Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
National Park
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Click here to get a detailed brochure of the National Park.
Our Take
Though there is so much to do in and around the mountainous jungle of Bwindi, the main attraction remains a trek with the mountain gorillas – and why not? Breathtaking! But add a day or two at least on the way there or back to see Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth NP.
We choose lodge accommodation in Bwindi for you to relax before and perhaps after your gorilla trek. There are some great examples at most of the gorilla centres.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
As its name suggests, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is a dense ancient rainforest, hitherto called “jungle”. It is also a mountainous area reaching a highest point of 2,600m with steep ridges and valleys. The trail through the park itself rises to over 2,300m through thick forest with magnificent scenery and occasionally distant views making it a worthy adventure in its own right. And there is much to do here. But, of course, Bwindi is dominated by global interest in the endangered mountain gorillas of which Bwindi, Uganda contains by far the largest remaining number.
Mountain Gorillas
A trek through the jungle to spend an hour up close and personal with our very close cousins, the mountain gorilla, is on many a bucket list and is often a key driver to why you may wish to visit Uganda in the first place. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Permits are limited but Uganda has 5 centres for gorilla trekking: four in Bwindi IFNP at Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo; and one in the separate Mgahinga National Park on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. So, if you book reasonably in advance, or are flexible on date and location, then we should be able to secure permits for you and your group.
Culture
Historically, Bwindi was home to the Batwa people, the “Forest Keepers”, a pygmy tribe whose origins date back over 50,000 years. Expelled from Bwindi when it was established as a National Park in 1991, their future is increasingly uncertain but you can learn about their rich culture and support their community programmes by participating in the Batwa Cultural Experience.
The Facts
- Gazetted as a National Park in 1991. 321 sqkm
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mountain and dense ancient rainforest: 1,160m to over 2,600m.
- Home to around 450 mountain gorillas, half the world’s remaining population
- 120 mammal species, 351 birds.
- Lies on the Albertine Rift Valley in SW Uganda
- Name means “impenetrable” in local Runyakitara language
Location
Bwindi’s location to the south-west of Uganda is close to other activities and places of interest, such as the mystical Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutande, accessed over the mountain pass to Kisoro, and Ishasha and Queen Elizabeth National Park accessed by trail to the north and west. But there are also many other activities in Bwindi itself – perhaps test your adrenaline with a rafting adventure through the jungle on the Biriri River?
Camping In Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP
We’ve tried camping in a number of places here but are still on the lookout for a great pitch. To an extent this reflects our preference to always choose the best option for you. Bwindi is high up and cold; the weather is very unpredictable and we are normally here to prepare for a gorilla tour early next morning, which – despite our excellent camping set up – is best done from the comfort of your own room with space – perhaps in the dry – to lay everything out. There are some excellent mid-range lodges in Bwindi, which – pending an ongoing quest for the perfect camp spot – we currently recommend as the best option.
Mid-Range Lodges
We use and recommend mid-range lodges at three of the Bwindi gorilla centres.
At Rushaga, there is the excellent Rushaga Gorilla Lodge in a fantastic setting with a great set up and facilities and close to the gorilla trekking centre. Very friendly with great food and views from the restaurant and a huge swimming pool to relax after the trek.
At Ruhija, there is Agandi Eco Lodge – again great location and views including a spectacular sunset over the mountains. Very friendly, great food, a lodge fire for the cold, fires in your room and hot water bottles.
And finally, at Buhoma, Ruhondeza Lodge, run by one of the retired gorilla guides, a charming lodge and gardens.
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