Adventure Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park, established in 1991, is a renowned Ugandan national park known for its diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, 120 mammal species, 10 primate species, 345 birds, and 160 tree species. The park, located in South-Western Uganda, is a large primaeval forest at the edge of the Albertine Rift and the western branch of the East African Rift. It is home to half the world’s mountain gorilla population and attracts many tourists worldwide. Adventure safaris to Bwindi include gorilla safaris, nature walks safaris, cultural safaris and birding safaris. The park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, with over 21 mountain gorilla families. Numerous adventure safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be conducted as discussed below.
Gorilla safaris
Gorilla adventure safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are conducted in four sectors: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Visitors can trek over 19 mountain gorilla families and 2 semi-habituated families, with valid permits available annually. Gorilla trekking begins with a briefing, followed by armed ranger guides who lead the treks until they meet the gorillas. The activity takes 2–5 hours searching for mountain gorillas, various park mammals, birds, and primates. Once the gorilla family is assigned, ranger guides allow trekkers to spend 1 or 4 hours around the group.
Birding safaris- Adventure Safaris to Bwindi
Birding adventure safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Africa offer an amazing tour with over 350 bird species, including 14 unique to the park and 23 confined to the Albertine rift. Tourists can combine the activity with gorilla trekking for an unforgettable experience. Bird species to see include Grauer’s Broadbill (African green broadbill), Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Black -billed Turaco, Equatorial Akalat, Little Green Sunbird, Neumann’s Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Strange Sunbird, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western-bronze Naped Pigeon. Birding adventure safaris are always carried out in the Buhoma sector using the bamboo zone, Mubwindi swamp trail in Ruhija sector and Buhoma waterfall trail in Buhoma sector.
Nature walks safaris
Nature walks safaris in Bwindi Forest Park offer tourists scenic views and opportunities to explore various trails such as Muyanga waterfall, Rushura hill, and Buhoma-Nkuringo. These trails allow visitors to encounter diverse wildlife, including mammals, primates, and numerous bird species. Led by armed ranger guides for safety, the safaris provide a glimpse of animals like buffaloes, elephants, chimpanzees, and unique birds such as the Black Bee-eater and crowned hornbill.
Cultural safaris- Adventure Safaris to Bwindi
Cultural safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in southwestern Uganda, is home to the Batwa pygmies, Bafumbira, and Bakiga, with the Batwa pygmies being the most visited. The park offers cultural safaris that can be combined with other safaris, such as gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birding safaris, or chimpanzee trekking. The Batwa people, known as pygmies, were hunters and fruit gatherers before being evicted in 1991 to conserve the rainforest and animals, particularly mountain gorillas. Visits to the Batwa community are led by Batwa guides who show tourists how they survived in the forest, gathered fruits, and collected honey. They also provide opportunities to witness their daily activities, taste local foods, and support local shops. Visitors can also visit traditional healers who demonstrate the use of local medicine to treat diseases.
What is the best time for safaris in Bwindi
Adventure safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Park can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time is during the dry months from June to September and December to February. During these periods, trekking trails are dry, visibility is good, and roads are accessible. Although safaris can also be done in the rainy season (March to May and October to November), travelers may face challenges such as muddy trails, tall vegetation, and impassable roads. However, discounts on accommodations may be available.
Accessing Bwindi Gorilla Park
Bwindi Gorilla Park can be reached by air from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe International Airport via Aero Link Uganda, landing at Kihihi for Buhoma sector and Kisoro for Rushaga, as well as Nkuringo, and Ruhija sectors. Road access is also available; from Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelers can go through the Ishasha sector to Buhoma. Those coming from Kampala typically take the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale or Kisoro-road a bout 9 to 10 hours. Visitors from Kigali can reach the park in 4-5 hours via Katuna or Cyanika border.
Accommodation facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Buhoma sector- Adventure Safaris to Bwindi
These lodging options include: Ride 4 Women Guest House, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Rest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Haven Lodge and Bwindi View Bandas.
Ruhija Sector:
Broad bill Forest Camp, Eco Marvels Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, and Trekkers Tavern, and Agandi lodge.
Nkuringo sector- Adventure Safaris to Bwindi
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Backpackers Lodge.
Rushaga sector:
Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Bwindi Jungle Lodge.
