Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site 331 square kilometers found in south-western Uganda spanning from lowland forest to montane forest. The park specifically established as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla and is one of the only three mountain gorilla trekking destinations in the world. Although the mountain gorilla is the visitor’s favorite, the park stands to offer a lot more engaging yet exciting activities including the following;
Gorilla trekking
This is the major activity in the park. You will venture through the dense impenetrable forest of Bwindi trekking for the endangered mountain gorilla in the company of park rangers or guides. There are a number of sectors from which to trek and various habituated gorilla families to choose from. Some of the sectors are Rushaga gorilla sector, Nkuringo gorilla sector and Buhoma gorilla sector. Meanwhile visitors get one hour with the majestic primate taking photos and observing their behavior.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation is carried out Rushaga sector of Bwindi. The activity involves visitors accompanying researchers and guides as they conduct the process of getting gorillas used to the presence of humans making them ready for trekking. Unlike with gorilla trekking, during gorilla habituation the visitors spend more time with the primates that is 4hrs observing, capturing those priceless moments with your camera. It also offers visitors a chance to be part of science.
Bird watching
The forest is one of Africa’s greatest birding destinations with a diversity of over 350 bird species including 23 bird species indigenous to the Albertine Rift while 14 are exclusive to Bwindi. However some of the birds are; African Green Broadbill, short tailed warbler, blue-headed sun-bird, Gruel’s Rush Warbler, Kivu Ground thrush, dusky crimson wing among others.
The Batwa cultural encounter
The Batwa tour will take you back in time as you witness how this community go about their daily lives minus electricity or technology. The original keepers of the forest live a simple life of hunting, gathering fruits, use stone age methods of making fire by rubbing sticks together, live in grass thatched houses finished with mud. Learn firsthand how they use naturally sourced herbs from the forest to cure illnesses and their immense knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants.
Forest walks/hiking
Wend your way through well preserved trails in the park guided by a park ranger. For example, the Munyanga river trail will have you on a journey to the stunning waterfalls, the Nkuringo trail that leads you to the forest and endure challenging hikes in Kashasha river trail. Or you can choose to walk from Ruhijjah to Buhoma.
Mountain Biking
Explore the forest by bike in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Ride a bike through newly demarcated trails around the forest to the Ivi river. The 6-7-hour trail includes stunning views of the wildlife. The mountain biking experience is organized by Buhoma ride for women that was designed to women out of poverty, domestic violence and ease their struggle against HIV.
When to visit
The best time to visit the park is between June and August, December to February. These are the driest months with thin vegetation suitable for trekking gorillas since the trails are also less muddy and easier to hike.