Top 5 activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National park

Top 5 Activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National park are those must do activities when you come to Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south-western Uganda and the nearest city is Kabale. The park is a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty. It is a home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population since it is a home to over 400 mountain gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors. While the primary attraction is undoubtedly gorilla trekking, there’s a range of activities that cater to different interests. Here are the top five activities to do while in Bwindi Impenetrable National park.

Gorilla Trekking: 

Undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National park by most visitors is to do Gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close of 10 meters to the gorillas and view their way of living that includes the feeding moments, playing moments, mating moment and many more. Bwindi Impenetrable National park is divided into different sectors, each hosting a habituated gorilla family.  Visitors are accompanied by experienced guides and trackers as they venture into the dense jungle in search of the gorillas. The trek itself can be challenging due to the rugged terrain, but the moment you come face to face with a gorilla family makes it all worthwhile. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat, interacting with each other, and going about their daily activities is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that you’ll cherish forever. You can do gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the morning trekking or a full day trek. You can trek for mountain gorillas from 1 hour to 8 hours. You need to buy a gorilla trekking permit that gives you permission to trek which costs 700 USD for Foreign Non Residents, 600 USD for Foreign Residents and 250,000 UGX for East African Community Residents.  Travellers can track among the different four gorilla sectors of Bwindi  which is Buhoma gorilla sector, Rushaga gorilla sector, Ruhija gorilla sector and Rushaga gorilla sector.  We advise you to book for gorilla trekking 3 months prior so as to avoid missing on getting the trekking permit especially in the peak seasons. 

Gorilla Habituation

 This is when travellers walk through the impenetrable forest in search for a gorilla family for adventure purpose or for research purpose on their way of living. You will be able to spend over 4 hours with the gorillas and their family. You will be able to learn about their behaviour and how they interact.  You can do gorilla habituation in one of the four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable since all of them are rich with gorilla families. Buhoma sector in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park has 4 habituated gorilla families, Ruhija sector has 4 habituated gorilla families, Nkuringo sector has 3 gorilla families, and Rushaga sector has 8 habituated gorilla families. You require to book for gorilla habituation permit prior the intended dates. Gorilla Habituation costs 1500 USD for Foreign Non-Residents, 1000 USD for Foreign Residents and 750,000 UGX for East African Residents. 

Nature Walks and Hiking:

Bwindi Impenetrable National park’s lush and diverse ecosystem makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Bwindi Impenetrable National park offers a variety of guided nature walks and hiking trails that allow you to explore different parts of the forest that include the Munyanga River Trail which is a popular choice, taking you through a pristine rainforest with opportunities to spot various bird species, butterflies, and small mammals.  You can walk to the Rushura Hill Trail that offers you panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Waterfall Trail leads you to a picturesque waterfall. While on all these walks, they will provide you a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bwindi while learning about its flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.  Nature walks and hiking costs 30 USD for Foreign Non Residents, 15 USD for Foreign Residents and 10,000 UGX for East African Residents. However, long walks from Rushaga to Nyabaremura is 50 USD for Foreign Non Residents, 40 USD for Foreign Residents and 50,000 UGX for East African Residents. Then long walks from Buhoma to Nkuringo cost 50 USD for Foreign Non Residents, 40 USD for Foreign Residents and 40,000 UGX for East African Residents

Bird Watching:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven for bird watchers, since it is a home to over 350 bird species. The bird species you can see while on a bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National park include many that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Birding enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse range of avian life, from vibrant African emerald cuckoos to the elusive African green broadbill. The Ruhija sector is particularly renowned for its birding opportunities, and with the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can spot and identify various species while traversing the forest trails that include; African Green Broadbill that can only be seen only in Ruhija sector. You will be able to see other species like blue headed sun-bird, Rwenzori night jar, the short-tailed warbler and many more.  

Cultural Encounters:

Beyond its remarkable natural wonders, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and the forest is also home to the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous community with a unique cultural heritage. Engaging in a cultural encounter with the Batwa offers a chance to learn about their traditional way of life, their hunting and gathering techniques, and their deep connection to the forest. You can participate in traditional dances, listen to their stories, and gain insights into how they’ve adapted to the changing world while maintaining their cultural identity.  You will be able to engage with the local communities surrounding Bwindi can be a rewarding experience. Visiting nearby villages provides a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Ugandan people. You can participate in activities such as craft-making workshops, where you learn to create traditional crafts alongside local artisans. Additionally, engaging with the community contributes to the conservation efforts of the park, as it helps to demonstrate the value of preserving the environment and its wildlife. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a well-rounded experience for visitors, combining breath-taking natural beauty, captivating wildlife encounters, and meaningful cultural interactions. As you plan your trip, it’s essential to consider factors such as the best time to visit, permit availability for gorilla trekking (which should be secured in advance due to limited numbers), and the different sectors of the park, each with its unique attractions. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone seeking cultural enrichment, Bwindi has something extraordinary to offer, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.