Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Updated: 3 weeks ago
- By Webmasters Killasites
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The name Bwindi Impenetrable National Park might sound like an exaggeration, however, when you first step under the thick canopy, you understand the name fits. It feels ancient—like the forest has been there longer than memory itself. Sunlight barely filters through in thin ribbons, and the air is heavy with damp earth, and the scent of moss.
Here, you do not breeze through; instead, you move slowly while watching each step and listening for the many sounds that give away the hidden life around you. This particular area of nature requires a lot of patience, and in return, you are offered unforgettable timeless moments.
Bwindi History
Scientists believe that Bwindi’s forest has persisted for at least 25000 years, which is why it has such rich biodiversity—more than 160 types of trees and hundreds of ferns and flowering plants. It’s lifespan is because of surviving the climate changes throughout history.
People used to inhabit this specific area were known as the Batwa. They relied on hunting and gathering, continually moving with the seasons, adjusting their lives according to nature’s rhythms.
When it was formed, Bwindi National Park was mostly created to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas. This brings enormous ecotourism benefits, however it also led to the displacement of the Batwa people which is a history that brings relatively recent pain to many people. Nowadays, many Batwa people live around the border of the forest and are collaborating with conservation organizations to preserve their culture and share it with the world.
In 1994, Bwindi was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unparalleled natural beauty and its ecological and cultural significance, making it one of the best places to view gorillas in the world.
Why Visit Bwindi
The primary reason why people visit Bwindi is for a dangerous eye to eye encounter with a mountain gorilla. You will never find a video or a picture that can prepare you for that moment. Imagine this: a few yards away from you, and with heart in your throat, you watch a silverback the size of a small car tearing a branch apart for leaves.
The combination of high octane mountain gorilla viewing along with a sense of serenity is unique. You notice the softness in the way young gorillas move and the attentiveness of the mothers who are focused on their babies while stealing glances at you. For an hour, you get a glimpse into their life.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is well known for its mountain gorilla population but there is so much more to see! It is home to many biodiversity such as the black-and-white colobus monkeys as well as over 350 bird species, including many endemic birds.
When hiking through the forest you will encounter a giant mahogany which are covered with ferns, creating a exotic picture. During your walk you will also see waterfalls with clear water cascading over mossy boulders, and clear streams surrounded by thick undergrowth while butterflies gather in clearings.
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year, bwindi can be visited at any time with the best times from June to August and December to February. Following these months, it is dryer less slippery which makes gorilla trekking more comfortable.
Even though it rains from March to May and September to November, the forest turns into a quieter, greener place that provides you with better chances of booking last minute gorilla permits.
No matter the time of year, it is always reliable to bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy boots.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gallery
Geographic Location
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, at the fringes of the Albertine Rift. It occupies an area of approximately 128 square miles, its steep ridges and valleys densely forested.
The park is divided into four main parts: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each contains its own family of gorillas and trailheads. The choice of sector determines where you stay and which permits you and your group book.
Directions
Entebbe or Kampala is the most common starting point for most visitors. From that point, travelers can opt to travel by either road or a combination of road and air travel.
By road, depending on your sector and road conditions, the drive can take anywhere between 8 up to 10 hours. While it is a long day, the journey is beautiful. There are rolling hills, tea plantations, and even glimpses of daily life in rural Uganda.
To save time, passengers have the option to take a flight from Entebbe to either Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips. From there, a vehicle can take you directly to your lodge. These flights take roughly an hour and a half.
Bwindi Accommodation
The sector you are trekking from determines where you will stay.
Located in Buhoma are some higher-end lodges and some middle to lower level ones. Buhoma Lodge has comfortable cottages that face the forest and there is also Mahogany Springs with its warm atmosphere and spacious suites.
Rushaga and Nkuringo have lodges that are more off the beaten path and provide breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Nkuringo is magical—stone cottages, fireplaces, and breathtaking views that reach into Congo.
There are simple guesthouses and campsites for staying near the trailheads for the more budget-friendly travelers. Even the simpler accommodations have hot food, welcoming staff, and that wonderful feeling of being part of the forest and not apart from it.
Bwindi National Park Tips
They can be bought for $700 and often sell out months ahead of time, especially during high seasons, so make sure to get your gorilla permit early.
Be in shape for difficult hikes, especially if you want to see the gorillas. Getting to and from where the gorillas are located can take 30 minutes to 6 hours. Make sure you have the right fitness level and be prepared to get dirty.
