Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda is one of the most visited national park situated in south western part of Uganda with in Kisoro district. The Park covers a total land scape of 321km2 and was gazette in the year 1991 in order to preserve and protect the endangered mountain gorillas that were termed as critically endangered primates due to the fact that they were at a point of total extinction in the wild and up to today, Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda is known to be the best destination in the entire world where the largest number of endangered mountain gorillas are found. In the year of 1994, Bwindi forest became a world heritage site following the existence of the first mountain gorilla family known as Mubare gorilla family that was open for tourism in the year of 1993 after being habituated for about 2 years in order to get used to humans. Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda stands at an elevation ranging between 1,160m high to 2,607m high above the sea level which is the best altitude for the mountain gorillas.
The Uganda National park is a home to the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas (over 1000 species) available for both trekking, habituation, research and filming among others. Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda is divided into 4 sectors where gorilla trekking is carried out with one of the four allowing both trekking and habituation experience. These 4 sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park include;
Buhoma sector: Buhoma sector is situated in the northern part of Bwindi is known as the best and most visited sector in Bwindi forest due to the fact that harbors the oldest gorilla family known as Mubare gorilla family that was the first gorilla family to be visited in Uganda the pearl of Africa. There are very many advantages of trekking gorillas in Buhoma sector apart from trekking the first gorilla family. Apart from trekking the first habituated gorilla family, Buhoma sector is also the best destinations that allows travelers to spend an evening on the batwa experience which is one of the most fascinating activity to do in the evening after an encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Buhoma sector is also easily accessed from Queen Elizabeth national park after an encounter with the mighty tree climbing lions which are found in Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth national park. Buhoma sector is also a best sector for birders with plenty of bird species that are usually seen by travelers while on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi.
Rushaga sector: apart from Buhoma sector, there is yet another sector known as Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda. Rushaga sector is the best sector that is mostly used by travelers from Kigali Rwanda since it’s the nearby sector of all the 4 sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park. More so, Rushaga sector is the only sector where mountain gorilla habituation experience is carried out not only in Uganda but the entire East African region. Rushaga sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi forest.
Ruhija sector: There is also Ruhija sector which is situated in the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda and it offers the best view of Rwamunyonyi peak while on a hike to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas.
Nkuringo sector: amongst the 4 sectors of Bwindi forest Uganda is Nkuringo sector is the hardest sector to trek mountain gorillas as the gorillas in this sector are found at a very high altitude that requires straining hike via difficult terrains in order to reach the gorillas however, the Nkuringo sector is the best choice for travelers who wish to spend an evening on a cultural visit to the local bakiga communities after the gorilla trekking adventure.
Tourist activities in Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda
Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda is not only known for gorilla trekking habituation but also have several tourist activities that are enjoyed by travelers at any period of time and these include; Nature walks safaris, birding safaris, Cultural encounters tours, community tours, cycling safaris/ mountain biking among others.
Getting there
The can be accessed either by air or by road.
By road
From Kampala / Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda: several travels access the forest park from Kampala or Entebbe by road which is a road driver that takes about 11-12 hours. This is a long drive but offers plenty of tourist attractions along the way including the stopover at the equator, the view of beautiful farmlands with grazing cattle, thrilling hills of kigezi region and local communities encountered on the road.
From Queen Elizabeth national park to Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda: Other travelers especially those combining Queen and Bwindi, usually access Bwindi forest by road from Queen Elizabeth national park via Ishasha sector of queen. This road drive takes about 2-3 hours.
From Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi forest Uganda: traveler from Kigali Rwanda access Bwindi impenetrable national park by road via either katuna border or via cyanika boarder depending on which sector they intend to visit. This road drive takes about 4-5 hours.
By air
Fly from Entebbe/Kajansi to Bwindi: There are charter flights from Entebbe either Entebbe international airport or Kajansi airfield direct to Kisoro airstrip and then drive to designated sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park Uganda.
Accommodation in Bwindi Forest Uganda
Bwindi forest has several accommodations that suit the budget of every traveler ranging from budget lodges, midrange lodges and luxury lodge. Some of these lodges include Buhoma lodge, Buhoma community camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Camp, Buhoma haven lodge, silverback lodge, Engagi lodge, Bwindi guest house, Trekkers Tavern cottages, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Resort, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Nyundo valley hill Bandas, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Chameleon hill lodge and many more.
Conclusion: Book your Uganda safari to Bwindi forest and grab the unbeatable experience in the wilderness of the impenetrable forest surrounded by hills, valleys and filled with beautiful fauna and flora species. Bwindi forest is one of the best destinations to visit favoring both budget travelers and luxury travelers both on an individual basis or group.
