The name Bwindi is derived from the local phrase ‘Mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari’, which most probably originally is referred to the Mubwindi Swamp in the southeast of the pack rather than the forest itself. The story behind this name goes back to about a century ago, when, it is said, a family migrating northwards from the Kisoro area found themselves standing at the southern end of a seemingly impenetrable swamp (dark place of Nyinamukari).

The forest was proclaimed as the impenetrable forest reserve in 1932, its official name until 1991 when it was gazetted as a national park and named Bwindi. Realizing that this local name has less allure to tourists than the colonial name, UWA expanded it to be the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi forest is a home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer- but we should not let it distract from Bwindi’s broader biodiversity, a result of its immense antiquity and an altitude span from 1,160 to 2,607m. The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black and white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localized Albertine rift endemics present.

Size: approx. 331 sq. km

Location: Southwest Uganda about 530km from Kampala, the capital city.

Getting there:

By Road;

• Bwindi can be reached from QENP (Mweya)- Kihiihi- Buhoma. This route passes through QENP southerly Ishasha sector, providing a chance for the tourists to stopover and search for the famous tree- climbing lions.
• From Kampala – Kabale- Kanungu- Buhoma ( 5-6 hours’ journey)
• Kampala- Ntungamo- Rukungiri- Kihiihi- Buhoma (5 hours’ journey)
• The kabale- Ruhija- Buhoma, (5-6 hours’ journey)
• Kampala- Kibale- Nkuringo (6-7 hours’ journey)

By Air

Travelers can fly from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to the modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro. Planes can also be chartered to the grass Kayonza or Savannah airstrips. Bwindi is well served by three airfields at Kayonza and Kihiihi for the northern sector and Nyakabande in Kisoro for those going to track gorillas in the southern sector (Nkuringo, Nshongi and Mishaya).

Tourism in Bwindi focuses on gorilla tracking at four locations: Buhoma in the northwest of the park, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo in the southwest and Rushaga in the south. Slightly more than half the world’s mountain gorilla population is resident in Bwindi: an estimated 408 individuals living in 15 troops. Given the focus on gorillas, it may come as a surprise to learn that Bwindi harbours at least 120 mammal species, more than any national park except Queen Elizabeth. 11 types of primates, including a healthy chimpanzee population and substantial numbers of L’Hoest’s, red- tailed and blue monkeys, as well as black and white colobus and olive baboon. A total of 350 bird species have been recorded in Bwindi, a remarkably high figure when you consider that, unlike most other national park checklists, it includes very few water- associated birds. Of particular interest to birders are 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, and at least 14 species recorded nowhere else in Uganda, among them being the African green broad bill, white tailed blue Flycatcher, brown necked parrot, white bellied robin chat and Frazer’s eagle owl.

Climate of Bwindi forest

Bwindi has a tropical climate. Annual mean temperature ranges from a minimum of 7–15 °C to a maximum of 20–27 °C. Its annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 millimeters. Peak rainfall occurs from March to April and from September to November. The park’s forest plays an important role in regulating the surrounding area’s environment and climate.

When should someone visit the park?

Tourists can visit the park any time during the year, although conditions in the park are more difficult during the rainy season. The park is in a remote location, and the roads are in poor condition. Tourist accommodations include a lodge, tented camps, and rooms run by the community located near the Buhoma entrance gate

What to see and do:

Gorilla trekking:

Gorilla trekking is the main attraction as to why people visit the park. Gorilla trekking can be challenging and one needs to be reasonably fit before undertaking to venture into the activity. Registration and briefing at Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga visitor receptions commences at 7:30 am with general briefings conducted at 8:00am. Gorilla trekking starts at 8:30 am and can last from a few hours to a whole day depending on where the gorillas were left the previous day. A maximum of 80 gorilla tracking permits are available each day. Permits cost US$600 per person per visit. Only one group of tourists can visit the mountain gorillas each day and once you’ve found them, you’ll have just one precious hour in their company but the actual time spent with the gorillas for observation and photography is only one hour. Gorilla trekking safaris can be done throughout the year. Permits must be pre- booked at the UWA office in Kampala.

Gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga area

It is only in Uganda where you go on a Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience and presently with two gorilla groups found in the Rushaga area that is Bushaho and Bikingi of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Gorilla habituation is a teaching process for wild gorillas with an aim of getting them familiar with human presence in their jungle forests. The major aim for habituation is to promote mountain gorilla tourism by making sure gorillas live in harmony with human visitors, and don’t attack tourists who go gorilla trekking in Africa. Mountain gorilla habituation is a long process involving gorilla adaption. This is only done by gorilla researchers and well-experienced rangers who meet with the gorillas every single day to train and monitor their progress. Habituation involves giving names to each gorilla and training them to acknowledge these names, while closely observing their behavior. This is very challenging at the beginning as gorillas tend to run away from researchers moving deep into the forests. It is a very slow process that can take years.

Birding in the park

The varied habitats of Uganda’s oldest forest mean it is the ideal habitat for a variety of birds, with 350 species recorded, including 23 endemics (90% of all Albertine Rift endemics) such as the Short-tailed Warbler and Blue-headed Sunbird as well as seven IUCN red data listed species. Easy to see are the African Emerald Cuckoo, Common Bulbul, African Blue and White-tailed Blue Flycatchers and Red-headed Bluebill. Birding takes place along the main trail, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone and Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija.

Cultural encounters in Bwindi

• Buhoma Community Tours / Mukono Development Association

The three-hour village walk begins with a visit to the handcraft shop – selling handmade artifacts such as fabrics, beeswax candles and wood carvings, all produced by talented local craftsmen and women. The neighboring Batwa community performs songs and dances about their former life in the forest, introducing you to another unique local culture. You will also meet the traditional healer who treats the sick with medicinal plants, and the teachers and pupils of the local primary school. Finally, you can learn how bananas are used to make juice, beer and gin – and taste the results!

• Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF)

NCCDF supports local artisans and the local Batwa community through its crafts shop. They train orphans who perform at a nearby lodge, and can make arrangements for visitors to sponsor them. Set in a lush hillside bordering Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with dramatic views towards Congo, Nkuringo is a wonderful place to visit for those who want both a cultural experience and beautiful scenery.

• Buniga Forest Nature Walk

Discover the gorgeous hidden treasures of Buniga Forest and its diverse flora and fauna on this trail, led by locals who are expert regional guides. Buniga Forest Reserve is one of the three remaining pocket forests adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Due to the increased encroachment on the forest and associated loss of biodiversity and other forest resources, the trail was created by Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF) to protect the forest and manage it for ecotourism activities.

Other activities around the park

Though gorilla trekking is the main tourism attraction, range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of Uganda’s loveliest rainforests. Mountain biking is also a good activity around Bwindi. This is usually done through a well maintained trail 13km trail of Ivi river from the park office. The following walks can be arranged to depart in the morning at 9:00am and in the afternoon at 2: 15 hours.

• Muyanga Waterfall Walk departs from Buhoma along the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail and culminates in the sensational sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.
• Rushura Hill Walk passes through one forest shared by two countries. On a clear day you can view Lakes Edward and George and the Rwenzori Mountains as well as the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.
• Muzabajiro Loop is a 6km walk around a hill, where you will encounter primates and birds and enjoy a view of the Virungas.
• The Ivi River Walk is 14km and takes around seven hours. The trail passes a place known as Mukempunu – meaning “a place of pigs” – where wild pigs can often be found.
• The Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail takes three to four hours, and crosses right through the park, connecting the two villages and offering impressive views of the misty hillsides as you ascend the hills towards Nkuringo. You can leave our luggage with your driver, who will meet you at the other side. This trail can also be completed as part of the Ivi River Walk.
• The Habinyanja (Raleigh) Trail takes 4-6hrs. After crossing the Munyaga River, it takes in a fairly steep ascent of the Habigorogoro and Riyovi Ridge overlooking Buhoma River. Found along this trail is the legandry “African Corner” named after a rock piece depicting a map of Africa. Following the steep ascent, keen hikers can enjoy a more relaxed gentle slope to the mighty Habinyanja swamp. Birders on this trail should watch out for the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck and Black Bee Eaters, among others.

Where to stay

There are a lot of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation in the four sectors of Bwindi as listed below.

Buhoma Area

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Buhoma Lodge
• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
• Silver back Lodge
• Engagi Lodge
• The Haven
• Bwindi Lodge
• Mahogany Springs

Rushaga Area

• Chameleon Hill
• Mutanda Lake Resort
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge

Ruhija Area

• Bakiga Lodge
• Broad bill Forest Camp
• Gorilla Friends Camp

Nkuringo Area

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo Safari Lodge