Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BIFNP) is one of the most biologically diverse reserve in Africa owing to its antiquity (over 25 years old – Pleistocene Era) with an altitude range between 1,160m – 2,607m above sea level. The Bwindi impenetrable rainforest is at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley a stop center for Uganda gorilla safaris and is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. It has an average rainfall of approximately 1,500mm, and it is a vital catchment area to five major rivers, which flow into Lake Albert. Bwindi, before the encroachment of agriculturalists 500 years ago, was part of a much larger belt of forest stretching south to the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park biodiversity
Bwindi is a tropical montane forest spanning for 331 sq.km at the edge of the Albertine rift valley in south west Uganda known as Kigezi highlands region including the districts of Kabaale, Kisoro and Kanungu. The altitude of the Bwindi ecosystem ranges between 1,160 and 2,607 meters with steep mountains covered by thick afro-montane and lowland vegetation including bamboo. Due to high altitude, the forest is known to have survived the last Ice Age about 12,000 – 18,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when most forests shrunk. Thus, both Bwindi forest in Uganda and Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania remained as refuge for unique afro-montane flora and fauna of the Albertine Rift Valley Region. The vegetation in Bwindi comprises montane primary tropical forests, bamboo and lowland swamps. In particular, there are 220 species of trees including endangered ones such as brown Mahogany. (Which loggers selectively removed for valuable timber before the park was gazetted). In the Ruhija sector south east of the park, there’s a huge Mubwindi swamp – the largest mountain swamp in East Africa. The swamp is found in the valley beneath Rwamunyonyi peak (2607m) the highest point of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with large tracts of bamboo. This is a key birding trail with the Albertine Rift Endemics such as the strange weaver (not easy to find in other parts of Bwindi). The water in the swamp comes from some of over 5 streams and several waterfalls in the forest. That’s why some parts of the forest may stay wet even during the dry season. Therefore, Bwindi is an important water catchment area for the surrounding local communities who depend on natural resources and tourism for livelihood.
Flora
The Uganda National Biodiversity Data Bank (UNDB) estimates that over 10,000 flowering plant species including 200 trees, 104 ferns, shrubs, lianas, epiphytes and medicinal plants can be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest. There are at least 10 tree and plant species that occur only in Bwindi and DR Congo such as Maesobotrya purseglovei, Allanblackia kimbiliensis, Croton bukobensis, Strombosiopsis tetrandra, Brazzeia longipedicellata, Ocotea kenyensis, and Melchiora schliebenii. Furthermore, some of these are endangered species due to several reasons such as unregulated extraction of plants for medicinal purposes. According to the National Forestry Authority (NFA), these are classified as minor forest products, which also include those used for basketry and bamboo for building beehives and granaries. There are over 91 herb species recorded in Bwindi of which 22% are harvested for medicinal purposes and 40% for weaving, particularly papyrus reeds and thatch grass. For instance, the stems, bark, and leaves of Prunus Africana (African cherry) contain antimicrobial properties used in treating several ailments such as fever, diarrhea, prostrate and so forth. Other important plants include Ytigynia kigeziensis used for treatment of parasites in livestock, Smilax anceps – a climbing plant used for making baskets and Cape beech (Rapanea melanophloeos) for carved sticks. This necessity compels local people often to encroach on the park, however. Multiple Use Zones (MUZs) were created in Nkuringo and Buhoma to enhance development through conservation. Thus raw materials are acquired to supply the workshops for manufacturing arts and crafts. Visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics is a unique cultural experience to add to your gorilla safari.
There are also major forest products used for hardwood and fuel including the brown mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Other small hardwood trees include Drypetes (drypetes sepiaria) for beer boat and canoe making and bean sticks. Unlike medicinal plants users who have open access, the usage of hardwood is either seasonal or restricted. This is due the high demand and time it takes for the trees to grow after harvest. As a result, the locals are encouraged to plant alternative hardwood tree species such as eucalyptus.
Fauna
The immense forest is rich in biodiversity including 459 gorillas which is almost half of 1063 world’s mountain gorilla population according to the 2015/2016 gorilla census by Dian Fossey International Gorilla Fund International (DFIGF). Besides gorillas, the protected area is home to 120 mammal species including forest elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, golden cats, large-eared free tailed bat and black fronted duiker; 10 primate species of Bwindi including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, Spectacled lesser and Thoma’s galagos; 357 species of birds of which 23 are Albertine Rift Endemics, 7 are on the IUCN Red List, and 14 are unique to Uganda including the African Green broadbill, white-bellied robin chat, African black duck, Brown-necked parrot, Dwarf honeyguide and Chapin’s flycatcher. There are 310 butterfly species of which 3 occur only in Bwindi including African giant swallowtail (Papilio antimachus), cream banded swallowtail, Kigezi swordtail (Graphium gudenusi) and Charaxes fournierae; 51 reptile species such as three horned chameleon, African hairy bush viper, Kivu four-toed skink, common slug-eater and western forest file snake; 27 amphibians including Rugege forest squeaker and Kivu banana frog and several threatened dragonfly species such as Papyrus wisp and exquisite jewel (Chlorocypha cancellata).
