Located in South Western of Uganda at Kisoro district, the size of the park is 321sq km, the altitude ranges from 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level. The Mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda in April 1993. Nine groups are now habituated for tourism, and one group for research. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, Bwindi is the source of five major rivers, which flow into Lake Edward.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist- covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests, 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, which can be tracked.
This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi is a home to at least 200 butterfly species including the eight albertine rift endemics. Also a home to many reptiles.
The neighboring towns of Buhoma and Nkuringo both have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas, and budget campsites, as well as restaurants, craft stalls, and guiding services. Opportunities abound to discover the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy cultures through performances, workshops, and village walks.
Activities in Bwindi
Not only gorilla trekking activities in Bwindi! You can combine overall experience in Bwindi impenetrable, Village/Culture Walk: Local guide involves visiting the local communities set up and interacting with them, it is an activities that will give you an insight how tourism works with communities in the area, visit local craftsmen and women displaying their skills of weaving baskets, visit brewing of the local beer, visit a traditional healer to explain the different herbs that treat different ailments, this village walk takes 3-4 hours.
Bird Watching: the forest of Bwindi is most certainly one of the best birds watching destination in East Africa, in the forest, inhabits rough estimated 190 different species of birds.
Forest Walk: it is UNESCO world heritage site that explain the nature magnificent, 4 Major forest walk trail, Munyanga river trail, Water train, Ivy river trail and Muzabajiro, there are other walking trails includes Rushura hill, Bamboo and Mubwindi trails.
Bwata culture Experience: Visit the Bwata Village where you will meet and interact with Bwata people, they will show you their homes and enlighten you on their past and present lifestyle, hunting techniques and craft making skills. Biking: Ride 4 a woman is the women project that runs mountain bike tours with well maintained bikes. Cycling across the village takes up to 3 hours.
