Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is located in southwestern Uganda, along the edge of the Albertine rift valley, in the districts of Kanungu, Kable and Kisoro.
How to get there
Majorly, there are two main ways you can reach Bwindi, that is;
By road, from Kampala it takes about 8-10 hours depending on which sector of the park your visiting (Buhoma,Ruhija,Nkuringo or Rushaga)
With routes that include Kampala to Masaka to Mbarara to Kabale to Kisoro to Bwindi.
You can also opt for Kampala to Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kihiki to Buhoma gate route.
By air, with domestic flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip or kisoro Airstrip (1-1.5)hours followed by a short drive (1-2)hours to your lodge near the park
Airlines like Aero link Uganda and Bar Aviation operate regular flights to Bwindi.
What to expect and see
Expect to see Bwindi star attraction – the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered primates.
The forest and park have over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the African green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
120 Mammal species such as forest Elephants, duikers, bush pigs, and primates like the Black and white colobus and L’hoest’s monkeys
200+ butterfly and countless plants and tree varieties .
Activities to do
- Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi. As groups trek into the forest with guides to spend about an hour and a half observing these magnificent primates. Consult about the opportunity to experience gorilla habituation.
- Bird watching, especially in the Ruhija sector, which is a paradise for bird lovers
- Community Tours, as visits to local villages, crafts markets and tea plantations.
- Nature walks and hiking, as you get to explore waterfalls, forests and scenic viewpoints within and around the park.
- Mountain biking, in some sectors like the Buhoma through scenic terrain and local communities.
- Engage in Conversation activities to help protect the endangered Gorillas.
Facts about Bwindi
- The ‘Bwindi’ name comes from the local Runyakitara word “Omubwindi” that translates to ‘place of darkness’, referring to the dense forest canopies.
- In 1994 it was declared a UNSESCO world Heritage site for its exceptional ecological value.
- The park’s terrain is rugged with steep slopes and deep valleys making every trek an adventure.
