Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Western Rift Valley.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The Ultimate Gorilla Tracking Experience

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to approximately 400 gorillas located on the edge of the Western Rift Valley (Albertine rift) in south western Uganda.  Most noteworthy almost a half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas with 12 different families.

In addition, there are 346 bird species, 23 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, 202 species of butterflies, 120 species of mammals, 163 tree species and 100 fern species, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and 400 plant species.

Future more, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has dense under storey of fern, vines and shrubs. In addition, it’s a habitat of 3 waterfalls and home to the Batwa Community.

Mountain Gorilla Groups in Bwindi National Park. 

Buhoma, the park’s headquarters located in the north of the park. In addition, the Buhoma Gorilla Families include Habinyanja, Mubare and Rushegura.

Ruhija, highest gorilla tracking trailhead and lies in the east of park. The Ruhija Gorilla Families are Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro.

Nkuringo covering the south-western area of Bwindi Forest. Furthermore, the most challenging of all gorilla tracking locations. Most noteworthy the Nkuringo Gorilla Family is only one Nkuringo.

Finally, Rushaga covering the southern edge of Bwindi Forest, most of all became a gorilla site in 2009. In addition, the Rushaga Gorilla Families are Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye and Bweza.

Area Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Tracking – 96 permits available daily (8 people per group) and treks generally depart at about 8.30am after a briefing session at 7.30am.

Forest Walks range from 3 – 8 hours and these include;

Munyanga River Trail– Short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge that takes 30 minutes of hiking.

Muzabajiro Loop Trail offers opportunities to climb summit of Rukubira Hill with views of Bwindi Forest, Virunga Volcanoes and Western rift valley.

Rushura Hill Trail provides an expansive view across the Western Rift Valley and sights of Lake Edward and the Rwenzori’s on a clear day.

Water fall Trail – A 3-hour hike with opportunities to view monkeys and general scenery in the forest leading up to 3 sparkling waterfalls.

River Ivi Trail – 8 hour 14km trail through Buhoma to Nkuringo offering opportunities for primate and bird watching.  Furthermore, this trail links Bwindi Forest North Sector to the South Sector!

Bird Watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides great opportunities to view various Albertine Rift Endemics.

Village walks/Cultural Interactions– 3 hours Village walk highlights of local beer brewing, traditional healer/medicine man and a typical homestead of the Kigezi People.

Batwa Experience a fascinating insight into the traditional forest life of the Batwa people.

In conclusion, you can have the Ultimate Gorilla Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Nation Park,  blend traditional lifestyle and folklore, nature walks  and most of all have a thrilling bird watching experience!