Probably, Bwindi is one of the most critical spots for tropical scientific research and conservation. The Ugandan government deserves praise for taking the initiative to set up an efficient system to protect and conserve Bwindi biodiversity that now acts as a model in several disciplines for other tropical forest wildlife conservation projects in Sub Saharan Africa through the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC).
History of Bwindi gorilla tourism
The multitude of plants and animals in Bwindi is a marvel to behold for nature lovers. Efforts to protect the forest were first brought out in 1932, a time when Roosevelt began the conservation movement in the United States of America. Initially, there were two separate forest reserves spanning 207sq.km: Kayonza and Kasatora which were then combined to form Bwindi Impenetrable Central Crown Forest Reserve (298 sq.km) in 1942. Not until after the independence of Uganda was the park turned into an animal sanctuary in 1964 to protect gorillas. Ugandans awoke to a precious aspect of Uganda safaris – mountain gorilla trekking experience would soon become a goldmine. However, the human population increased with poaching and encroachment becoming a threat to wildlife. Yet, there was little control of illegal activities. The mountain gorilla project had begun in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda in 1979 and remarkably put protection of gorillas and their habitat a priority over anything else. The plan, having intentions to open gorilla tourism in Uganda, got Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park established in 1991 and UNESCO designated it as a world heritage site in 1994. The new conservation status, for a while, set a frightening living experience for the Batwa pygmies who primarily survived by hunting and gathering wild food. They were evicted and access to the forest restricted as well for the general local communities. This occurred across the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA) including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Echuya Forest Reserve. Fortunately, a series of steps were taken to involve the locals in conservation and tourism that has since gone better than the harm the eviction had caused. First off, as soon as Uganda gorilla trekking safaris opened doors to international travelers in 1993, gorilla tourism revenues quickly gained momentum.
Gorilla trekking started at Buhoma sector (park headquarters) where three gorilla families had successfully been habituated. In time, more groups were added and 3 Bwindi gorilla sectors created in the south including Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. By the year 2011, when the first Bwindi gorilla survey was carried out, a total of 15 gorilla groups were habituated. Now, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famous for harboring the largest number of habituated gorilla families with 22 groups available for tracking. There are 2 ways to visit gorillas including the regular 1 hour tracking and the 4-hour gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla trekking has been safe and secure overall, with the exception of the unexpected 1999 rebel attack on Buhoma in the north of Bwindi, which is nearer the DR Congo border Sarambwe Nature Reserve. Since then, there has never been insecurity in Bwindi. Thus, gorilla tourism has evolved into a tool for both economic growth and conservation, producing $25 million in the 2018–2018 fiscal year, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Community based tourism and conservation
Travelers who return early from the gorilla trek can explore the local community at any of the four Bwindi gorilla trekking centers including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. This can be done either through a tour operator, a local site guide or your accommodation provider. Doing so offers the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Batwa pygmies, Bakiga, and Bafumbira. No restrictions on your travels or activities you can do. From Bwindi, you can go further for game viewing in Ishasha Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo National Parks. But those intending to visit nearby places can leave Bwindi immediately after trekking and go to Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda and Lake Chahafi. There are lovely camps and lodges to stay for a couple of days with lots of opportunity to unwind by the pool or even participate in canoe and boat riding, island walking, birding and zip lining.
As indicated above, people living within 115 sq.km from the park boundary are entitled to the direct and indirect benefits of gorilla tourism revenues. Given that locals were restricted from using natural resources from the park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority gives back 10% of each gorilla permit sold to those communities to foster better livelihoods. The revenue sharing initiative supports small scale enterprises for both households and local nonprofit organizations through sustainable farming, arts and crafts making and village walks. Not only that, locals are also included in management and conservation of natural resources. For instance, Multiple Use Zones (MUZs) were created outside the primary forest to allow regulated harvesting resources. This helps mostly women to build their handicraft workshops including medicinal plants for herbalists, honeybee, weaving and building materials. You really have to visit the local projects for unique cultural experiences and volunteering opportunities. Volunteer work at Bwindi is wide ranging from working at Bwindi Community Hospital, giving charity to children and women through the Gorilla Organization to research and conservation with the Institute of Tropical Forest and Conservation (ITFC).
