive nature. It is a beautiful home to over 400plant species, 350 bird species and over 200 butterfly species all which make this park a great destination to explore. This rainforest goes ahead to harbor over 120 mammals with about 10 primate species.
Amazingly, half of the world gorilla population is all in this park making Gorilla trekking the main tourism activity carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on addition to other tourism activities. It sustains over 320 mountain gorillas of which most groups have been habituated making trekking the gorillas easier and safer. These gorillas have got rules and regulations that govern their trekking, therefore this activity should be done under the guidance of the park rangers/guides.
Other primates include the elephants, chimpanzees, antelopes and the monkeys. Monkey species like the baboons, black/white colobus, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoests’ monkeys and more are expected to be spotted in this Park.
Activities carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Gorilla trekking. This is the main activity that has attracted thousands of tourists in this park. The park harbors half of the world’s gorilla population. Over 320 endangered gorillas are in this place whereby most of these groups have been habituated. Therefore, trekking these gorillas has been made easier and safer although under certain rules and regulations.
- Bird watching. Bwindi impenetrable National Park sustains over 350 bird species. For someone experienced in this activity, you can even spot over 100 bird species in just one day. A mere listening to them chirping becomes a memorable experience.
- Nature/village walks. Here, you will get a chance to view a lot as you move around/near the park. Get to interact with different village people. Get to know and experience their lifestyle. This will be done with the help of a guide.
- Cycling tours. Get to enjoy cycling around the park surrounding villages. This is very interesting/fun especially if you have never done one. Trust me, you will never forget this experience in your life time.
- Cultural performances. These performances are done at the park. Please always endeavor to ask for one and arrangements will be done. It is purposely for entertainment where you will see different cultural groups around this place perform. The usual performances are done by the Bakiga and the Batwa pygmy people. Am sure you will enjoy this.
Best time to visit the Park
Uganda is blessed with favorable weather conditions. Therefore visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be done all year round. However, the park is always very cold in the morning and at night. But all in all, the temperatures are always moderate with annual temperatures ranging from 70c-200c and with around 2390mm of rain annually.
The park is most cold in June-July and with short rains [drizzles] in March-May. There are heavy rains in the months of September-November. But this doesn’t stop you from visiting the park since the rains are always moderate.
How to get to the park
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest is very easily. One can choose to get there by road. Here, it is about 463.7km from Kampala via Masaka road. For this case, we can make arrangements and use our travel company vehicles. You can also decide to use the Air means whereby there is a direct flight from Entebbe to Kisoro. The park is blessed with 3 airfields at Kihiihi.
Note; please endeavor to communicate to our company earlier for better arrangements
What to wear when visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
- Waterproof hiking sturdy boots
- Long sleeved shirts
- Long trousers
- Sturdy gardening gloves
- A hat
- Rain jacket
- Warm sweater
- Insect repellant
Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
- Buhoma community Rest CampLodge
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Mahogany springs Safari Lodge
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Lake Kitandara Camp
- Buhoma Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
- Engage Lodge
- Gorilla Resort
- Bwindi Guest House
- Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
- Jungle view Lodge
- Gorilla friends Lodge
- Nkrungingo Gorilla Camp
- Nshongi Camp
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas
You wish to Book a trip with us, please feel free to contact Sokwe Adventure Safaris for all your trip inquiries through email or a direct phone call.
