Location of Bwindi national park
Bwindi national park is located in south western Uganda in the districts of Kanungu, Rubina, and Kisoro it is situated on the edge of the western rift valley and it boarders Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. The park is nestled in Kigezi highlands. Bwindi national park has over 459 mountain gorillas almost half of the worlds remaining population, impenetrable forest is one of the best places on earth to experience gorilla trekking offering visitors to get a chance to come face to face with the majestic primates in their natural habitats.
The park is located in between Rwandan and Congolese boarders. The impenetrable forest is located within fertile and scenic highlands that are picturesque parts of Uganda, Bwindi is characterised with steep slopes that are covered in terraced cultivation of the Virunga volcanoes.
The Geographical location
The park is Kigezi Rukiga highlands of south western Uganda in the districts of kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. Bwindi has different sectors including Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, and Buhoma is the pioneer sector and best accessed and the availability in Buhoma is aways less the permits of Buhoma sell out fast because it is easy to trek in Buhoma than any other sector.
How to access Bwindi national park
By road
This is the most common way to reach Bwindi national that is from Kampala via Ntungamo to Rukungiri then to Buhoma where the park head quarters are located and it is about 9 to 10 hours and during the journey these are points of interest along the way, the equator in kayabwe, top over at lake Mburo for wildlife viewing, Igongo cultural centre in Biharwe along masaka Mbarara high way and finally lake Bunyonyi in kabale.
By air
For those that want quicker journeys will board a plane from Entebbe or kajjansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip or to Kisoro airstrip and it is 1to 2 hours.
Things to do in Bwindi national park
Gorilla trekking
Bwindi national park is a home to the half of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas to access these mountain gorillas you must be having a permit and only 8 individuals are allowed per gorilla family from the age of 15 those are the only people permitted to go for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking takes place in different sectors Buhoma, Nkuringo Ruhija and Rushaga so visitors will trek in the sectors they booked.
Mountain hiking
Kigezi region it is where Bwindi national park is located and is a mountainous area with beautiful scenery’s lodges in Bwindi have bikes you can rent and go do mountain hiking and can be done from lvi river trail from Buhoma park headquarters.
Community walks and cultural experiences
The community surrounding Bwindi Forest is the Batwa people, here are some of the activities to do during community visits there are activities hunting, gathering of fruits, craft making and tasting their the local food.
Bird watching
Bwindi national park is prime Uganda birding spot and it is one of the birding spots in Uganda with over 350 bird species and these include 23 Albertine rift endemics which are recorded no where in Uganda apart from Bwindi national park, so Bwindi national park gives double opportunity trekking the gorillas and bird watching at the same time, and birding is mostly done in Ruhija sector.
Nature walks
Nature walks in Bwindi national park give you an opportunity to see the park clearly with the help of the armed ranger guide, and the walks normally take place in Nkuringo Buhoma which takes 4 hours to cross rush hill walk a trail through the forest which is in-between Congo and Uganda and you will be able to see other primates like monkeys, birds and butterflies. And also, there are some trails followed and these include
Muyanga waterfall walk. Departs from Buhoma along the river lvi Nkuringo trail
Rushura hill walk.it passes through a forest and it is shared two clear countries and on a clear day you will be able to see lake Edward and Rwenzori mountains and peaks of Virunga volcanoes.
The Buhoma -Nkuringo trail it takes 3 to 4 hours connecting the two villages and offering impressive views of Nkuringo.
Gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla habituation experience creates a more valuable encounter of gorillas, and this enables visitors to spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas and only 4 people are allowed to participate and it requires booking in advance.
Cycling and biking
The forest provides well maintained adventurous trails for cycling and biking and the activity starts from Buhoma the park headquarters as you are cycling you will be able to see bushbucks, baboons, plants, frogs and chameleons.
Rules and regulations when you are with mountain gorillas
Do not eat before the gorillas because it attracts the gorilla and it my lead to spread of disease.
Keep a distance of 7 metres away from gorillas to prevent the spread of wildlife disease
Do not smoke when you’re with gorillas
When taking pictures don’t use flash light because light irritates the gorillas
Only one hour is allowed to stay with the gorillas during gorilla trekking.
Speak at low volume do not make noise even after finding the gorillas keep your voices low.
Why would you book with African vacation safaris your visit to Bwindi national park
African vacation safaris our aim as tour operator is to provide personalized service with at most dedication to the safety and memorable adventure of our clients with discounted and affordable packages that we provide to our esteemed clients.
In conclusion gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi, is to tell it in detail for example the morning at Bwindi national park is most beautiful when looking at the mist from the forest even when sun comes out and the place is quiet and only broken by the calls from birds. All in all, the scenery of Bwindi national park is rich and beautiful a visitor on Uganda primate safari tour should not miss out on visiting Bwindi national park the home of apes.