Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Home of Mountain Gorillas.

Bwindi impenetrable was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. It is one of those few places on earth where animals (both wild and tame), hills, rivers, water-falls, forests and humans coexist magnificently in such a harmony. The park is part of the dimly-lit Bwindi Impenetrable forest, one of Uganda’s most diversified and dignified rainforests that shadows the mist-covered hillsides, occurring at an altitude 1,160m-2,607m above sea level. Situated on the edge of the Albertine rift, it balances on the spine between southwestern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo border, next to the Virunga National Park. The area has come to be one of the greatest adrenaline capitals of the world and is labelled as a place that is not only defined by geographical location, but by memories that only you and those that experience them with you can access!

The terrain of the park presents a series of mountain ranges and valleys onto which grow a thick and dense network of forest cover depicting its description “impenetrable.” The horizon within the park depicts a misty atmosphere which nearly impairs visibility to prescribed distances throughout the days.  Thus the forest floors have a characteristic cool environment at all times of the year; thick undergrowth comprising broad leaved herbaceous plants. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi acts as the source of five major rivers which flow into Lake Edward. There are also flowing streams of fresh water that endlessly slither down from the different falls, as well as the different almost 400 plant species that have patiently endured the great storms which rampage throughout the forest during the heavy rains. Too beautiful is the harmonious churn of the falling waters of the waterfalls, one cannot help but relish the momentous flow of this somewhat surreal kind of perfection. Could this be the ultimate reason as to why it’s referred to as the Switzerland of the country? Let’s see…!!

Bwindi is composed of 321 square kilometres, consisting of both montane and lowland forests that are blanketed with bamboo and shrubs. These forests date back to over 25,000 years and contain almost 400 species of plants. To a botanist, Bwindi may turn out to be a haven due to the richness in plant species that overwhelm the forest diversity. The forest also homes numerous species of birds that know everything there is to do with composing some of the sweetest melodies every human ear could ever treat itself to, leaving one with the perplexingly juxtaposed options of whether to try hard and whistle along, or just sit back and simply blush in awe!! Altogether, there are around 350 species of birds hosted in the forest such as hornbills and turacos, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The park was named Africa’s number one birding spot by Africa Bird Club. A birder should be able to stamp his or her feet out of anxiety because it’s a guarantee to identify and appreciate the species richness of the park in terms of bird diversity!!

The biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals which are rarely seen as they hide in the thickets, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. Apart from the plant and mammalian species, the forest also presents a chance to appreciate the beauty of color as numerous species of butterflies silently whisper love songs about the unique roses that grow under the cypresses. These butterflies are estimated to be existing at a phenomenal 220 species in number, within the forest. A visit to the park gives you the ultimate gorilla experience you may require, for the world’s endemic mountain gorillas are known to thrive here. All together, there are 459 mountain gorillas that use this unique ecosystem as home. The mountain gorillas are an interesting group of animals to deal with. Social livelihood is what defines them. Just like any other human home systems, hierarchy is a key factor in establishing this bond of solidarity. The “silver back” is the dominant male in every family and must thus be accorded due respect according to the social rank. How awesome! You surely need to have a ground experience of this.

The most pronounced activity within this park in Gorilla tracking. During this activity visitors are led on a guided trek within the park on foot under the chilly forest blanket; ascending and descending the hills and valleys within the forest. One is able to get a close approach to the World’s mountain gorillas endemic to only this region! There are four locations for gorilla racking activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These incude: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. These four locations had a total of twenty one habituated gorilla families as of December 2019.

Activities within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Apart from gorilla trekking, there are a number of other activities that make your safari more memorable as a complement. Such activities include; Gorilla tracking, Bird watching, Nature and waterfalls walks, Mountain Hiking, Mountain biking, Community walks and Cultural experiences. There’s also canoeing at the different crater lakes like Mutanda.

However, most of these activities are facilitated by the presence of different trails that decorate the forest. Trails can be found in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.  Some of them are birding hikes, while others focus on the scenery of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The hiking experience is more memorable; with a hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest over a one day or the long period from the northern end of Bwindi to the South point called Nkuringo.

