Bwindi impenetrable National Park lies in Southern Uganda on the edge of the rift valley. Its Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 plant species. More famously, the park protects 440 mountain gorillas which is half the population, including several habituated groups which can be tracked. The region also provides shelter to 120 mammals including primates like the baboons and chimpanzees as well as elephants and antelopes. The park has got about 350 species of birds hosted in this forest including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The nearby towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive range of very luxury lodges, Pastoral bandas and the budget campsites. There are also many restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best National Parks where you can find the endangered mountain gorillas. In order to have a chance to meet with the gorillas, as a tourist, you have to purchase a gorilla permit in advance. A gorilla permits in Uganda costs $700 per person. The age limit for tracking the gorillas is 15 years of age. Gorilla trekking is mostly done in Bwindi impenetrable National Park in four main regions including; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, as well as Rushaga. However, Buhoma and Nkuringo regions in south are the only authorized sectors for Gorilla trekking. The most famous sector in Bwindi forest is Buhoma and it was the first to be established for gorilla trekking under Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Buhoma Region has well developed trails making your trek through the forest much easier and so interesting as you search for the gorillas. You are followed by beautiful views of various bird species and primates with in the forest. After the gorilla trek, visitors are taken to Buhoma community walk to enjoy the cultural activities including; cultural performances in songs and dances, meeting the traditional healer and other activities like craft making hence leaving you with a memorable experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Nature Walks/ Hiking in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi impenetrable National Park has got six main hiking trails in the Buhoma region of Bwindi and you get to hike through the impenetrable Forest where you get a chance of seeing many primate species, beautiful butterflies, various tree species and you will have clear views of some bird species singing in the air. As you walk through the trails, you will be guided by a tour guide who will lead you through and as well as help you to understand the nature of the national park, below are some of the trails found in the park.

The Muyanga waterfall trail: the trail departs from Buhoma along the River Iyi Nkuringo trail and it reaches at a point where you are able to see the falls plunging 33 meters. It leads to 3 beautiful waterfalls where you will see many tree ferns, orchids and epithetic ferns plus atmosphere filled with great colorful butterflies bringing out a beautiful forest scenery. You are able to see many primates and birds.

Rushura Hill Walk; This is one of the famous trails used by visitors to explore the impenetrable forest and it passes through one forest shared by two countries which is Uganda and Congo, you are to view many beautiful views of Lake Edward and Lake George as well as the Rwenzori Mountains most especially if it’s a clear day. You will also be able to see the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Muzubijiro loop trail; walking via this trail takes 6km distance around the hill. Through this trail, you are able to meet with various primates and you will view many bird species in the air and on trees. You will view the multitudes of pre historic tree ferns. You will also not miss the views of the Virungas and the top of the trail is definitely a great place for a picnic lunch.

Buhoma – Nkuringo trail; this is another great trail that takes 3-4 hours as you explore Bwindi forest. The trail crosses right through the national park and it then connects to the two villages. Follow the trail as you enjoy the attractive views of the misty hillside towards Nkuringo. The clients who might not want to be bothered by carrying their luggage can leave it with the drivers who will meet them on the other side.

The Ivi River Walk; The walk via this trail takes a distance of 14km for about seven hours. The trail goes through a place known as Mukempenu which means a place for pigs. This is because it’s the place where wild pigs are often found.

The Habinyanja Trail;

You will have a nature walk via the trail which takes 4-6 hours and after crossing the Munyaga River, you will climb the steep slopes of Habigorogoro and Riyovi ridges and at the top you are able to view Buhoma River. As you ascend, you will enjoy a more relaxed slope to the famous Habimanya Swamp and you will be able to see the beautiful birds like the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck, the Black Bee eaters and many other birds.

Buhoma Community tours

You will also enjoy cultural tours at Buhoma and have a three-hour village walk around the village from which you will meet with many cultural activities of the local Bakiga and Batwa communities and you will as well see how they are carried out. You will meet with a hand craft shop where handmade artefacts are sold like the wood carvings, fabrics and the beeswax candles. These handmade crafts are made by the local craftsmen and women in the village due to their talents. You will also be able to see a unique cultural activity of cultural songs and dance performances by the local people of Bakiga community which shows their past life in the forest.

Bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

This ancient rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable national park offers habituation for over 350 bird species including 23 albertine rift endemics. The bird species include the Blue headed sun bird, red headed blue bill, the white tailed blue fly catchers, the African Emerald cuckoo, the shinning African blue as well as the common and precious blue blu spe.

The tourists on a gorilla trek have a chance of viewing these various bird species as they sing in the air with in the rain forest and as they search for the gorillas. They are entertained by the sweet sounds and the melodies of the birds making the tour in the park so memorable. Since Bwindi provides shelter to many bird species, the park has been recommended for bird watching and it’s the top destination in watching birds. The tourists are able to see the broad bill bird species which is the only found in Bwindi national park in Uganda.

Tourists on any safari to Uganda can enjoy very beautiful views of the stunning bird species in Bwindi most especially in Ruhija region in Bwindi which is the most famous sector highly recommended for Bird watching in Bwindi impenetrable national Park. The Ruhija sector has got very unique beautiful bird species like the shinning Francolin white tailed crested, western green tinker, woodland warbler, Rwenzori batis, and many more. Birding in Ruhija take place along the bamboo zone and Mubwindi swamp trail.

Cycling/ Mountain Biking in Bwindi

Mountain biking at Bwindi impenetrable national park is carried out in and around Bwindi impenetrable forest and it’s offered by a Woman organization called Ride 4a woman organization. Therefore through renting of a mountain bike, you will be supporting the local community as well as women who are part of the organization. This is one if the activities you can engage in when you visit Bwindi.

As you start your ride, you will have to depart in the morning hours and you will follow a well maintained 13km trail right from the park headquarters at Buhoma to the Ivi River. Your ride will last for about 6/7 hours and on your way, you will see some wildlife species like the black and white Colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, squirrels, bushbucks as well as chimpanzees.