Bwindi Impenetrable National Nark is located in southwestern Uganda. Like its name suggests, it is a thick forest and vegetation which is very difficult to penetrate even on foot. The rangers have to cut vegetation to create way for tourists visiting to track the mountain gorillas. It is true African jungle, so thick allowing little sunshine to come through the canopies and keeping the forest cool and serene. It is wonderful feeling walking in the forest being so close to nature and observing plenty of forest wildlife. Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because its rich biodiversity hosting a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna including close to half of the world's remaining Mountain Gorilla population.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of 321 sq km all of which is forested with areas having bamboo and shrubs. The forest lies on steep slippery valleys with ridges and hilltops. The weather in Bwindi is ever chilly because of the immerse canopy, you are advised to carry some warm clothing for evenings and long sleeved shirts/trousers for trekking. For the ultimate experience to anyone who chooses to trek the mountain gorillas or search for birds, butterflies or shrubs, you need to be in good physical condition to go up and down the terrain. It lies at an altitude between 1,160m-2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is divided in different trailheads for those who want to track gorillas. The gorillas habituated for tourism are in different families based at different trailheads. When you choose to visit Bwindi, be sure to know which trailhead you have been allocated before yFou rush to book your hotel. After knowing your allocated trailhead then you can book the hotel in that location. Currently 21 gorilla families have been habituated for tourism and only 8 individuals from 15 years of age are permitted to visit a gorilla family per day. It is important to book your gorilla safari way in advance to avoid disappointment. The trail heads include; Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushanga, Nkuringo and Nyondo.
In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is a prime birding spot which was named Africa's number one birding spot by Africa Bird Club. It is home to over 350 species of birds which include 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 14 of which are recorded nowhere else in Uganda. The species include; African Green broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Mountain-masked and Collared Apalis, Black billed Turaco, Purple-breasted, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds etc. The parks is home to 120 mammals' species but are rarely seen as they hide in the thickets, they include; Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats etc. It has 11 primate species which include; black-and-white monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, De Brazza monkey, Baboons, Chimpanzee and of course the gentle giants of Bwindi: the Mountain Gorillas. It is home to over 200 butterfly species and 400 species of trees.
Access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: There are scheduled/ charter flights from Entebbe International Airport. Otherwise, you can drive from Kampala and the route depends on the trailhead you are visiting, Kampala - Kabale - Ruhija, Kampala - Kabale - Rubuguri/Nkuringo, Kampala - Ntungamo - Rukugiri - Kihihi - Buhoma/Nyondo. You can also fly-in with the scheduled flights from Entebbe to Kihihi.
The activities to do while you visit this park include; Gorilla tracking, Bird watching, Nature and waterfalls walks, Mountain Hiking, Mountain biking, Community walks and Cultural experiences.
Safari Example:
3 Days Gorilla trekking Safari
Activities
Gorilla Trekking
The Mountain Gorilla Tracking is definitely one of the activities which should not be missed out, when visiting East Africa:Uganda and Rwanda. But even if you are excited now, please keep in mind, the mountain gorillas cannot be visited without a permit for each tourist, because there are only a few of these 'brothers' left, they are highly protected and cared for, lest any act of sheer negligence should wipe out even the few remnants. So make sure to book the permits with us in advance due to the high demand. Gorilla tracking can be done throughout the year, though we have observed that the peak seasons are June-September, and December-February when there is relatively less rainfall in the forest. The Gorilla's home is an extremely rugged network of steep hills and deep valleys, with dodgy, slippery inclines. It is therefore no easy job trekking the hills in the wet season though, thanks to the proficient guides and strong porters in the park, it has been made possible to visit the gorilla any time of the year.
What exactly are the mountain gorillas?
