Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in southwestern Uganda in Kanungu District on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests called Bwindi forest known for its impenetrability hence the Bwindi impenetrable national park derived, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 459 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. You have to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.
Bwindi was gazette as a National Park in 1991 and later declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994. This park was declared national park because it was the only home to three apes; the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the Batwa People. Presently the Batwa People were evicted out of the forest so that the mountain gorillas can be better protected with minimal human interference on the ecosystem.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 501km away from Kampala Uganda capital city and approximately 10 hours drive away along Kampala to Masaka road, Masaka to Mbarara road and Mbarara to kabale road.
Getting to Bwindi impenetrable national park
The easiest means of transport to Bwindi is by road, Bwindi forest can be accessed from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the northern just 2 to 3 hours drive, from Kampala through Mbarara about 6 to 8 hours drive or from Kabale town to the southern just 1 to 2 hours. These roads then converge at Butogota, just 17 kilometers from the Buhoma entrance-gate; the drive is very exciting as it takes tourists through the beautiful countryside of Uganda with scenic views of the gently sloping and terraced Kigezi highlands.
Alternatively travelers can choose to fly from Entebbe or from Kampala at Kajansi airfield to the up to date tarmac airstrip found at Kisoro which then can be connected to Bwindi Park.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi
The best time to visit Bwindi is June to August and December to February because the trails are drier and gorilla trekking is easier (Peak Season). This season always basically or with little rains this makes it easy to walk through the forest.
What to Carry On Your Safari to Bwindi
There are a number of highly recommended to carry while going Bwindi national park for instance a raincoat and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable sometimes, hiking boots, sweaters, pair of good gloves, cameras for capturing beautiful moments, binoculars for viewing.
Accommodation at Bwindi national Park
There are top accommodation facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that you can stay in while on your gorilla trekking safari such as; Bwindi view Bandas lodge, Ruhija gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Chamelon Hill Lodge and many others.
