Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking Uganda
A Visit to the famous & old complex Bwindi national park which became a UNESCO World Heritage because of its ecological importance during to the fact that it’s among the top destinations that host the endangered mountain gorillas alongside other Virunga mountains National Parks of Mgahinga, Virunga Congo & Volcanoes Rwanda.
Location of Bwindi
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is in southwestern Uganda, situated along with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift.
Facts About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
History has it that the park in 1932 was designated in two blocks of the Northern Crown Forest Reserves that is Kayonza and the Southern Crown Forest Reserves that are Kasatora. After 10 years they were combined and renamed Impenetrable Central Crown forest sitting on an area of 298 square kilometers.
In 1964, it was turned into an animal sanctuary to provide extra protection for the mountain gorillas. Later on, in 1991, the Impenetrable Crown Forest Reserve, Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve, and the Rwenzori Mountains Reserve was designated as a National Park and renamed the Famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covering over 330.8 square kilometers.
Vegetation Cover & Climatic Conditions .
Bwindi impenetrable national park is a rain forest comprised of over 220 tree species, 110 fern species, virgin forest and brown mahoganies and swamps (Mubwindi swamp) which favor the habitation of different wild animals and birds. Some trees have never been cut are as old as 1000 years forming a canopy that is indeed impenetrable. Vegetation serves as food for mountain gorillas and other animals in the national park.
The Climatic condition of Bwindi is tropical in type hence the tropical rains in Uganda make the climate favorable for a visit all year round. With Annual mean temperatures ranging from 7 to 15degrees Celcius (45 to 59 F) and a maximum of 20 to 27 c(68 to 81F)
Peak rainfall occurs from March to April and September to November.
Water Supply to the nearby communities is from the major rivers that flow from the numerous rivers in the forest and these include River Ivi, Ihihizo, Ishasha, Munyaga, Ntengyere which flow into Lake Edward. Other rivers flow into lakes like Mutanda and Bunyonyi.
The Conversation projects in the locality include conservation through public health which is a direct beneficiary for the sums of money that are made on Primate Safaris as a way contributing towards the maintenance of the Bwindi forest and the community.
When is the best time to visit?
In the field of Uganda tourism, there has been a debate about what is the best time to visit Bwindi for the memorable safari activity of Gorilla Trekking in the wildlife of various four sectors or Gorilla Habituation experience in the jungle mainly in Rushanga Sector tailored by Primate Safari expeditions
Primate Safaris has tried to answer the question right by informing its travel partners that gorilla trekking & gorilla Habituation is a complete safari activity that is done throughout the year as long as the law of the land is accepting gorilla trekking. Check on the Rwanda safari guide for updated facts about gorilla watching experiences.
The Fact about these primates the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo they are open for trekking throughout the year. Although the conditions differ from one season from another like wet and dry seasons.
Primate Safari Experience tailors gorilla safaris to explore the Bwindi impenetrable national park on Purely Exclusive packages. Check with the team to help you in planning an Africa Safari tour to Uganda, Book the Gorilla Safari to Bwindi with Experts now
Things to See in Bwindi National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is known for being the home for the primates and it is ranked as the best primate destination to be explored while on primate tour in Uganda. The Main primates found in the park include the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzee, Monkeys.
Other things to see include the Birds and most birding safaris are enjoyed in the magic Bwindi. it hosts 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies,27 species of frogs, chameleons, Geckos which are recommended by primate Safaris to clients that select to explore Bwindi National Park.
When the travelers are flower lover look no further than the magic visit to Bwindi that has more than 1000 flowering plant species ranging from 163 species of trees,104 species of ferns.
Things to Do In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
There are very many Safari activities that can be enjoyed while on a safari in Bwindi tailored by Primate Safari Experiences and these include
Mountain Gorilla tracking
This became a tourist activity in April 1993, the park became a popular tourist destination managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Now that the security is beefed up unlike in the past whereby an armed guard accompanies every tour group .
When you select to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you should have a valid gorilla permit ( USD 700) that is sold by Uganda wildlife Authority (Non-Government organization) that is responsible for gorilla trekking permits. yet the gorilla habituation permit is costing only 1500 USD valid for one stay like the gorilla permit. Primate Safaris advises you to book the gorilla permit 3 months in advance, a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek a particular gorilla family. The youngest tracker should not be below 15 years.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors are only four regions and these include Ruhiija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.The most famous region is Buhoma since it has well-developed trails which make the trek easier, interesting and exciting.
Gorilla Habituation Sector is Rushage Only taking only 4 paxs other sectors are for gorilla trekking.
Nature Walks & Hiking
The park has 6 main hiking trails in the Buhoma region. Our guide will take you through the nature in the park. These trails include ;
Muyanga Waterfall trail
The point of departure is from Buhoma along the River Ivi –Nkuringo trail, taking you to a point where you are able to see the falls plummeting 33 meters. This trail will lead you to three extremely beautiful , breathtaking waterfalls where you will see many tree ferns,Orchids along these trails exposing you to a very beautiful view of the primates.
Rushura Hill Walk
Another famous trail that goes through Uganda and Congo exposing you to beautiful views of Lake Edward and Lake George and Rwenzori mountains mostly on a clear day thus being able to view the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Muzubijiro Loop trail
This is a 6kilometer distance trail around a hill, not missing out on the beautiful view of the Virunga, very much ideal for a picnic on the top of this trail.
Buhoma- Nkuringo Trail
You can join this trail for 3-4 hours as you explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the misty hillsides , and as you climb the hills towards Nkuringo as you go through the park. This trail is a number of times made as part of the River Ivi walk.
The River Ivi Walk
This trail is a 14km distance long taking about 7 hours, this trail takes you through the famous place where wild pigs were found in the past known as Mukempenu.
The Habinyanja Trail( Railegh Trail)
For one to be able to view Buhoma River, the trail will take you 4-6 hours crossing through the Munyaga river till you climb the steep slopes of Habigorogoro and Riyori ridges. As you also slope, the Habimanya swamp you will be able to view birds like the Pel’s fishing owl,Black bee-eaters among others.
Cultural Tours
Owing to the heritage, there is an interesting cultural village of Buhoma village whose inhabitants are the local Bakiga and Batwa communities. You can either take a walk or get a drive through the village. The village has hand made crafts shops which have a variety of them which include carved woods, fabrics,made by the locals.
You will get a chance to be entertained by the cultural songs and cultural dance performances of the Batwa which portray their past life in the forest. The village has a Blacksmith and various traditional herbalists.
You can get a chance to see how the juice, beer and gin made from the bananas.
Birding Tours
This activity is appropriate in the early morning hours. In Ruhiija region this activity is tremendous the fact that the region is blessed with beautiful species. The best views are usually along the Bamboo zone and Mubwindi Swamp trail. Not forgetting the Buhoma region where it takes place along the Buhoma waterfall trail.