BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO heritage site located in southwestern Uganda and was established as a national park in 1991. The park is a home to over 120 mammal species, over 350 bird species and over 300 species of butterflies. It is also one of the three parks in the whole world that harbors and mountain gorillas and where mountain gorilla trekking can be done. The park is composed of two blocks of forest that are connected by a corridor of forest and it is Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forest. The park generally hosts over 400 mountain gorillas which is half of the world’s population gorillas in the world while the rest of the worldwide lives in the nearby Virunga Mountains. Today 14 habituated gorilla groups can be tracked in the four sectors of the park i.e. Nkuringo in the south, Rushaga in the south, Ruhija in the east and Buhoma in the north. As a matter of fact, in all these sectors you are able to do your gorilla trekking and also enjoy other activities like nature walks and cultural encounters.
Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking
This is done after a briefing at the park headquarters and later led into the forest by an experienced forest ranger to search for these great apes. This park has got different sectors where you are able to do your gorilla trekking allocated to different gorilla groups or families. Upon locating the gorillas, you are given one hour as you enjoy them do their daily activities as you also take photos and videos for memories. This activity is generally done during the morning hours since this is when they are more active as they move from place to place to look for food. However, this activity needs one to be physically fit since it needs a lot of energy to hike through the forest depending on the movements of the gorillas. After trekking, you are awarded with a gorilla certificate as a way of welcoming you back from this great challenging activity. This activity allows only 8 people per group and only few gorilla permits are allowed per day to avoid congestion scaring away these gorillas.
Nature walks
Here, you the forest on foot in presence of an experienced park ranger for safety and directions in the forest. This activity generally exposes you to different attractions in the forest like the water falls, tree species, primates and bird species as you follow the different trails in the park. These nature walks can be conducted in the morning or evening depending on the time and number of days the client has got to visit this park.
Batwa cultural encounter
This is one of the activities that cannot be missed out during your safari in Bwindi as you get to discover these forest dwellers. Basically, the batwa were hunter gatherers and used to live in the forest in harmony with the gorillas before they were evicted out of the park in order to reserve it for wildlife. Visiting these people will leave you with the best memories as you enjoy their forest stories, dances as well as taking you through their daily activities. While here, you will visit their traditional homesteads, learn about their life style like food and medicinal plants used as well as how to prepare their local dishes. However, this activity is most enjoyable during the evening hours as a way of relaxing after a tiresome morning gorilla trekking activity. You can also buy some souvenirs like art crafts made by these people as a way of supporting them.
Gorilla habituation
This is the process whereby wild mountain gorillas are trained to get used to people or human presence. The activity is so fascinating since it gives tourists ample time to learn about the mountain gorillas and their behaviors compared to gorilla trekking. Gorilla habituation experience only takes place in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of the park and here you observe the gorillas along with conservationists, researchers and rangers. This is an all-day gorilla trek experience and only four people are allowed to habituate unlike gorilla trekking where they allow 8 people per group. In Uganda, this activity is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it costs $1500 per person per day and allows you to stay four hours with the gorillas.
Bird watching
With over 300 bird species, this is one of the best birding spots in Uganda hosting both endemic and migratory birds. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got different birding spots and some of these include; Mubwindi trail, Buhoma waterfall trail, the bamboo zone, etc obviously led by experienced park guide. Some of the birds here include; the Dusky Crimson-wing, Great blue turaco, White snowy robin chat, Grey backed camaroptera, Scarlet chested sunbird, African green pigeon, Emerald cuckoo, Handsome francolin, Double toothed barbet, African paradise flycatcher, Collared apalis, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, etc.
Mountain biking
This is mostly conducted in Buhoma sector organized by the Ride 4 Woman community group giving you the best biking experience. During this activity, you are led by well experienced guides that take you through different communities, culture as they narrate to you their interesting historical background.
Community walks
These are also conducted in Buhoma sector whereby visitors along with the help of the guides who are knowledgeable about the place are let to the different communities. You can decide to walk through the village visiting local schools, hospitals, the pygmy community or traditional healers for interesting forest stories. Here you get to discover the different local medicines used, farming methods and you can also take part in the traditional wine making process.
Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Buhoma sector
The sector is located in northern part of the park in Kanungu District and it was the first sector to be visited by the tourists in Bwindi. The sector has got three habituated gorilla families, each with a different story to tell and these can be enjoyed while doing your gorilla trekking. Besides, the sector has got different activities that can be enjoyed like gorilla trekking, batwa culture experience, nature walks as well as bird watching.
Nkuringo sector
The sector is located in the southern part of the park and it is a habitant for the Nkuringo and Christmas gorilla family. In fact, this sector is found on the high altitudes which makes it more strenuous for the tourists to hike within the forest. However, the sector is recommended for the energetic and physically fit tourists who always manage and enjoy the hilly forest. The sector was led by a dominant silver back Rafiki and the first family to give birth to gorilla twins. Apart from gorilla trekking, this sector has also got other activities done like nature walks, bird watching, hiking, cultural encounters, etc.
Rushaga sector
This is the only sector in the park permitted for gorilla habituation experience which allows 4 hours with the gorillas. It is located in the southern part of the park and has the biggest number of gorilla families in Bwindi. Activities here include; hiking, community visits, gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, batwa cultural encounters, nature walks, etc.
Ruhija sector
The sector is located in the eastern part of the park, it is the coldest and highest sector in Bwindi and hosts 4 habituated gorilla families. In addition, it is the park’s sole region where elephants can be found, monkeys among others. In this park you are also able to hike to the summit of Rwamunyonyi peak also known as the “hill of many birds”. However other activities include; bird watching, nature walks, batwa cultural encounters, etc.
