Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, at the edge of the western Rift Valley, and is surrounded by a rich rainforest. The park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, 120 mammal species, including primates like baboons and chimpanzees, 23 Albertine endemics, and more than 350 bird species. Numerous exciting activities await you in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, such as gorilla trekking, which is the most popular activity. Gorilla habituation, cultural experiences, hiking through the forest, various trails in and out of Bwindi, birdwatching, village activities, and mountain biking in Buhoma and other regions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, housing half of the world’s total. It is recognised as the premier tracking destination in Uganda and East Africa. This one-day adventure involves an incredible trek through the dense tropical rainforest in search of the King of the Jungle, offering a truly unforgettable experience. The term ‘impenetrable’ should not deter you; the park is accessible and provides ample space for trackers, along with opportunities to encounter other wildlife and plant species within the forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features four tracking locations: Buhoma in the northern sector, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern region, and Ruhija in the east. Each sector is home to its own families, which are prepared exclusively for trekkers. It is essential to note that each family comprises over 15 habituated members, all led by a silverback. Following the introduction of newly habituated gorilla families, the total count is estimated to have reached 18 families as of December 2018.
The process of gorilla habituation is quite lengthy, taking over 2-3 years to acclimate these gentle creatures to close encounters with tourists without causing them distress. Gorilla tracking typically involves around 8 participants per day, depending on the sector, and begins early in the morning at the park headquarters after a briefing. The trek lasts approximately 6 hours, including a one-hour encounter with these remarkable primates. Park guides assist by clearing foliage in the forest to ensure a clear path for visitors.
Visitors interested in gorilla tracking must obtain a tracking permit, which serves as their pass to explore the forest. Permits can be booked through the reservations’ office at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters or through a licensed tour agent.
The tracking sectors in Bwindi include families such as Buhoma in the north, which comprises gorilla groups like Rushegura, Katwe, Mubare, and Habinyanja. The Nkuringo area in the south is home to groups such as Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bushaho. The Ruhija sector in the east includes groups like Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Mukiza, while Rushaga in the southern region features groups such as Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Rwizi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi, Kutu, and Bikingi.
