10 things to do and see in Bwindi Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 because of its remarkable biodiversity with over 345 species of birds, 221 of butterflies and 120 of mammals.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in the South Western part of Uganda along the border with DR Congo covering an area of 128 square miles.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest is synonymous with gorilla trekking. But visiting Bwindi Impenetrable forest goes beyond being just a Gorilla experience. There is so much else to see, do and experience.
Gorilla Tracking
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famously known for Gorilla tracking also known as Gorilla trekking.That is the reason that most visitors come to this park. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a home to more than 700 Mountain Gorillas an endangered species.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is carried out in Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Rushaga Sector and Nkuringo sector.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest provides an incredible backdrop for this once in a lifetime adventure.
There are four trailheads from which one tracks one of the Gorilla families for which one has obtained permits for.
More Gorilla Families have been habituated for visitors.
That means that there are over 100 Gorilla permits available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Gorilla lovers every day, who can purchase the Gorilla permits at 700 USD.
Tracking begins at 8:00am and the trekking exercise may last from 1 to 7 hours where by Trekkers are allowed to spend 1 hour with the Gorillas. Be sure to wear the right clothing for the trek and bring the things needed.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the best park in Africa for Gorilla Trekking with the added benefit of lower permit prices.
It is also the safest and most secure Park. Gorilla Trekkers must follow Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Regulations.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
This is an amazing experience having to be with a Mountain Gorilla Family as it is being habituated. It is a one of a kind experience in Africa.
This is a new gorilla experience exercise carried out in Rushaga Gorilla Sector or Nkuringo Gorilla sector.
It is only in Uganda that you can be with a Mountain Gorilla Family for 4 hours on a Gorilla Habituation Experience along with researchers in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest.
There are presently two family groups being habituated, meaning that they are becoming used to human contact and will not run away from visitors trekking them.Gorilla Habituation Experience besides the ordinary Gorilla trekking is an exciting adventure itself, where Tourists spend 4 hours with these Gorillas in their natural habitat.
During the habituation,researchers along with the Tourists visit a Gorilla group and prepare it for human interaction thus spending more hours observing and learning more about the Mountain Gorilla lifestyle.
Gorilla Permits for Gorilla Habituation Experience cost 1500USD and Guests must know the right clothing to wear during the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Gorilla Habituation has fewer participants hence more time is spent with the Gentle Giants of the Forest.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Bird watching in Bwindi is one of the prime activities to do in Africa with over 350 species recorded in the park, including 78 montane forest bird species, 23 Albertine endemic species around the waterfall trail and in the Mubwindi swamp land from where Bwindi derives her name.A walk into the rainforest, you could catch a glimpse of a northern double collared sunbird, the shelly’s crimson wing and African green broadbill one of the most sought after species in this part of the country.
Uganda’s national bird the grey crowned crane is a common sighting too!
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is considered as a top Birding Destination in Africa
A Visit with the First People of the Forest “The Batwa”
The Batwa People are pygmies and were the first inhabitants or the original people of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest for years Visit the Batwa people and learn about another culture and people of the Batwa community.
For many years the Batwa people lived in the forests of Southwest Uganda, they hunted and gathered in their beloved forest at a time before any people lived in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. While here the forest provided everything that they needed.
They left a small ecological footprint on the forest and lived in harmony with nature. Conservationists insisted that they were evicted from their traditional home, the Forest.
In those days they had no voice, no representation as they existed as squatters, beggars, accused of being drunkards, marijuana smoking, and lazy people.
Today various organizations have given them a voice, defended their rights as first people, and improved their living conditions, medical care, education and more.
In Bwindi, the Batwa experience in Buhoma and the Buniga Forest Walk is one way of keeping those ancient ways and tradition, the love for the Batwa Pygmy people, and a way of passing on the traditions and culture that had been such an integral part of how they were to their children and grandchildren.
It also restores a bit of their dignity and keeps their cultural practices alive to be passed on to future generations.
Mountain Bike Rides in Buhoma:
Mountain biking in Bwindi is a community initiative named “Ride 4 a woman”.Ride 4 a Woman is a community support group that offers mountain bike rentals and guided bike in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma area of the Park.