Furthermore, there are several partners including nonprofit local and international organizations working with Uganda Wildlife Authority to achieve gorilla conservation by promoting coexistence between wildlife, people and their domestic animals. This helps in mitigating human gorilla conflicts as well monitoring the possible risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Oftentimes, gorillas tend to move into the community gardens therefore come into contact with livestock. Recent research findings by the public health expert Gladys Zikusoka Karema who founded Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), indicate that gorilla fecal samples that were collected and analyzed contained human and livestock parasites. As a result, several interventions are routinely carried out to monitor and prevent zoonotic disease transmission including deworming livestock.
Challenges
Despite that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is effectively managed, there are several challenges including expanding tourism, lack of reliable access to safe and clean water and sufficient trained staff.
Expanding tourism
The increasing number of gorillas is associated with frequent tourist visits and the potential risk of gorilla disturbance. Now the number of people allowed to visit a gorilla family per day is 8 of which there are over 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. The human interaction with gorillas lasts 1 hour during regular tracking and 4 hours during habituation experience. Understanding the potential risk of disease transmission according to Gorilla Doctors indicates that gorillas are susceptible to influenza, covid-19 and Ebola. Given that the primates share 98% of their DNA with man. Notice that the work it takes to undertake daily monitoring to assess the health of gorillas requires serious scientific research and logistics to equip rangers. The need for sufficient trained staff at different managerial levels of the park therefore poses a challenge.
Access to reliable water sources
Over 100,000 people live in the settlements within 5 kilometers of the border of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, indicating a significant population density there (Working Paper No. 4 on People and Plants, UNESCO, 1996). People living higher on top of the hills have little access to reliable water sources. They must walk long distances to collect water from the valley streams. Oftentimes, they are tempted to encroach the park looking for nearby water sources. Eventually, they end up collecting wood or even setting snares to trap small antelope species which could injure gorillas. In that regard, providing access to reliable clean and safe water is an important aspect of gorilla protection and conservation. This has to some measure been done through the water development project founded in 2012 by Bakiga Community Lodge in the Ruhija sector. The lodge itself is sustainable using rainwater and solar power to generate electricity therefore has supported several households in the Kigezi region to set up over 50 tanks to harvest rainwater and constructed up to 280 springs.
Bwindi Gorilla Sectors
There are 4 Bwindi gorilla sectors which are Buhoma (park headquarters), Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Those planning to visit for several reasons should think about which sector best fits for both lodging and activities to do. To get the exact match though depends on availability, especially of gorilla permits among several factors such as accessibility.
Buhoma
Buhoma, the park’s headquarters is located in the northern part of Bwindi, close to the border with the Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DR Congo. That’s about 460 kilometers (9 hours) by car from Kampala capital city via the Mbarara-Rukungiri-Kanungu road. The sector is also located 160 kilometers south of Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha wilderness which offers the opportunity to look for the tree climbing lions. You can also reach Buhoma by plane (fly in gorilla safaris) via the Kihihi airfield. There are a total of 6 gorilla families in Buhoma, and 3 of them including Mubare (12 individuals), Habinyanja (17), and Rushegura (19) were habituated in 1993. Three other groups — Katwe, Muyambi and Binyindo—were added in 2019. With a maximum of 8 people allowed to visit each group per day, a total of 48 gorilla permits are available for purchase daily at Buhoma through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator. Gorilla treks in Buhoma, particularly those that visit the Mubare and Rushegura groups, tend to be less strenuous due to lower altitudes (1106m). However, this isn’t always the case. Due to the nature of terrain, hiking might still be challenging in general, therefore you should plan to hire a porter.
Given that Buhoma’s tourist industry has a long history, it has attracted upscale accommodations as well as distinctive natural and cultural experiences. For instance, a visit to a Batwa homestead for their prehistoric fire making activity, visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics and a banana beer brewing activity are available for booking after gorilla trekking.
For nature walks, three series of waterfalls in the middle of the forest are accessible via the waterfall path. A 6-hour walking safari is also available, starting at Buhoma through the forest and ending in Nkuringo and vice versa.
Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking
Visiting gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be done throughout the year, however. The best time for gorilla trekking, unless you intend to travel off season, is the dry season between December to February and June to September. Planning your trip in this regard should be at least 3 months in advance due to high demand for gorilla permits available for booking through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or tour operator. Uganda gorilla permit cost is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. This allows you to spend an hour with gorillas in their natural environment. The permit should be kept safely because it will be compared to your passport’s information on the day of the trek. Another important consideration is the gorilla trekking packing list including sturdy hiking shoes, long pants and sleeved shirts and T-shirts or undershirts. A daypack to carry the camera, a rain jacket, snacks, drinking water and toiletries such as insect repellent and hand sanitizer. Gorilla hiking is now prohibited without a PCR-test, which you must obtain on arrival.
