The impenetrable forest reserve was gazetted in 1942, up graded to the Bwindi impenetrable national park in 1992 and recognized as a world heritage site in 1994. In the local Lukiga language, a Bwindi actually means ‘impenetrable’. This double warning is apt, for Bwindi is all but impenetrable; 327 sq km of tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys and high, ridges. But if the terrain is far from easy to negotiate, it is well worth the effort. A trek through this, one of Africa’s most ancient rain forests, in search of the endangered mountain gorilla, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night. The annual average temperature range is 7 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required, plus wet weather gear since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain/year. This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March to May and heavy rains in September to November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.
Things to Do in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Buhoma;
Bwindi’s tourism site is Buhoma on the northern edge of the forest. It is the trail head for gorilla tracking within the three gorilla groups and a wide range of accommodation is available. Though gorilla tracking is the main attraction, a range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of uganda’s loveliest rain forests. These walks can be arranged to depart in the morning at 09:00 and in the after noon at 14:15.
- Munyanga river trail in the valley below buhoma provides an ideal short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge.
- Waterfall trail leads through one of uganda’s most pristine tracts of rain forest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns and orchids to visit three sparkling waterfalls.
- Rushura hill trail provides expansive views across the plains of the western rift valley to the west and (on clear days) lake Edward and the rwenzori to the north.
- Muzabajiro loop trail climbs to the summit of rukubira hill for breathtaking views of Bwindi forest, the western rift valley and the virunga volcanoes
- River Ivi trail follows an old road through beautiful forest emerging near Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.
Buhoma Community Walks
The local community operates a village life. Sites visited included a typical homestead, the traditional healer and a banana beer brewery. Local dance groups also perform traditional dance and music in the evenings by arrangements. Proceeds from these events are used for community development projects.
Nkuringo
As the crow flies, Buhoma is just 10 km from Bwindi’s second gorilla tracking location at Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. However this distance is covered by the impenetrable forest and the lovely walk between the two sites takes at least four hours. The Nkuringo trail head lies on the isolated Nteko ridge which enjoys grandstand views across Bwindi forest to the north and towards the Virunga volcanoes in the south.
Gorilla tracking is the primary activity at Nkuringo. Visitors should be fit as the park boundary lies in a steep valley 600m below the road. This provides good exercise before and after tracking gorillas.
Nkuringo Community Walk
villagers at Nkuringo operate a community walk that visits a traditional healer, rural homestead, blacksmith, and brewers.
Ruhija
Visitors with their own vehicles should consider crossing the centre of the park from Buhoma park headquarters through Ruhija (a 4WD is essential). This ridge top route offers vistas into deep valleys containing undisturbed rainforest. Watch out for duiker, primates and both forest and grassland bird species. At Ruhija, birders should take the 3-4 hikes to visit the Mubwindi swamp. Visitors may also climb through the bamboo zone to find afro-montane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.
Gorilla Families in Bwindi
In Uganda, there are currently 8 habituated gorilla groups that are tracked by tourists. Though, it must be stressed that the eighth gorilla group in Uganda, the Nyakagezi Group based in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is currently not bookable at Uganda Wildlife Authorities as the family have a very large range. They spend their time crossing over into Rwanda and back into Uganda. These permits are normally sold the day before tracking at the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Headquarters. Therefore, we do not recommend this family for reliable sightings.
During 2009, however, the Uganda Wildlife Authority started to habituate 2 additional gorilla groups in Bwindi: the Kahungye (Kahungye) Group (Nkuringo & Rushaga) and the Oruzogo Group (west of Ruhija). It is hoped that these 2 gorilla groups will increase the number of available gorilla permits.
Gorilla Families
There are 36 different gorilla groups in the Virunga Volcanoes Massif. Of the 480 Virunga Volcanoes Massif gorillas 352 (73%) are habituated (349 in groups; 3 solitary males), while 128 are un-habituated (117 in groups; 11 solitary males). With the addition of the 2 newly habituated Bwindi gorilla groups approximately 50% of the Bwindi gorillas will be habituated throughout the 28 Bwindi gorilla families.
Uganda’s 8 Habituated Gorilla Groups that are tracked by tourists
There are 10 gorilla groups that have been habituated for gorilla tracking in Uganda.
Mubare Group Family
Family size: 6 members with 1 Silverback.
Location: Buhoma
Habinyanja Group Family
Family size: 20 members with 2 Silverbacks.
Location: Buhoma
Rushegura Group Family
Family size: 20 members with 1 Silverback.
Location: Buhoma
Bitukura Group Family
Family size: 13 members with 4 Silverbacks.
Location: Ruhija
Nkuringo Group Family
Family size: 18 members with 2 Silverbacks.
Location: Nkuringo
Nshongi Group Family
Family size: 25 members with 2 Silverbacks.
Location: Nshongi/Rushaga
Mishaya Group Family
Family size: 12 members with 1 Silverback.
Location: Nshongi/Rushaga
From the main headquarters in Rushaga, clients will often set off on foot or take a 30min drive to the trailhead. The Silverback Mishaya left the Nshongi Group with 9 others in July 2010 to establish the Mishaya Group.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Family size: 16 members including 1 silverback
Location: Buhoma – Ruhija
The Oruzogo group is one of the newest gorilla families that opened up for tourism in Bwindi National Park. This family is situated between Buhoma and Ruhija and is lead by the dominant Silverback Tibirikwata. The group consists of 16 individuals including two babies that were recently born.
Nyakagezi Group
Family size: 9 members (incl. 3 Silverbacks)
Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Kyaguriro Gorilla Group