It is organized by Buhoma Community Rest Camp and the average Bike Ride is 3 hourstakes or longer length of 13 kilometer well maintained trail to Ivy River departing from the park headquarters in the morning and the round trip takes six to seven hours.
Along this trail, you may see wildlife such as Bush-bucks, Black-and-White Colobus and Red-tailed monkeys.
You can even do the Village Walk on a bike or Birding Bike Rides with our guides.
The guides are all well-trained, some specialize in birding, others in culture but all know Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which they all love and want to conserve.
Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can take one day or one can take the long hike from theNorth “The Ivy River” which 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, of Bwindi to the South called Nkuringo, where one can stay overnight and continue the next day down to scenic Lake Mutanda where you paddle across in a wooden dugout and continue to the town of Kisoro.
This is the most popular hike along two trails of Bwindi over the last few years, especially with those who choose to trek gorillas twice, once in Buhoma and once in the South of the Park.
There are however other trails and nature walks, like the Muzubijiro hike which is a 6km walk around a hill, where you will encounter primates and birds and enjoy a view of the Virungas, where most are from easy to moderate in and near the Forest that can be explored on foot and from an hour to all day long.
Hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always done with a guide.
Village Walks
Community walks can also be arranged for the visitors to meet the local communities and this activity is also considered by very many tourists as an interesting one.
Here you have a 3 hour cultural walk through the village where you learn the ways and culture of the people that live in the Buhoma area on the edge of Bwindi Forest. The village walk is with a local guide who is friendly and knowledgeable about the local culture and customs.
Visit the Batwa (pygmy) families in the area. A village walk around the Buhoma community allows visitors to understand the cultural aspects of the Batwa Forest people, as they perform their cultural dances, introduce their traditional healers; explain their farming methods, and women explain to visitors their weaving skills.
Visitors can also purchase art and craft items made by the local people.
You will see how people make local crafts such as baskets with the most intricate designs, beer made from bananas, and a distillery that makes the local Waragi Gin from bananas.
It is certainly a cultural learning experience and the cost of the walk supports the local community so a win for everyone.
Hikes and Trails in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Park
Not only can you hike through the forest, but there are many hikes and nature walks in and outside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that matches various fitness levels.
For the adventurous ones, this is the perfect way to experience the depth of the impenetrable forest starting from Buhoma. Trails can be found in Buhoma,Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Some of them are birding hikes, while others focus on the scenery of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Munyaga River trail gets you to beautiful pristine waterfalls a truly rewarding experience.
The sounds of the forest and the gentle cover of morning mist make your walk enchanting. Along the way you will see plenty of flora and fauna, black and white Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, lots of colorful butterflies, orchids, tree ferns, epiphytic ferns.
Let us know at the time when you plan your safari with us about your hiking plans.The Hikes and Nature Walks can be added on to your Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest upon request.
Note: Hiking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest one incurs a cost on a daily of Park Entrance Fee plus Ranger Guide Fee per person.
Bwindi Community Hospital
The Bwindi Community Hospital is located in the Buhoma area and it’s considered as one of Uganda’s best rural hospitals. One reason that this hospital is on the cutting edge of Medical Care is that it is being supported in part by donations from Gorilla Trekkers.
The Hospital gives excellent care, including dental, a great children ward and Sight care to the community supported by present and past Gorilla Trekkers to the Park. The infant mortality rate in the area has been greatly reduced and life expectancy dramatically increased. .
Visitors are welcome to come and see anytime the Hospital and it gives a glimpse of what healthcare can be like for rural Ugandans.
Foodie Adventures at the Bwindi Bar and Restaurant in Buhoma
For those who love food and drinks, this is a must go to place while at the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. The Bwindi Bar and Restaurant in Buhoma is the Perfect Stop for the Foodie Adventurer on a Gorilla Trekking Safari in the Buhoma area where Tasty Treats are the norm combining International Fare with locally produced items.
This is the place to go if you want to try out local food like Uganda’s famous Rolex, Cassava chips, Bwindi Salsa, Matooke and groundnut sauce.
You can also order for American coffee and brownies among other internationally known meals. The Restaurant is sponsored by the exclusive Bwindi Lodge and is a training ground for underprivileged youth in the area.
Bwindi Bar and Restaurant is located on the Main Street in Buhoma