Gorillas are ground-dwelling and herbivorous apes that inhabit the forests of central Sub-saharan Africa. Gorilla is a genus and is divided into two species that include the eastern and western gorillas. It is als estimated that there are either four or five subspecies. Gorillas are the largest primates whose DNA is similar to that of humans, with a range of between 95 to 99% basing on what is considered, and they are the next closest relatives to human beings after the chimps and bonobos. Gorillas' natural habitats cover forest and have a wide range of elevations. The mountain gorilla inhabits the virunga landscape within the albertine rift, ranging in altitude from 2,200 to 4,300 metres. Lowland gorillas live in dense forests and lowland swamps. The mountain gorilla is an ape of unmatchable magnificence, and soon enough, just like it is with the less popular attractions in Bwindi, the rest of Uganda's wildlife attractions will be merely basking in the gorilla's reflected glory. You are probably wondering why the Gorilla is so popular. Scientists observe that the Gorilla is the closest relative of the human race, possessing 99% human DNA. But this alone could not be sufficient to win the Gorilla the fame it presently enjoys. The actual source of the Gorilla's popularity is a combination of its closeness with human kind, and its endangered status as explained above. In the 1980s, the known population of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in the Virunga Mountains had dwindled to just 240 individuals, as lost habitat, hunting, disease and other threats had exacted a costly toll. By late 2018, though, more than three decades of "extreme conservation" involving the day-to-day protection of gorilla families appeared to be having an impact: A 2016 survey of the gorillas living in the Virungas revealed an increase to 604 animals. As of 2017, the total population of mountain gorillas had been estimated at 700 individuals, which made their status citically endangered according to IUCN. (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Currently, according to the 2018 census of the Bwindi-Sarambwe population, which straddles the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the mountain gorillas are now standing at an estimated 1063 individuals, which has elevated their status to endangered. Particularly in Uganda, the mountain gorillas currently occur at an estimated 459 count, and existing in 50 groups or families. Of these 50 groups, 21 have been habituated for tourism and are available for gorilla trekking. These 21 groups are found within various gorilla trekking sectors. Buhoma has 5 gorilla habituated groups; Rushegura, Mubaare, Muyambi, Katwe and Habiyanja. Ruhija is considered the most remote sector of all the four and has 4 groups; Bitukura, Mukiza, Oruzogo and Kyaguliro. In Ruhija, there's also a three hour hike to visit the Mubwindi swamp. Rushaga has 10 groups namely; Kahungye, Mishaya, Bweeza, Nshongi (has 36 members including 5 silverbacks), Busingye, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Rwigi and Bikingyi. Nkulingo which is about 10km from Buhoma has 2 groups; Nkuringo and Christmas.
Visiting the virungas for gorilla trekking can be as humbling as it is exciting. Visitors often narrate how unforgettable the experience of close eye contact with a gorilla is, how they were spellbound by the gentility of the adult Gorilla and the cheekiness of the showy young ones, how they were 'humbled' by the manner in which Gorillas create order in their families and take care of their offspring, how in just a few hours they got so attached to the forest to a point of not wanting to leave.
The Tracking process begins with obtaining a gorilla tracking permit at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala. Permits are issued out basing on the available slots in the Park's 21 gazzetted gorilla groups. The cost of permits varies a lot and increases nearly every year. hese permits should be secured several months before if possible to avoid missing out getting one for a desired date. Permits can be paid for up to two years in advance, although its highly recommended to book at least 2 to 5 months before your gorilla trekking safari since there's usually a high demand on the permits, basing on the seasons. Gorilla Trekking permits should be under your own names and never allow to use permits that are not under your names. A gorilla permit in Uganda will cost US $700 from July 2020. The price has been increased from US$ 600 to 700 per permit for Foreign non residents, and US$500 to US$600 for Foreign residents. However, it is still at US$ 600 till July. In Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit is at US$1500. Because the gorilla is closely related to human beings and can easily contract human diseases, the number of tourists visiting the park on a given day is highly limited. If you are a foreign tourist, you do not have to visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority to obtain a gorilla tracking permit. Ellington Safaris does the booking for you. All you need to do is notify us in advance, and upon receiving your request and payment, we place an order for a permit that will be delivered to you on arrival.
