Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi is all but “impenetrable” and provides an appropriate dramatic natural setting for what is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had in Africa. Nothing perhaps can prepare the visitor for the impact of encountering a troop of gorillas munching in their unfenced natural habitat.
The sheer physical presence of an adult male silverback, three times as bulky as the average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors defies verbal description.
A trek through Bwindi, one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search for the endangered great apes, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
Location:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo order next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley.
Getting There:
Road transport:
The park can be reached by road from several directions:
- Kampala- Kabale- Kanungu- Buhoma.
- Kampala- Ntungamo- Rikungiri- Kihihi- Buhoma.
- Kampala- Kabale- Nkuringo.
Air:
Travellers can fly from Entebbe to the Modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro.
Famous For:
Mountain Gorillas, Birds, Chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colobus, baboon, butterflies.
What to Do:
Gorilla tracking:
There are no words to convey the thrill of the recognition attached to staring deep in to the liquid brown eyes of the gentle giants, who share some 97% of their genes with humans.
Buhoma Community walk:
This involves visiting sites like typical home stead, Traditional healer, and a banana beer brewery.
Cultural performances:
Chance upon spontaneous traditional performances by local dance groups. Proceeds from these events are used for community development projects.
Bird Watching:
Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. An experienced birdwatcher can easily identify up to 100 species in a day.
Note: Though Gorilla tracking is the main activity, a range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of Uganda’s loveliest rainforest
Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall.
When to Visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season.
Where to Stay:
A range of accommodation caters for both up-market and budget visitors.
Up market and moderate accommodation:
- Gorilla Forest Camp
- Gorilla Resort
- Mantana Tented camp
- Gorilla Homestead
- Buhoma Homestead
- Volcanoes Bwindi Camp
- Lake kitandara Camp.
Budget Locations:
- Buhoma Community Campground
- Bwindi View Canteen.