Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable national park is situated in a tropical rain forest located in the south western part of Uganda. The Forest is known for being a home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and for having a diversity of many animal and plant species. Bwindi impenetrable National park was declared by UNESCO as a world Heritage site in 1994 because of its outstanding Natural and cultural values. Numbers of visitors from all over the world flock into Uganda every year to enjoy and explore the adventurous experiences in this Forest National Park. If you are planning to visit, here are 8 activities you can enjoy on your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.![gestation period of Mountain gorillas](https://jewelsafaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gestation-period-of-Mountain-gorillas.jpg)
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park currently has 21 habituated mountain Gorilla Families which can be accessed by visitors. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the thick rainforest in search for mountain gorillas for about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family on that day. This activity can be a bit tiring but the encounter with the gentle giants is such a worthwhile and satisfying experience. To engage in the mountain Gorilla tracking activity, you need to book a Gorilla permit at least 2 Months prior to your planned date of visit. Bwindi has 4 tracking sectors/ gates i.e Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo and this permit grants you access to only one sector to track one of the habituated Gorilla Families in that sector.Key notes for Gorilla Trekking
- Book a gorilla permits 2 months prior to your visit. A Gorilla Permit costs 700USD for foreign nonresidents, 600USD for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East Africans.
- Book accommodation earlier and within the sector of your Gorilla Permit
- It is recommended to book your permit through a trusted tour operator, but if you prefer to do it on your own, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority website and book one.
Gorilla Habituation
![Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park](https://jewelsafaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/gorilla-uganda-primate-trekking-eating-1024x683.jpeg)
Bird watching
Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home to over 348 bird species 42 of which are Albertine endemics. Bwindi impenetrable Forest is one of the top listed destinations for the best bird watching experience in Africa. Some of the species are, African Emerald cuckoo, White tailed blue, African blue, Fly catchers, African green pigeon, Cinnamon-chested bee eater, Crowned hornbill, Giant kingfisher, Kiev gerund thrush, African harrier hawk etc., Birders who visit the park can identify over 100 bird species within one day. Birding can be done anytime of the year, and guided bird watching through the forest costs USD 30.Batwa Cultural Experience
![Echuya Batwa](https://jewelsafaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Echuya-Batwa.jpg)
Hiking /nature walks
Hiking in Bwindi involves taking long walks through the thick rainforest while enjoying the different natural creations in this forest. The hiking experience in this forest is known to be a mind relaxing activity which gets you a chance to discover plant and animal species in their natural habitat. The park has a diversity of animal species like African Forest Elephants, bush bucks, primates like Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, bird species, reptiles, amphibians and a myriad of tree species. Hiking can be done in any of the four sectors of Bwindi and there are nature trails in this forest which have scenic views harmonized with rivers, waterfalls, and streams making the experience so magical. Some of the hiking trails include; Kashasha trail, Mubwindi trail, Bamboo, Muzabajiro loop trail, Ivy River trail, Rushura hill trail, Munyabga waterfall, Rusizi river, and Habiryanja trail. And a guided nature walk / hike goes for USD 30Community visits/ walks
Community walks in Bwindi involve visiting the neighboring communities around the national park. Bwindi Impenetrable is surrounded by tribes like the Batwa, and Bakiga who have a rich culture and historical background. The walks within the communities for take about 3 to 6 hours as you see, interact and learn about the different types of people that live around Bwindi impenetrable national park. The local people are hospitable, welcoming and the children are very cheerful too. The hilly terrain of areas around the park is very beautiful with natural green vegetation and compliments the community walks in Bwindi. As you visit the community, you can engage in activities like basket weaving, painting, craft making, traditional dances and storytelling.Butterfly watching
![Butterfly watching in Bwindi](https://jewelsafaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Butterfly-watching-in-Bwindi.-1024x687.jpg)