Nature trail heads and walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Trail heads are a mystique that makes every moment mysterious due to a rewarding experience that is colored with a lot of learning and enjoyment. Every step one takes into the forest, desire to see more burns up within the 4 chambered heart as more hidden secrets start unveiling one by one. In Buhoma, many of such wondrous pathways have been developed. These include;

Buhoma community walk: This reveals the local people who stay in proximity to the Impenetrable Forest as well as their culture. During this walk, one acquires knowledge of the cultural ways, gets access to locally made art crafts and grabs an opportunity to watch the epic dance performances that are decorated with a lot of art. It is during such a task that the traditional way of cooking, brewing as well as the application of local medicines becomes clear and vivid to any adventurer that has having fun on the to-do list. The Buhoma Village Walk gives one an opportunity to observe the locals, visit a typical homestead and undergo the Batwa cultural experience. The walk lasts for about three hours.

Munyaga river trail: This is one of the simplest foot paths in the forest, which takes about 2 hours beginning at the end of Buhoma road through the Bizinge creek and connecting to the bank of Munyaga River. The trail is round in a way that one doesn’t have to turn back but progressively reaches the point of commencement as the journey continues. During the walk, an opportunity of stopping by River Munyaga strikes every participant and thus enables one to watch women washing their clothes while using their hands in the customary way and not with machines. Alongside the rocks, it is inevitable to appreciate a breathtaking view of various beautifully multicolored butterflies. River Munyaga also acts as a good spot for birding excursions and earns the respect of being a site for most birds, some of which are endemic to the forest. The trail lies in the valley of Buhoma, which is a short walk that offers a watching opportunity for primates along the outskirts of the forest.

Muzabajiro loop trail: This is adequate a hike that involves visitors crossing over the Muzabijiro tributary before finally ascending via the canopy forest to Ruhubra hill. Abundant vines and slippery boles of dead trees offer breathtaking views of the national park.

Waterfall trail: There is a waterfall in the middle point of the farm land, which perhaps inspired the orchestration of the waterfall trail.  This trail passes beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns as well as orchids and lasts for roughly three hours. To reach the upper waterfalls, it is an endurance of a number of hikes as one by-passes two waterfalls, before actually being rewarded with the happiness of making it to the final one. On the sides of the hills, a diversity of tea is cultivated which makes the aura picturesque.

Rushura hill trail: This is ranked the most exhausting hike in the forest with an unforgettable experience that lasts for about 3 hours to the highest point of Rushura hill which occurs at an elevation above sea level. This trail hikes through the forests and the top of the mountain which gives tourists a splendid sight of the western rift valley, Lake Edward, the distinctive Rwenzori Mountains and the Virunga volcanoes.

Bamboo trail: This trail is positioned at the highest point at an altitude of 2,607m/8,550ft above the sea level at Rwamunyo forest. It takes roughly 6 good hours to reach at the end point. The bamboo avails[jt1]  with a chance of walking through the different types of vegetation, something which is remarkable. The different vegetation types include; bamboo forest, alpine vegetation and lastly the afro montane vegetation which is at the highest point.

River Ivi trail: This trail leads to the southern sector of the national park and is mainly used by the local people when they going to local gardens and markets. The trail follows an old road in the forest, emerging near Nkuringo on the southern edge of the impenetrable forest and takes about 6 hours. While in this trail, tourists are heartened to observe a lot including the local people, monkeys, bush pigs, birds and mountain gorillas and many others. This walk can either be started from Nkuringo or Buhoma, depending on the area of residence.

Cultural tourism and experience at Bwindi Impentrable National Park.

An expedition to Bwindi has never been complete without a visit to the Batwa community. There are lots to learn from this small group of people who have their day to day lives in the midst of the forest. There is surely so much to learn about how they are accustomed to their mode of life. One is able to meet local herbalists; making sustainable use of the plant diversity in the forest. This also happens to be one of the tribes thought to have evolved historically from the Bantu ethnic group of migrants. There is much history to learn from the elders and clans within this community. This does constitute part of their rich culture. Anyhow, there is as well much more to learn from their feeding habits, cultural dances and so much more. It’s a culture worth getting to know about. This group also has a story to tell with regards to efforts they put in towards protecting these mountain gorillas as a community conservation initiative. Here is also an exciting opportunity, here you have a 3-hour cultural walk through the village you learn the ways and culture of the people that live in the Buhoma area on the edge of Bwindi Forest. The Village Walk is with a local guide who is friendly and knowledgeable about local culture and customs.

What to carry for your Bwindi Impenetrable and Gorilla safari.

Trekkers are advised to wear, Long Sleeved Shirts – Long Trousers, waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots, Sturdy Gardening Gloves, a Rain Jacket, a Hat, enough Insect Repellent and a Warm Sweater. You are also advised to carry enough water and a camera with extra batteries.