Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari-jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (Based on 6 persons)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The ultimate gorilla experience in the African jungle exposes you to closest relatives of human beings, exceptional colored primates that you never want to miss seeing. They are such stunning creatures that bring to your life changing memories.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kanungu, and Kisoro. BINP is the home of the world’s most endangered primates, the Mountain gorillas, with a population of about 500- roughly half of the world’s total population.
It is one of Uganda’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. BINP is Uganda’s foremost tourist attraction and one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife encounters is tracking gorillas across the misty slope of remote Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south of western Uganda.
The magnificent apes are a rare and endangered species in the world, they are divided between Bwindi’s impenetrable forest and the nearby Virunga volcanoes.
Bwindi’s forest contains an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, species of Butterflies, reptiles, Primates like Blue monkeys, L’hoest’smonkey, chimpanzees, birds like the Albertine rift endemics such as the short-tailed warbler, African green broadbill, and the blue-headed sunbird.
The total cost of a gorilla tour can range from $1150 to $5000, depending on the duration of the trip and the type of lodging preferred.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park offers more than just gorillas. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can explore the Batwa pygmy community, go on forest walks, bird watching, and spot other primates such as chimpanzees.
Interestingly, Bwindi is one of the rare national parks where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist, making it possible to encounter both species during gorilla tracking.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija. Rushaga and Buhoma are known for having more gorilla families than the other sectors, making them popular choices for gorilla tracking. Those interested in a gorilla habituation experience can partake in it from Rushaga. The 5-Days Uganda-Gorilla & Wildlife Safari package allows visitors to study a particular gorilla group more closely for four hours under the guidance of Researchers.
Currently, there is just one gorilla group undergoing habituation. While a gorilla trekking permit is priced at $700, the gorilla habituation permit is priced at $1500. Only four permits are allocated for the gorilla habituation encounter daily, whereas there are over 170 gorilla permits available daily for regular trekking.
More things to do in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park
As previously stated, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity. Those who visit Bwindi have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, such as:
Primates watching
Bwindi forest is among the rare forests globally where visitors can observe both Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. While on gorilla tours in Bwindi, travelers might have the fortune of encountering chimpanzees and baboons during their journey. Additionally, smaller primates such as Bush babies, Blue Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, L’ Hoests Monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and Colobus Monkeys can also be spotted in Bwindi.
Visiting the Batwa pygmies
Witness the ancient inhabitants of Bwindi Forest who have resided there for millennia. Regrettably, they have been displaced from the forest and compelled to relocate beyond the park boundaries. A visit to the Batwa pygmies presents a wonderful chance to explore their culture and participate in various cultural practices. Anticipate witnessing traditional dances and hearing tales of their past hunting and fruit-gathering expeditions in the forest.
Birding
Bwindi forest stands as a premier birding location in Africa, offering bird enthusiasts a paradise boasting more than 330 bird species.
Wildlife viewing
While gorilla tracking is a popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, visitors can also observe a variety of other wildlife such as forest elephants, leopards, bats, jackals, forest duikers, and giant forest hogs.
Recommended Safaris to Bwindi
Cultural Activities
Examples include exploring Buniga Forest on foot, taking guided tours of nearby villages, experiencing the hospitality of locals in their homes, and purchasing handmade crafts from the region.
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
When planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, selecting suitable accommodation is crucial. Various luxury and budget lodging choices are accessible, with the ultimate decision being influenced by individual preferences, needs, and financial constraints.
Luxury lodges may cost up to $1500 per night, whereas budget accommodations can be as affordable as $80. Here is a brief overview of some prominent hotels and lodges:
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite offers a variety of room options in the Ruhija Sector, catering to different budgets. Travelers can easily walk from the lodge to the park offices for briefing.
Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, a Super Luxury lodge in the Buhoma sector, is conveniently located near the park offices. They are known for providing top-notch services in the area.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, a mid-luxury lodge in the Nkuringo Sector, is a great spot for birding in addition to gorilla trekking.
Buhoma Community Campsite is perfect for budget travelers seeking spacious self-contained rooms.
Buhoma Lodge, situated in the Buhoma sector, offers breathtaking views of the park.
Silverback Lodge, located in the Buhoma sector, provides luxury and mid-range rooms with various outdoor activities for visitors.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, found in the southern part of the park, features stone rooms decorated with local artifacts and fireplaces.
Gorilla Forest Camp, conveniently located near the park entry, offers tents with individual bathrooms raised on wooden platforms.
Mahogany Springs, built out of Mahogany, offers luxury accommodation including a presidential suite with a view of the Munyanga River.
Top Sightings in Bwindi
Black & White Colobus Monkey
Olive Baboon
Banded mongoose
Baboon
Serval Cat
Elephant
The ideal time to visit the gorillas in Uganda
The ideal periods to go gorilla trekking in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August, and once more from December to February.
Gorilla tracking can be experienced in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with Bwindi being the preferred choice among visitors.
Uganda maintains a consistent temperature range of 24°C to 30°C throughout the year. The key consideration lies in the rainfall patterns, with two distinct rainy seasons occurring from March to May and September to November.
Conclusion
Engaging in gorilla trekking is a unique opportunity that necessitates thorough preparation and thoughtfulness. The duration of your gorilla trekking adventure will vary based on factors like the specific location, your physical condition, financial resources, and scheduling constraints.
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