Now the Gorillas are very mobile fellows who don't stay in one place. They walk around the forest looking for fruits, and shoots, and roots, and shelters to rest. The distance of the Gorillas from the starting point of your trek is likely to be the length of your hike; Tracking the gorillas can last from a few hours to a whole day, depending on how far the gorilla group being tracked has moved since it was observed nesting up the previous evening. It also depends on where the Gorillas are feeding from that day. You will spend one hour with the gorillas after reaching them. However, due to a few inconveniences, your guide may allow you a few more minutes. Mountain gorillas prefer being in their own company doing their wild activities like eating, mating etc. rather than being surrounded by humans for a long time. This is why the time is restricted to one hour
Precautions & Advice for gorilla trekking
Individual tracking is not allowed, rather the park authority assigns guides to each tracking group to help them locate the gorilla families and also to ensure that the trackers adhere to all the tracking rules and regulations. You also need to be aware that the recommended distance between trackers and the gorillas is 7meters, although gorillas can move closer to you. There is nothing to fear even in this case. You just have to follow the instructions of your guide; which in some cases may be to slowly move down to a squating position. You are encouraged to maintain the distance are not allowed to touch them. If you must sneeze or cough, cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch cold and coughs from humans.
Even though Bwindi’s various trailheads can be reached by vehicle, there are no roads within the park itself, making exploration majorly possible on foot. Bwindi is aptly named the ‘impenetrable forest’; paths pass through dense vegetation and can be steep. You are thus advised to take advantage of walking sticks offered at the start of a walk.
The Gorilla trekking day
The day begins with approximately an hour of registration and briefing. Trackers are registered from 8 to 9 am at the main entrance to the park. A quick briefing follows shortly afterwards for about thirty minutes. The briefing is meant to inform the trackers on what to expect during the gorilla trek, and to equip them with basic security precautions and gorilla trekking rules. You will then be assigned a gorilla group, meet the ranger guide and start the trek into the forest. The guides will also give you the option of hiring a porter to carry your equipment and bags on the trek. A porter can be hired at about US$15 for an entire trek.
Immediately after the briefing, the trek begins for as many hours as the proximity of gorillas will permit you. The forest is usually wet and muddy with steep slopes. However, the sounds and sights of different birds and butterfly species offer a variety of form and color that satisfy you with a rare sort of happiness! The gorillas are located in different places across the forest and therefore the time taken to find one group varies and can not be estimated before. If the gorillas are located close enough, your trek will take about an hour. If the gorillas are withdrawn deep in the dense woods, the trek can go for as long as five hours. Upon reaching a given troop of Gorillas, a maximum of one hour is given for the trackers to view them. Gorillas are shy and we do not want to disturb them for long. At the end of the gorilla trek, successful trackers (those who do not retreat and give up midway the hike) are awarded with a gorilla tracking certificate recognizing them for successfully penetrating the impenetrable forest. Awesome idea!
So what are you waiting for? Book your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Ellington Safaris NOW! There are a variety of trekking options depending onthe time you have, as well as your other interests. You can book yourself one of these.
3 day Gorilla Trekking tour Uganda
3 day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali Rwanda.
5 Days Gorilla Tracking and wildlife safari Rwanda.
5 Day Gorilla Tracking and wildlife safari Uganda.
7 day Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee and Wildlife safari.
4 day Gorilla Tracking and Volcanoe Hiking Tour Uganda
2 day Uganda Gorilla Trekking express from Kigali to Bwindi.
4 day Gorilla Trekking and Lake Kivu tour
2 days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda volcanoes National Park
3 day Gorilla Tracking Fly-In Tour Uganda.
4 Day Gorilla Tracking Tour at Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Canoeing at Lake Mutanda
Isn't it such a rare blessing to have one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda and the home of the gorillas all in one area? Lake Mutanda, one of the most popular destination for canoe trekking in the country, is only a short distance from the Park. More cultural activities await you at the islands. The lake's canoers are dexterous at their game and will sail you from one shore of the lake to the other. There is a luxurious lodge at the shores where you can spend a night in case you would love to spend more time savoring the balmy Mutanda breeze and soothing bird songs.
