Bwindi Impenetrable national park is located in the southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the western
rift valley, shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It covers an area of about 331 square kilometer with an Altitude range of; 1160meters to 2607 meters. Rainfall pattern; heaviest rains experienced in March to April and September to November. The park is sanctified with different types of Species that is 150 species of mammals including 7 diurnal primates and about 30 elephants. There are about 360 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. This Afromontane forest has dense under storey of fern, vines and scrubs. About 324 tree species have been recorded here, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda.
Activities in Bwindi National park:
Gorilla tracking: This is a main tourist attraction in Bwindi. The park is occupied by a population of about 340 individuals of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), known as the Bwindi population, which makes up almost half of all the mountain gorillas in the world. There are now 8 groups of gorillas ready to be tracked and these are: The Mubare group (“M” group) opened for tourism in 1993, The Habinyanja group (“H” group), The Rushegura group (“R” group), The Nkuringo group (“N” group), The Bitukura group (“B” group), The Nshongi group (“S” group), Mishaya Group is an off shoot from Nshongi Group, Oruzogo group and lastly the Kyaguriro Group is dedicated for Research.
Visitor registration for gorilla tracking is between 7:30 – 8:00am at various protected area tourism centers of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga while briefing is strictly at 8:00am.
Nature walks: Bwindi Impenetrable national park has 4 incredible hiking trails where you will have an opportunity to see different species of primates, birds, butterflies, trees and other organism.
Bird watching: Bwindi is the bird watchers sanctuary; it is a habitat for over 348 species of birds and contains 90% of the Albertine rift endemics. An experienced bird watcher can identify up to 100 species in a day.
Community walks: You can take part in the evening captivating traditional performances presented by women’s group. Earnings from these go directly to improve the welfare of the families around the park.
Getting to the park:
Kampala to Kabale is a distance of 414kms on bitumen surface and takes 7-8hours. An additional 120kms from kabala to Buhoma park headquarters via Kanungu and Kanyantoorogo on murram surface takes 3-4 hours. Kabala – Ruhija – Buhoma is 95kms and takes 3hours. This road is not used much by the public. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Proposed tour packages to Bwindi national park
2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tracking
4 Days Tour with 2 Gorilla Treks
4 Days Gorilla, Wildlife Safari
5 Days Gorilla Adventure, 3 Treks
5 Days Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi tour
7 Days Uganda Chimps, Gorilla Tracking
