Butterfly watching in Bwindi National Park

Butterfly Watching In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the many activities to do around the national park which is a tropical rain forest located in southwestern Uganda. The forest is a habitat to a diversity of flora and fauna and for this reason, it was declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO in 1996. The park is popularly known for mountain Gorilla trekking and for being a home to half of the world’s mountain Gorilla population. But besides gorilla trekking, the park is one of the best destinations for butterfly watching in Africa. Bwindi is a home to over 310 butterfly species, 8 of these are Albertine rift endemics and 3 of these butterflies occur only in Bwindi impenetrable Forest in the whole of Uganda, that is the Cream- banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), Graphium gudenusi and Charaxes fournierae. Some of the most popular or most common butterfly species found in Bwindi Impenetrable National park are, the Cream- banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), Graphium gudenusi and Charaxes fournierae, African giant swallowtail (Papilio antimachus) and Papilio sosia (Medium Green-banded Swallowtail), spalgis, Lemolea, Pentila alba. Belemois theora, nepheronia thalassina, papilio senobia. Lovers of Butterflies that visit the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Visitors observe these beautiful creatures in their natural environment by taking a guided butterfly watching walk within the forest. Here they get a chance to learn about the different varieties of butterfly species that inhibit this forest. They also learn about the way of life of these creatures, their feeding patterns, breeding patterns and their significance to the eco system of Bwindi impenetrable Forest. Butterflies in Bwindi Impenetrable are easily identified and distinguished with their bright colored and beautiful wings and most Butterflies fly during the day which makes them easy to spot and identify during the guided tours within the forest.

Butterflies in Bwindi Impenetrable national park feed on nectar from the flowers and they also feed on pollens, and fruits which they find within the abundance of this forest. The Forest is a safe breeding place for these butterflies mainly because of availability of abundant food for them and also the favorable weather conditions in this area. Butterfly populations in the Bwindi impenetrable forest are threatened in a number of ways despite their significance in this forest. One of the main dangers to butterfly populations in this forest is habitat loss brought on by deforestation. The other is changes climate which alter the temperatures and the rainfall patterns in the forest thus greatly having an effect on butterflies and their breeding and feeding systems within this forest. The Uganda wildlife Authority has ensured conservation of the Bwindi impenetrable Forest by protecting it and also educating and creating awareness to the communities around Bwindi national park about the importance and significance of this national park. This in turn conserves the animal species that inhabit this forest including the butterflies

What is the best sector for Butterfly watching?

Butterfly watching can be done in any of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable national park. However, Rushaga sector is known to be the best choice sector for butterfly watching. Rushaga sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is one of the most visited trekking sectors of the Park. Most However, this activity can be done in any sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park i.e. Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija.

How much is butterfly watching in Bwindi Impenetrable

At 30 USD, you can take part in a guided butterfly watching experience in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. These fees can be paid on ground when you need to undertake this activity or booked on your behalf by you travel agent prior to your trip.

What is the best time for butterfly watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Butterfly watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be done at any time of the year however, the dryer months that are more preferable, like January, February, July, August, September, October, December. Travelling in the wet months is pocket friendly because in most service providers have discounted rates.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Butterfly watching

By Road; Depending on which sector you will choose to do your Butterfly watching; Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hour’s drive. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma can be accessed through the Kabale-Kannungu route. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way. By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Buhoma and Ruhija however, can be accessed through Kihihi airstrip. There are scheduled chartered flights available daily to these airstrips and the main handlers are Bar Aviation and Aerolink. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable national park give visitors a chance to enjoy the myriad of beautiful butterflies that are in this forest complemented by many animal species that are found in the forest like gorillas, chimpanzees, reptiles, elephants, bird species and so many plant species. the forest also has so many amazing scenic points which visitors enjoy while they walk within the forest. Besides Butterfly watching there are many other activities to do in in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for example Gorilla trekking which is one of the most popular activities, bird watching, Nature walks, Batwa community visits Gorilla habituation, etc.

With a good Tour operator, you can get to plan your trip well and also book reputable service providers to use on the trip. Jewel Safaris is a leading tour operator with many years of experience in safaris within Uganda and East Africa. You can surely plan your butterfly watching trip to any of the sectors of Bwindi impenetrable National park with Jewel Safaris. In conclusion, Butterfly watching in Bwindi impenetrable national park is an experience which is worthwhile. The park with over 310 species of butterflies gives you 99% chances of encountering as many butterflies as possible on a one-day walk within the forest.