The place is blessed with a great climate that is punctuated with a cool and sunny environment. Even though Lake Mutanda is majorly famous for its scenic views and great landscapes, the lively epithet draws its luxury from the absence of crocodiles and bilharzia which provide for the prescence of water sports that offer more than just sun and surf! The lake is surrounded by spectacular hills that are decorated by verdant vegetation that is underlined by forests and nature! All these act as perfect additives as one carries out canoeing on this volcanic lake. Some of these hills are part of the 8 extinct volcanoes of the virunga landscape that inclde the Muhabura and Mgahinga among others. Within the lake, there are also a few islands that expound the variety of diversity found in this place. Although the canoes are made out of wood, this is one of the not-to-worry-abouts since they are perfectly established in stature.
Location.
Lake Mutanda is a kilometres from Kisoro town (about 20 minutes drive) and Kabale (1 to 2 hours drive.) From Kampala, which is Uganda's capital, it takes about 8 to 9 hours to reach the Southwestern region of the country where the place is nestled. Alternatively for those coming from Rwanda, one can use the Chanika border and it takes an estimated 35 minutes to reach the Lake. The lake is found in the albertine rift at the periphery of Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks at an altitude of 1800m. These national parks are famous for habouring the mountain gorillas. Therefore, a trip to Lake Mutanda is usually a combination with gorilla trekking, although it can also be stand alone activity as interest dictates. During this tour, you are also bound to experience a sunrise or sunset, depending on the timing of your canoeing activity. The Lake is altogether a platonic ideal of a honeymoon spot.
There are other activities that can be done within the proximity of Lake Mutanda. These include: Mountain Biking, Swimming, fishing, village walks and bird watching. There are two islands at the lake famous for bird watching and reptile viewing. Swimming is permitted at designated areas of the lake.
Nature Walks in and around Bwindi
The nature walks in Bwindi are pretty much like hiking sprees. They involve climbing rugged peaks, and sliding in slippery valleys. But all these little difficulties really work for your good, to add zest to your trip. Nkuringo is one of the best places for nature walks. The forest around this area is rich with primates of every kind which you will see playing and jumping from tree to tree as you walk through the forest; Red tailed monkeys, Black colobus moneys, the Blue monkey, and lots of baboon families. A nature walk to the water falls at Munyanga, the pigmy community at Buhoma, or the shores of lake Mutanda can also be rewarding. In Bwindi, a nature walk is one of the most outrageous activities, together with gorilla trekking, that tourists often engage in. It is a very interesting phenomenal that combines the beauty of nature together with the thrill for pleasure, in effect offering one the best so deserved. Inside the forest, the nature walk normally takes about 3 to 5 hours, basing on the speed of navigation. However, the journey is filled with so many hikes, that one usually has to endure the “harsh” struggle to make it to the upper falls. The truth of the matter indeed, is that the journey is of a long and agonising type, thereby shortly pronouncing tiredom to many of those who choose to embark on it. This is, however, on the list of the not-to-worry-abouts, since the forest rangers are always present to guide folks back to the information centre as they perform their patrolling and security duties.
The park gives an option of complimenting your walk with a visit to the local communities around Bwindi. These hospitable communities are a good place to learn about the African way of living, customs, dressing, building, and social life. Bwindi offers one of the very best examples of human-wildlife coexistence.
Bwindi 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. It not only gives one an opportunity to discover the hidden depths that blanket the misty forests, but also the possibility to penetrate the so-called impenetrable forest. This is possible through the nature walk that ushers one into the mystical concealments of the forest that have seen both hot and cold over the years. It is these intact forested perfections that charmingly and amazingly gaze and sway to any adventurer who signs up for the task of trekking the forest with a compelling force to respond by swaying back or relaxing the mind.
The nature walk involves trekking the forested land. Through the forest, one encounters flowing streams of fresh water that endlessly slither down from the upper falls, as well as the different plant species that have patiently endured the great storms which rampage throughout the forest during the heavy rains. All this contributes to the learning experience that is punctuated by the different mammalian species which one inevitably encounters all through the trek. The guide keeps dissipating relevant information, enhancing numerous interesting interactions and discussions amongst the team members. All this in turn creates social cohesion and works magic for those whose hobby-list includes making friends.
