Experience the marvels of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with Kyamba Safaris Ltd.
This unique park, geographically positioned in Southwestern Uganda, is well renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including being a sanctuary to 54%—nearly half of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the whole world. Enveloped in mystery and biodiversity, this charming forest stands as evidence of the power and resilience of nature.
With its awe-inspiring attractions and extraordinary inhabitants, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park allures adventurers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through this extraordinary wilderness, uncovering its wonders and exploring how to reach this unique paradise.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and it’s believed to have survived the last ice age, thereby providing a home to various animal and plant species.
The indigenous Batwa pygmies, or hunter-gatherer communities, are known as the inhabitants of this dense montane rainforest and have lived in harmony with the forest for generations to date.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which covers an area of around 321 square kilometres (124 square miles), is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park’s name comes from its thick, seemingly unbreakable forests which serve as a haven for several plants and animals. The old dense montane forests are a rare and precious natural asset believed to be over 25,000 years old.
During the late 19th century, European exploration and colonial administration started to penetrate the African continent, and in 1901, the area around Bwindi was declared a crown forest reserve by the British colonial administration, purposely to protect the water catchment area of the destination. In 1932, the forest reserve was expanded and renamed the Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve. The forest was later designated a national park in 1991. The park’s major objective was to conserve the endangered mountain gorillas, which were under severe threat due to poaching and habitat loss.
In 1994, Bwindi Forest National Park was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its exceptional value and importance to humanity, which helped raise global awareness about its significance and facilitate international conservation efforts.
Strewn over a series of steep valleys and ridges, Bwindi stands as a source of five major rivers that flow into Lake Edward.
At Kyamba Safaris, we look forward to having you on a journey to the southwestern part of Uganda as you explore with mountain gorillas, which serve as the biggest highlight of this unique national park and comprise about 459 individual residents living in the park and 400 species of plants. Some of the estimated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi include 18 families habituated for both and research with popular families including Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Nshongi, Mishaya, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Busingye, and Kahungye families.
Mountain gorilla groups residing in Bwindi are; The Mubare group, the first habituated gorilla group in Bwindi in April 1993 and named after the Mubare hills where it was earlier discovered.
The Habinyanja group is one of the larger gorilla groups with multiple adult females and a few silverbacks. The group is well known for its unique behavior of building nests daily. The Forest also harbors the Rushegura group popularly known for its calm nature and has close interactions with humans. Other available gorilla groups are the Nkuringo group known for having the biggest number of silverbacks and the Bitukura group known for its calm and peaceful nature. Currently, there are nine groups habituated for tourism and one group for Research.
While here, you will get up close and personal with a variety of other resident animal species, including the chimpanzee, although they are not as prominent as the mountain gorillas. Sightings of these intelligent primates are possible in certain areas of the park.
Part of the animal population in Bwindi includes African elephants that roam freely around the forest, although encounters with them can be less frequent compared to other wildlife in the destination.
You will also get up close and personal with the L’Hoest’s, which is popularly known for its striking appearance with a dark coat, white whiskers, and a white beard. Also available are the black-and-white colobus monkey with beautiful white fur and a flowing tail, and the Forest Duiker, which adapts well to other forest habitats.
For birders, Bwindi National Park serves as another birders’ paradise, serving as home to over 347 bird species and 24 out of 23 Albertine Rift endemic bird species; 76 out of 144 Guinea Congo Forest biome bird species live there; and the area also has the Afro-tropical highland with 68 out of 86 birds. Several birdlife species in Bwindi include the African green broadbill, Shelley’s Crimson wing African emerald cuckoo, handsome francolin, Grauer’s walber, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Wood Owl, Archer’s Robin chat, fine-banded woodpecker, and Red-throated Alethe, among others. Major birding trails are the bamboo zone, the Mubwindi swamp in Ruhija, and the Waterfall trail in Buhoma. The diverse habitats, including montane bamboo, forest, and open clearings, support the livelihood of a vast array of wildlife populations. The forest is also home to various primate species, such as chimpanzees and monkeys.
Bwindi is also home to at least 200 butterfly species, including the eight Albertine rift endemics. It is also home to many reptiles.
The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas, and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, craft stalls, and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops, and village walks.
Aside from gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers an array of additional attractions. You can embark on guided nature walks or explore the forest’s cascading waterfalls and pristine rivers, or venture into the depths of the forest on guided hikes to discover hidden treasures lurking beneath the canopy. The park truly offers something for every nature enthusiast.
Beyond its astounding natural wonders, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding communities. The Batwa Pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants, share their ancestral wisdom and traditions with visitors. The other community group includes the Bakiga people. Immerse yourself in their storytelling, traditional dances, and intricate handicrafts, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate relationship between the forest and its people.
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Reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an adventure in itself. The most common point of entry is Entebbe International Airport, located near Uganda’s capital, Kampala. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, the nearest airstrips to the park. Alternatively, a scenic road trip is another popular option, offering the opportunity to soak in Uganda’s stunning landscapes. Private and shared taxis, as well as guided tours, are available for the journey from Kampala to the park.
Mountain gorilla tracking permits in Uganda cost US$400 per individual for foreign non-residents. For foreign residents, the permits cost US$300, East Africans pay UGX250,000. Gorilla habituation experience permits cost US$1,500 per person.
Mountain Gorilla Tracking Guidelines
In a sense, mountain gorillas are gentle giants. They are quite docile and exhibit very little hostility towards one another. Although there is always a chance of harm when you are near wildlife, you may greatly reduce the dangers by being cautious, taking safety precautions, and abiding by park regulations.
Activities;
Trip Starts from US$1,200
Experience the marvels of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with Kyamba Safaris Ltd. This unique park, geographically positioned in Southwestern Uganda, is well renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, including being a sanctuary to 54%—nearly half of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the whole world. Enveloped in mystery and biodiversity, this charming forest stands as evidence of the power and resilience of nature.
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