Consider employing a porter. Even if you think its unnecessary, the extra hand is helpful in ensuring your bag is carried and the individual helps in the more slippery sections which are common during the rain. This is also good for the local economy.
Remember to put on long trousers and long sleeves. The forest gradually warms up around midday, but in the morning, it is cool. In the mid-afternoon, the area becomes infested with insects that bite.
Make sure to bring gloves. In some cases, you will be grabbing branches for balance, and some of them will have thorns or stinging nettles.
Stay equipped with your camera, but do not forget to set it down. You will sometimes encounter situations where the best moments are not to be captured, but solely remembered.
Most Common Bwindi National Park Questions
What is the daily quota for issuing gorilla trekking permits?
Roughly 152 permits are issued each day in the four tracking sectors of Bwindi. This number is capped due to the need to reduce human contact and stress inflicted on the gorillas. The restricted visitation helps ensure that the trekking groups receive personal and less crowded encounters. If you are traveling during peak season, aim to book as early as possible, ideally six months or more in advance, so that you don’t miss out on your preferred dates.
Is there any risk associated with gorilla trekking?
As long as you observe the safety instructions provided by the rangers, trekking is completely safe. Every group is accompanied by a guide who can manage encounters because they are calm, collected, and well-trained. The gorillas that you will come across have gone through a process called habituation, which means they have been socialized to tolerate human presence over a number of years. Even though they are wild animals deserving of courtesy, they will not act aggressively as long as you respect certain boundaries by remaining quiet, not making sudden movements, and keeping a comfortable distance.
How close will I get to the gorillas?
Official policy requires maintaining a 7 meter distance from the gorillas, for the visitors’ safety as well as the gorillas’ health. Through some unexpected turn of events, a curious gorilla may decide to breach that threshold. In those situations, you will be instructed to stay frozen and not gaze directly at the gorilla. These short captivating encounters can be awe-inspiring but do your best to honor their boundaries.
Can Children Trek with Gorillas?
Children under the age of 15 are not permitted on gorilla treks. This policy is in place for several reasons, such as the treks being too challenging for younger participants and young children being prone to over-excitation. Moreover, gorillas tend to get sick easily, so there is a need to protect the gorillas from children who may be unwell without showing any symptoms. If traveling as a family, you can arrange for children to be looked after or partake in other activities close to your hostel during the trek.
What should I bring along for Bwindi?
Prepare for unpredictable weather and pack for an arduous hike. Be sure to have sturdy and waterproof hiking boots that support your ankles, a rain jacket, and long-sleeved shirts with trousers to protect you from insects and scratches. To aid with balance, gardening or trekking gloves are helpful. Also, pack a small daypack containing two liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera with spare batteries.
Are there other things to do apart from gorilla trekking?
Certainly. Guided nature walks where you learn about medicinal plants and some birds unique to the region are done in Bwindi. The waterfall trails lead to hidden secretive cascades. Adding a visit to the Batwa community can give you a more in-depth understanding of the forest’s cultural history. Besides these, you can also indulge in birdwatching or simply relax while taking in the atmosphere from the veranda of your lodge.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Yes. All travelers over the age of one will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate in Uganda. Make sure you keep your vaccination card handy alongside your passport since it will be checked at the airport or any border crossing. Some travelers have been caught unaware by this, so it’s better to be safe and get your vaccinations done well ahead of the travel date.
How far in advance should I book?
In case you have specific dates in mind, especially during peak seasons which are between June to August and December to February, you will need to secure a gorilla permit 6 months in advance. Because lodges fill up quickly, it is best to make travel arrangements in one go to avoid the hassle of having a permit with no accommodation or the other way around. Having some flexibility is a huge plus and traveling during shoulder seasons can help make the planning process less complicated.
Final Thoughts
Bwindi is not the most convenient or predictable place to visit, which adds to its charm. The place encourages you to be patient and deliberate in your movements as you navigate the landscape and rewards you richly. When the time finally comes for you to encounter the mountain gorillas and you witness the intelligence and calm curiosity in their eyes, you will experience a feeling unlike anything you have found before.
You might depart feeling exhausted and slightly achy, but you will possess an everlasting memory. And at that point, you will know why so many people come back time and again–for that peaceful feeling of being linked to something much larger, ancient, and more permanent than themselves.
If you are mulling over whether or not it is worth it, have faith in that faint whisper urging you to go. Bwindi has been looking forward to you for quite some time now.