Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Gorilla Trekking & More

History

Bwindi is home to half of the worlds famous Mountain Gorillas which number around 500 individuals slit into groups of 20 to 30 spread across the thick forest. According to a recent population census in 2018 – 19 the number of Gorillas living in the wild crossed the 1000 individuals mark with 500 individuals in Uganda, the rest split between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Wildlife

Gorillas are the most notable primates in Bwindi. Other primates in the forest include unhabituated Chimpanzees, olive baboons, black and white colobus, red tailed, L’Hoest’s and blue monkey. The forest is also home to a herd of about 30 forest elephants southeast of the park between the sections of Ruhija and Rushaga but not usually seen by tourists.

Bwindi is also home to the notable Rwenzori three horned chameleon a brightly colorful Albertine Rift Endemic.

Birding

350 Bird species have been recorded in Bwindi of which 14 species have not been recorded anywhere else in Uganda among them African green broadbill, White tailed blue flycatcher, Brown necked parrot, White bellied robin chat and Frazer’s Eagle owl.

Checkout our Bwindi tours here:

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing and Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The best time to visit Bwindi is during the 1^st dry season of June, July, and August when there are less chances of rain although it can still rain anytime. The other suitable time is the 2^nd dry season of December, January, and February with good chances of less rain.

The 1^st dry season is when the forest gets most of its visitors trekking to see gorillas.

However, with the right gear (raincoat, boots, hiking poles etc.) travelers can still visit Bwindi at anytime.

Climate and Weather

Bwindi has a hot and wet tropical climate throughout the year with 2 dry seasons and 2 wet seasons. It has daily daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C or 80.6°F cooling to 15°C or 59°F in the night and sometimes cooler at higher altitudes.

The annual rainfall pattern ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 millimeters.

Dry Season

June, July, and August are the driest months although it can still rain anytime.

December, January, and February are also a dry season however with more chances of rain.

Wet Season

March, April, and May are wet months with rains peaking in April. The road to Bwindi often develops slippery muds pools making a 4*4 vehicle a must have.

September, October, and November are the most wet months of the year. The forest experiences heavy rainfalls sometimes for several hours. The rains peak in October and November making trekking routes slippery.

How to get there

By Air

Bwindi forest is accessible from Entebbe airport by two dirt airstrips, Kisoro airstrip in Kisoro District South of Bwindi and Kihihi airstrip 40km north of Buhoma along the Ishasha road. The Kisoro airstrip is ideal for travelers that are scheduled to track Gorillas in sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga whereas the Kihihi airstrip is perfect for those who are trekking gorillas in the sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija.

Bwindi is also from Kigali International Airport 3hrs away from the Cyanika border with Uganda and 90 minutes to Bwindi which makes catching an international flight from Kigali quite feasible.

By Road

Bwindi forest is from all 4 sectors by road.

Buhoma sector is accessible by Katunguru – Ishasha – Buhoma road (130km)

Ruhija sector is accessible by Buhoma – Ruhija road (43km)

Rushaga sector is accessible by Kisoro – Rushaga road (35km)

Nkuringo sector is accessible by Kisoro – Rubugili road (40km)

What to see and do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Jumanji Africa Safaris allows you to experience a variety of different safari activities to make your trip even more memorable. Below are the various activities that you can take part in when you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Trekking

Tourists take a group photo with an adult male Silverback in Bwindi Impenetrable National park

Gorilla Trekking is done from four Sectors of the forest with each having its own habituated gorilla trekking family. These include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

The experience is done on foot walking through the thick forest with an armed game ranger in groups of 8 tourists tracking a gorilla family once a day.

Once the target family is sighted visitors are allowed 1hr to watch them play, eat and groom, take pictures (flashes switched off) and enjoy the incredible moment.

What To Pack

A list of items to pack for the perfect gorilla trekking experience

Corona Virus Negative PCR Test Certificate, 2 face masks, and hand sanitizer
Insect/Mosquito repellant ointment
Hiking boots
A raincoat
A pair of long socks, long sleeved shirt and trousers
Waterproof backpack
Hiking/Trekking poles
A camera and extra charged batteries
Mineral water

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit

A Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 while in Rwanda it costs $1500

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi

Buhoma Sector

This is the most popular gorilla trekking sector since its inception in 1993. It is located northwest of the park where the park’s headquarters are stationed. It remains the busiest sector with an excellent selection of luxury and upmarket lodges. The sector has a recorded 190 species of birds making it a great spot for bird watchers. It has a relatively low altitude making less difficult to track gorillas.

There are four habituated gorilla families in Buhoma which are, Mubare family, Habinyanja family, Rushengura family, and Katwe family. This means eight (8) permits are available for each of these families bringing the total daily number of permits to 32 available for tourists.

Ruhija Sector

This is Bwindi’s highest and most beautiful gorilla trekking trail located in the East at an altitude of 2340m. The sector gives views over the forested ridge, western rift valley and the distant Virunga volcanoes. Ruhija has 4 habituated gorilla families which are Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguliro and Bitukura.

Rushaga Sector

Rushaga is situated at an altitude of 1900m in the south of Bwindi. It has 7 habituated gorilla families which are Mishaya, Shongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Bikingi and Busingye.

It offers terrific views across deep jungle valleys, views of the Virunga volcanoes as well as great bird species such the Rwenzori Turaco and Shelley’s crimsonwing. It is the most accessible of the 4 sectors from Kisoro airstrip or areas of Lake Mutanda. It is also a 90 minutes’ drive from the Cyanika border with Rwanda and 3 hrs. by road from Kigali the Capital city of Rwanda and Kigali International Airport.

Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo lies at an altitude of 2100m in the southwest of Bwindi. It’s a very scenic area set along the Nteko ridge offering excellent views to the south and west over the entire length of the Virunga volcanic ranges. Nkuringo has 3 habituated gorilla families which are Bushaho, Nkuringo and Christmas. Nkuringo is the most physically challenging of all gorilla trekking locations.

Safety

In our opinion, Bwindi is comparable to most parks and reserves, in that you can visit it safely. You will move with an armed ranger during your gorilla trekking experiences.

Malaria & Vaccinations

It is advised that you take measures against malaria, as well as have certain vaccinations, which your local doctor or travel clinic can administer. You can protect yourself from malaria risk by using a mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective), covering up in the evening and by taking antimalarial medication.

All the above experiences and excursions as well as accommodation booking, and transportations can be arranged by Jumanji Africa Safaris at very friendly rates.

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