BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the newest of all Uganda's Parks, is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and covers 331 square kilometers. The landscape is rugged, with deep valleys running between steep sided hills and ridges. There is both lowland and montane rainforest with dense undergrowth of herbs, vines and shrubs, making the Park look impenetrable. This area is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse forests with the richest faunal community in East Africa.  
The forest is home to many rare species and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of Mountain Gorillas. More than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 325 of the remaining 770 or so individuals). There are estimated to be upwards of 120 species of mammals (more than other Ugandan national parks.). Among these are forest elephants, the giant forest Hog and 10 species of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and baboons. Bwindi is also the only park in the world where chimpanzees and gorillas co-exist in the same environment.


For bird watchers, Bwindi is one of the most enticing areas in Uganda to visit with an estimated 360 species of birds, including 23 of the 24 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and another 14 species found nowhere else in Uganda, including the African Green Broadbill.  The untouched rainforests of this park are also home to approximately 300 species of butterfly (including two endangered species of Swallowtails), 200 native tree species and many species of reptiles (snakes) and amphibians.
As it lies within the Albertine Rift Valley, the park is one of the most important conservation areas and was declared a Natural World Heritage Site in December 1994 and in 2003, the Albertine Rift Valley was named a biodiversity hotspot area that needs special attention to conserve.


Besides Gorilla tracking, forest walks are also a popular activity in Bwindi. Enjoy a 4 - 6 hour walk through the forest to view birds, butterflies and other forest dwellers under the canopy of this thick Jungle. Interspersed through the trees and valleys are several waterfalls, gorges and other remarkable picturesque scenery.
The rugged mountainous landscape makes gorilla trekking tiresome work and visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking and so good physical condition is a must.  Bwindi is a tropical rainforest and as such it rains at different times but nearly everyday, so you will need a rain jacket or pocho.


If you are going for Gorilla tracking, for your protection and that of the Mountain Gorillas, no-one with signs of communicable diseases like flu or cough will be allowed to track. There are currently three groups of gorilla habituated for tracking in the Buhoma area of Bwindi -- the Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegula groups.  Each group has approximately 15-20 individuals. There are also habituated groups in the Ruhija sector and the Nkuringo area. A fourth family, Nkuringo, was opened for trekking in 2004 and a fifth group is to open in 2009, but access to these groups is from Kisoro not Buhoma.  Other groups are also due to open soon including one near at Ruhija, between Kabale and Buhoma.  


If you wish to go gorilla tracking, advance bookings is recommended to secure gorilla permits for your chosen dates of travel. Permits are currently USD 500 each for foreign non residents USD 375 for foreign residents and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.  Gorilla permits are non-refundable, although in some cases will be transferable.  Some permits may be available on short notice at times when there are cancellations.


If you are interested in knowing more of the local Ugandan culture in this area, visits can be arranged to the local Community and you may want to visit the Batwa (Pygmy) families in the area. Bwindi is the traditional home of the pygmy people. A village-walk around the Buhoma area allows the visitor to better understand the cultural aspects of the Batwa forest people who live life depending mostly on the natural environment. These walks are available for a nominal price. Locally produced craft items can be purchased from the park tourist office, local craft shops and Lodge gift shops.


Bwindi can be reached from QENP in the north (3-4 hours), from Kabale to the south (2-3 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (8-10 hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate. During the wet season March to May four wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Places to stay are

  • Gorilla Resort
  • Gorilla Forest Camp
  • Buhoma Community Bandas
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi View Bandas
  • Clouds Lodge
  • Nkuringo Safari Camp