Things to Do

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in South-western Uganda and derives its name from the thick vegetation that Characterize it, hence it is referred as an “Impenetrable forest”. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers about 321 square kilometers and over 120 mammals species including 11 species of mammals and about 350 species of birds call the dense jungles of Bwindi home. But have you ever wondered, “What is that special thing that makes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a hot cake for tourism? Tourists that have ever visited it know the value and the treasures it holds while those that have never visited Bwindi will wonder why CNN would list it among the best 5 National Parks to visit in 2017. This article will solve that mystery and when you visit it too, you will live to cherish your memories, and even wish to take a trip down memory lane. Here are some of the interesting activities that make Bwindi Impenetrable one of the most visited destinations in Africa. There are lots of adventure activities that you can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From gorilla trekking to nature walks, you can engage in interesting activities.

Gorilla trekking

With over 400 mountain gorillas (about half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas) that call Bwindi Impenetrable home, gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the most important tourist activity in this Park. This Park is unique from the others in so many ways and these include; the highest number of gorilla families for tracking are in Bwindi where 11 gorilla groups are tracked, hence over 88 gorilla permits are sold for this Park. Another interesting thing about gorilla trekking in Bwindi is that this adventure is carried out from different sectors (Buhooma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo), and all these sectors present varying hiking conditions with the Southern sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga being more difficult to track from. Rushaga has the highest number (5) gorilla groups available for tracking. Only eight (8) persons can track a gorilla group per day and tourists are only allowed to spend one hour with them, but this one hour can be “the best and unforgettable hour of your life”. Gorilla permits cost $600 for foreign non residents, $500 for foreign residents and Shs 250,000 for East African Residents during the normal and peak seasons.  Another reason you should Visit Bwindi is that UWA offers discounted permits during the low seasons so that those that were left out can also achieve their dream of meeting face to face with these Giant Apes.

Local people

The local people neighbouring the park are mos’ and Bafumbira. Small communities of Batwa (Pygmy!) also present. The Bwindi area supports one of tt rural population densities in Uganda with 350 people/

Nature Walks/hiking

Can the word Bwindi be mentioned without hiking or nature walks? This Park is a perfect place for hiking. You don’t have to be discouraged that you can’t afford the price of gorilla permits, you can opt for a nature walk with trails through the jungles and encounter bird species, some of the 22 primate species, tress species, butterfly species and the numerous magnificent waterfalls. Some of the popular hiking trails include Munyanga River Trail, waterfall trail, Muzabajiro Loop Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Ivy River Trail, Kashasha River Trail, Bamboo trail, Mubwindi Swamp trail, Ruizi River trail.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is one of the top destination you must visit for an ultimate gorilla Safari adventure. Due to the interesting activities like Gorilla trekking, Gorilla Habituation Experience, Bird watching, cultural walks, mountain biking/cycling and the Batwa experience, it is a destination you should visit if you are interested in pleasure, adventure and nature.

Community Tours

Bwindi forest is vast forest that is surrounded by different communities and households hence giving tourists a chance to experience culture at first hand. Among the community tours you can think of are visiting the community schools, hospitals, homesteads or women projects that are striving to overcome the challenge of poverty. Riding a bicycle for a woman in Buhoma is a great woman organization that supports the life of women and single mothers. Why not contribute to the success of a village child education by carry some pens, pencils and books that they need and use as scholastic materials. You can also be part of the local Uganda daily life by taking part in house work of a particular homestead hence learning and experience how life is in Uganda.

Primate Viewing

Now you may be thinking about second gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest but are other primate species in the forest that tourists view after gorilla trekking. This includes several monkey types, baboons etc. During the activity watch out for beautiful bird species that you may come across hence adding memories on your gorilla trekking experience.

Hiking to the main park water falls

Bwindi forest has impressive waterfalls though a few tourists think of going on this rewarding hiking adventure. The park guides are good and they take you through providing information on different park floras and fauna. Try this out and you will find the forest very beautiful and rewarding and its other side of view will make you love the jungle forest and everything that it holds for nature and conservation.

Hiking through the Forest

Still within Bwindi forest national park is a forest are many nature walks and hikes that match different levels of fitness. The park has multiple hiking trails found in all the park four sectors, Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Buhoma.Birders hike the birders trails while nature lovers enjoy those for the forest incredible scenery. If you gorilla trek ends quite early you can add the hiking adventure in the afternoon. Besides its good for tourists on either gorilla trekking tours or gorilla habituation experience. Discover more forest beauties and scenery on this attractive adventure during your gorilla safari to Bwindi forest National Park.