The forest homes numerous varieties 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!! 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. The experience is altogether concomitant with discovery, crowding the adventurous heart with beams of long-craved satisfaction.
In Buhoma, there are various trail heads and walks that offer experiences to those who sign up for nature walk tasks within the mist-blanketed forests. 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 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.
Bird Watching in and around Bwindi
Bwindi has the highest percentage of bird species endemic to the rift valley. There are also birds which do not live anywhere else in East Africa except in the Bwindi area. The park's old forest is punctuated with over 350 bird species, 25 of which are restricted-range species. Here are a few birds to look out for: The dusky twin spot, Frascer's Eagle Owl, Robin Chat, the African green broadbill, White tailed blue monarch, Yellow eyed black fly catcher, Dwarf honey guide, Rusty faced woodland warbler, and other endemic species listed above.
For bird enthusiasts, the park is home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics such as the shorttailed warbler, Shelley’s crimson wing, African green broadbill and the blue-headed sunbird, and seven IUCN Red Data List species. Fourteen species, including the brown-necked parrot and the white-bellied robin chat, occur nowhere else in Uganda. Bwindi also has 25 bird species that are globally threatened according to IUCN. These include: Grauer’s Rush Warbler, African Crowned Eagle, Dwarf Honeyguide, Handsome Francolin, Grey Parrot, Red-chested Owlet, Lagden's Bush Shrike, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Corncrake, Brown-necked Parrot, Fraser's Eagle Owl, Scarce Swift, Papyrus Gonolek, Forest Scimitarbill, Forest Wood Hoopoe, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Grey-chested Babbler, Greychested Illadopsis, Mountain Buzzard, Ayres's Hawk Eagle, African Green Broadbill, White-bellied Robin Chat, Chapin’s Flycatcher, African Black Duck and the Shelley’s Crimson-wing. Bwindi’s four trailheads all offer excellent birding opportunities with the prospect of checking off forest rarities. The River Ivi Trail between Buhoma and Nkuringo is recommended, as is Buhoma’s forest-edge Munyaga River Trail. Ruhija’s Bamboo Trail, leading to the 2607m Rwamunyoni peak, and Mubwindi Swamp Trail areMunyanga River Trail, in the valley below the Buhoma trailhead, provides a short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge. Waterfall Trail leads through one of Uganda’s most pristine tracts of rainforest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns and orchids to visit three sparking crystal clear waterfalls. Rushura Hill Trail provides expansive views across the plains of the Albertine Rift Valley and (on clear days) to Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains to the north. Bwindi is therefore ideal for a bird watching safari.
Hiking in and around Bwindi
Nature loves: Forget the sense of urgency and create some time to walk through the nine trails of the Bwindi jungle just for the fun of it. There is no reason for you to hurry. Bwindi has enough beauty to mesmerize you for days. After you have visited the gorilla, which is only the starting point of a Bwindi visit, put on your boots once again and get into the woods for a more immersing experience. There are trails that lead southwards from Buhoma to Nkuringo, crossing the five rivers of the forest, and taking you up to the very peak of its highest hills.
Perhaps we should describe the beauty of the forest a little more. There are waterfalls to be viewed, a strip of volcanic ranges to be climbed, hundreds of bird species to be admired, five rivers to be followed and crossed, and beautiful forest flowers to be picked. Ask the guides to lead you to Rwamunyonyi hill, the hill of the birds. Ask them to lead you the ivy river, the river of the antelopes and bush pigs, and don't forget to reach peak Rushura, the highest range in Buhoma where the entire beauty of Bwindi can be viewed in a single unforgettable moment. Hiking is the best time to see the more elusive animals of the forest like the elephants, bush pigs, antelopes, lizards, frogs and other primates. The trails have been used for hundreds of years and are therefore clearer and less exhausting then the tracking paths. A lengthy trail will go up to nine hours. A shorter one will be about one hour.
