Discover Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Background

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the south-western part of Uganda. The park is part of the eminent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a remote tropical rainforest located along the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boarder, on the edge of the Albertine rift. The 331 square kilometres (128 square mi) jungle is hailed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

“Bwindi” translated ‘dark place’ from the local language was used to refer to the impenetrable nature of the dense forest. The foot-only accessible park is a haven for over 340 Mountain Gorillas which is about half of the world’s population of these critically endangered species. The park is also a sanctuary to over 120 species of mammal and more than 348 species of birds. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park abounds with as many as 1000 flowering plant species which give it a breathtakingly beautiful scenery. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a ‘must go’ place and with Ameera Safaris you can be sure to explore the gigantic park and relish its beauty. A safari to Bwindi is a must for nature lovers.

Adventure & Activities

There are a great many things to do while at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. While at the park, your sure to have an exciting and activity-pilled day.

1. Gorilla trekking

This is the mostly done activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The Park harbours almost half of the world’s population of the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Over 340 individual gorillas live in Bwindi Forest and a number of them have been habituated to make tracking them possible.

After accessing a gorilla permit, one is able to follow the trails leading to the habituated gorilla families/groups with the aid of a professional guide. The habituated groups include, the Mubare family having about 16 gorillas with one silverback – a dominant male acting as the family head, and the Habinyanja family having 23 gorillas with 2 silverbacks.

2. Nature walks

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is nature’s haven. For a nature lover, a walk through Bwindi is an experience not be traded for anything. From spotting wild animals in the thickets, chimpanzees and other primates, birds in the thick trees, multiple moth and butterfly species, you will be able to encounter the Munyanga and Ivy rivers concealed in the forest’s jungle thickets.

3. Bird watching

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest stands out as Africa’s finest birding site. Having over 348 species of birds recorded, of which 23 species appearing in the forest endemic to the Albertine rift valley region. There are also about 14 bird species in this forest that have not been seen anywhere else in Uganda. You will be astonished by the numerous colourful and rare forest birds.

4. Hike and trails

The Park is suitable for hikes and trails which are a bit tedious but very rewarding. A trail walk to the bamboo region will expose you to 14 vegetation zones, the magical waterfall trail will make you cross the Munyanga 3 times and then lead you to the 3 adjoining waterfalls, a strenuous hike to the peak of Rushura hill will reward you with a spectacular view of Lake Edward, the Virunga volcanoes, the Rwenzori mountains, and the Western Rift Valley. The Muzabajiro loop trail is a moderate hike involves crossing over the Muzabairo creek before ascending to Ruhubura hill. Bwindi has an inexhaustible list of hikes and trails that will quench and satiate your hunger for climbs.