Exploring Bwindi Forest National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park. Bwindi Forest is located in southwestern Uganda, right on the edge of the western rift valley, covering about 321 square kilometers. This remarkable forest lies along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is globally famous for being home to mountain gorillas.
In fact, Uganda is the top destination in the world for those wanting to experience the thrill of a mountain gorilla safari. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has even been designated a World Heritage Site for its efforts to protect and conserve these magnificent animals.
The Gorilla Families of Uganda
Uganda hosts six habituated gorilla groups—five of which are in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each gorilla family has its own name; in Bwindi, they’re known as Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushugura, Bitukura, and Nkuringo. Over in Mgahinga, the family is called Nyakagezi. These gorilla groups are carefully accustomed to human presence, allowing visitors to experience these beautiful creatures up close in their natural habitat.
Right now, only around 650 to 700 mountain gorillas are left in the wild, and nearly half of them reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone.
Why “Impenetrable?”
The name “Bwindi” means “a place of darkness” in the local language, which makes perfect sense! The forest is famously dense with vegetation, making it hard to explore without a guide. The forest is filled with thick afromontane vegetation, featuring towering trees, ferns, and vines that create a lush, green canopy.
Bwindi is also rich in biodiversity, boasting over 324 species of trees, 90 species of mammals, 11 types of primates, and 360 species of birds, including 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
Things to Do at Bwindi
Bwindi Forest offers a range of activities for adventurous travelers:
- Gorilla Tracking: This is the main attraction! Only eight visitors are allowed to track each gorilla group per day to limit disturbance, and permits are $500 per person.
- Bird Watching: With its impressive variety of bird species, Bwindi is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Forest and Village Walks: You can explore the forest trails or visit nearby communities to learn about local culture.
Where to Stay?
Bwindi has several accommodation options, especially in Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija—each a gateway to different areas of the park. Here’s a quick look:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas
- Mid-Range: Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp
- Upmarket: Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Resort
Nkuringo
- Budget: Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite and Bunkhouse
- Upmarket: Cloud’s Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Institute of Tropical Forestry Guest House
- Mid-Range: Bakiga Lodge
- Upmarket: Gorilla Mist Lodge
What to Pack
A few essentials for your trip include:
- Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots are a must, as the forest slopes are steep and often muddy.
- Gloves: Gardening gloves are handy for holding onto vines and nettles in the forest.
- Weather Gear: Bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. The weather can be unpredictable!
- Food and Water: Be sure to bring lunch and water for the day—porters are available to hire if needed.
Gorilla Etiquette
When you’re with the gorillas, remember:
- Keep quiet or speak softly.
- Don’t point or wave your arms, as this can appear threatening to them.
- If a gorilla approaches you, back away slowly to maintain a safe five-meter distance.
- Avoid using flash photography, as it could startle the gorillas and cause them to charge.
Getting There
Bwindi is about a 9-hour drive from Kampala, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially for the rugged routes to Nkuringo and Ruhija. This unique destination combines incredible wildlife experiences with the beauty of dense, tropical forest. A visit to Bwindi Forest National Park is a truly unforgettable adventure!
