Bwindi National Park: Introduction
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects an predictable 320 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.
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. One requires to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.
Locate the Bwindi National Park
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
There are four different hubs for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These are Buhoma in the northwest, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southwest. The four hubs are several hours apart by road.
If Bwindi is visited as part of a Ugandan tour, the oldest and most popular gorilla trekking hub of Buhoma can be reached from the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in 2 to 3 hours* and from other sectors in 4 to 6 hours*. It is 5 to 7 hours* by road from Lake Mburo National Park to the various trailheads. If coming straight from Entebbe or Kampala, the trip by road will take at least 10 hours*. During the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November), travel by 4WD vehicle is necessary for some trailheads.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is where most visitors enter the country. It is 46km/29mi from the capital city of Kampala. It is possible to fly by domestic carrier from Entebbe or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to the towns of Kihihi or Kisoro, near Bwindi. Some visitors prefer to fly to the Rwandan capital Kigali, which is far closer to Bwindi than Entebbe is, and then drive from there.
Best time to visit
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open for gorilla trekking all year long, but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. This is when forest trails are relatively dry and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of viewing gorillas in dry weather is higher during these months. This might result in a better overall experience, and taking photos will be easier.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a wet but mild climate. Temperatures remain consistent throughout the year due to its closeness to the equator. Daytime temperatures of around 22°C/72°F are usual, with a significant drop at night to about 12°C/54°F. Bwindi might receive rain at any time of year. As a rule, however, the months of June and July are the driest, while March to May and September to November are the wettest. Waterproof clothing and hiking shoes are essential.