Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a protected area in southwestern Uganda, known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers an area of 331 square kilometers and is home to over 100 species of mammals, including over 350 bird species. Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can also go bird watching, take guided nature walks, and visit the local communities to learn about their way of life and culture. It is a must-visit destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. Bwindi is home to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, and trekking to see them in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience. To plan your gorilla trekking experience, you should start by choosing a reputable tour operator such as One More Adventure Safaris, who will provide you with an experienced guide and all the necessary equipment for the trek.

You will be required to obtain a gorilla permit ($800) in advance, as they are limited in number and tend to sell out quickly. Gorilla permits can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or your tour operator. It is advised to bring appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking boots, as the trek can take anywhere between 2-8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the difficulty of the terrain (check out our Primate Trekking Preparation Guidelines). As you trek through the rainforest, you will also encounter a variety of other wildlife and beautiful scenery. Once you reach the gorillas, you will spend approximately one hour observing them in their natural habitat. It is important to respect the gorillas and their habitat by following the rules and guidelines set out by the guides and authorities.

Gorilla trekking requires a certain level of physical fitness, as it involves hiking through dense forests and rugged terrain in search of the gorillas. Trekkers should be in good health, with no major underlying medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the strenuous activity. Additionally, it is recommended that trekkers engage in regular exercise leading up to the trek to ensure they are physically prepared. Stamina, balance, and flexibility are key aspects of physical fitness that will be helpful during a gorilla trekking experience. However, it is important to note that gorilla trekking can be tailored to the abilities and needs of each individual, and there are options for less strenuous treks, such as those that involve shorter hikes or flatter terrain.

Walking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is known for its gorilla trekking experiences. However, there are also opportunities for walking safaris in the park. These walking safaris can take you through the forest and to different attractions within the park. To plan a walking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you should first decide on the specific areas or attractions you want to explore.

There are several trails and routes available in the park, and your choice will depend on your interests and fitness level. It is also important to consider the time of year you plan to visit, as the park can be quite wet and muddy during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November).

You should also ensure that you have the appropriate gear and clothing for walking through the forest, including comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and rain gear.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a beautiful and unique location in Uganda known for its diverse flora and fauna.

There are four trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. All sectors offer an opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, as well as other activities such as forest walks and community-based tours.

Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of the park and was the first gorilla trekking sector to be established. It is easily accessible and has a lot of lodging options, making it a popular choice for visitors.

Ruhija sector is located in the eastern part of the park and offers some of the best gorilla trekking experiences. It is more remote and less crowded compared to Buhoma, making it a perfect option for visitors who prefer a more intimate and exclusive experience.

Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of the park and offers the most gorilla families available for trekking for visitors. It is also less crowded and more diverse in terms of wildlife compared to other sectors.

Nkuringo sector is located in the southern part of the park and is known for its striking views of the Virunga volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes. It is also less crowded and offers a more challenging trekking experience for visitors. So, depending on your preferences and interests, you can choose the trekking sector that suits you best.

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great destination for ecotourism and adventure activities. Here are some of the activities you can do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: 1. Gorilla tracking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

2. Bird watching: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 endemic species. Bird watching in Bwindi is a great way to see some of the rarest bird species in the world.
3. Nature walks and hiking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through the jungle and to spectacular viewpoints. These hikes range from easy to challenging, and offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife and plant species.
4. Cultural tours: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the Batwa, one of the oldest indigenous communities in Africa. Visitors can take cultural tours to learn about their traditions and way of life.
5. Waterfall visits: There are several stunning waterfalls in the Bwindi area, such as Munyanga River Trail, which offers a great hike.
6. Walking safaris: There are several trails and routes available in the park, and your choice will depend on your interests and fitness level. The walking trails, connects most of the park gorilla trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are various accommodations around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to suit different budgets and preferences, scattered within different sectors. Your​​ accommodation ​ should booked within your trekking sector. Here are some options:

1. Luxury lodges: These provide an exclusive and comfortable experience, with amenities such as spacious rooms, private balconies, swimming pools, and spas. Examples include Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Forest Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Height Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
2. Mid-range lodges: These are more affordable than luxury lodges and still offer comfortable amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and hot showers. Examples include Gorilla Mist Camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Silverback Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Engagi Lodge.
3. Budget lodges: These are the most affordable options and are perfect for backpackers or travelers on a tight budget. They offer basic amenities such as shared bathrooms and simple meals. Examples include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Heaven Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort. It’s important to note that some accommodations are closer to the gorilla trekking starting points than others, so consider this when choosing your lodgings.

Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June through September, as well as from December to February. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to navigate, and sightings of gorillas are also more likely. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Bwindi is a rainforest, and showers can occur at any time of the year, so it’s best to be prepared with appropriate gear regardless of the season. Additionally, visitors may prefer to avoid peak tourist season, which is from July to August and December to January, to avoid crowds and potentially higher prices.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

To get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi/ Kisoro airstrip. From Kihihi/ Kisoro, you can connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is rough 1 – 1.3 hours’ drive away. Alternatively, you can also drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is approximately 8-10 hours’ drive.

In case you’re arriving via Kigali – Rwanda, you can connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Cyanika or Gatuna border, which is approximately 4 -5 hours’ drive.

For more information about Uganda safaris, and gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, get in touch with our team at One More Adventure Safaris.

One More Adventure Safaris, a tour operator based in Uganda that specializes in gorilla trekking experiences. One More Adventure Safaris has a team of experienced guides who will lead you through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to find the gorillas. We offer different trekking packages to suit various budgets and preferences. You can find out more about our services and make a booking by visiting our website or contacting us directly.

We can combined your gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park, or boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.