In addition to possessing the right equipment, a gorilla trek in Bwindi requires average physical fitness due to the nature of terrain. This is especially for those intending to see gorillas in the sectors of Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo which are the highest in elevation at 2000 meters above sea level. Hiking on foot in search of gorillas can be challenging, however. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and trackers guarantee you to see gorillas. Sure anyone, regardless of age or fitness level can visit gorillas. An emergency airlift to carry those who might encounter difficulties whilst hiking is available at all Bwindi gorilla sectors. Keep in mind that even if you’re allocated to a gorilla family on easier trails, the time it takes to search and find gorillas is hard to predict. That’s why the rangers emphasize hiring a porter even if you think you don’t need help. Porters come from the adjacent local communities. The role they play in gorilla conservation and tourism development is recognized. A porter will carry your bags and give you a helping hand whilst hiking not to slip and fall. The cost of hiring a porter is $20, which doesn’t only help individuals but their families. Given that there are about 200 of them at each of the 4 gorilla centers, the chance for all to work in a month depends on the demand available. Alternatively, you really should look at other local community experiences including village walks, besides, getting a porter.
Gorilla habituation experience
For those intending to spend more time with gorillas, gorilla habituation experience offers 4 hours to track semi-habituated gorilla families including Bikingi with 10 individuals and Bushaho with 9. Gorillas must first spend three to five years becoming habituated, before they are ready for routine tracking. Visitors will be accompanied by habituators including trackers, gorilla doctors and researchers to explore the scientific techniques used including imitations by vocalizations, chewing on vegetation, and walking on knuckles. Because the gorillas are unaccustomed to being around many people, gorillas might exhibit strange behavior. They may frequently move away therefore following them can be challenging. But the 4-hour count begins once gorillas are located. This experience is available only in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There can be a maximum of 4 participants. Gorilla habituation permit cost is $1500 and it’s an essential tool for continued research, conservation and tourism.
Bird watching
Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda is one of the best places to go bird watching because it has 348 species of birds, including 23 Albertine Rift Endemics. Although birding can be done anywhere, those intending to spot some of the endemics, should go to Buhoma and Rhija. Top birding trails in Bwindi include the bamboo trail along Rwamunyonyi peak in Ruhija sector where you are likely to spot the African green-broadbill, stripe-breasted tit and strange weaver. Furthermore, the short-tailed warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Shelly’s crimsonwing, Dusky crimson wing, purple-breasted sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, red-faced woodland warbler, Ladgen’s bush shrike, and Grauer’s warbler may all be found along Ivi River trail in Buhoma. The line between birding inside the forest and in the community is evident only in the checklist.
Community visits
Community visits are a great way for your gorilla safari to make a positive impact and get an opportunity to explore the culture of the local people of Kigezi region including the Batwa pygmies (keepers of the forest) and the Bakiga. For instance, you can see how the Batwa once lived in the forest, such as their prehistoric ancient fire making style. This isn’t a real traditional Batwa living but rather a cultural performance in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors to ensure they benefit from tourism given that they were evicted out to conserve gorillas. Often they have been subjects of marginalization by other members of the community and there are several interventions helping them so that you can still offer your support through the Batwa Development Organization (BDO). Probably, the Batwa trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the most authentic Batwa project where the Gahinga purchased land for them to live a better life. The 4-hour walk along the park boundary on the slopes of Gahinga and Sabinyo volcanoes takes you to Garama caves — their original place where they will perform their traditional dances. Besides the Batwa, there are other unique community experiences in Bwindi including visiting a herbalist for his stunning metaphysics in Buhoma, visiting local schools, farms and nonprofit organizations such as Ride 4 a woman in Buhoma and Bakiga Lodge water development project.
Nature walks
Nature walks are available at all Bwindi gorilla sectors including the waterfall trails in Buhoma and Rushaga sectors. In addition, Buhoma also offers several hiking trails such as the Munyanga River (self-guided) which starts at the visitor center through the river valley on the edge of the forest to the community. The Muzabajiro and Rushura trails take you to the top of the hill where Bwindi Forest merges with Sarambwe forest in the DR Congo. The long distance hiking trail in Bwindi forest is a 15 km walking trail through the forest from Buhoma to Nkuringo and vice versa.
In the Ruhija sector, the bamboo trail offers an opportunity for birding in search of Albertine Rift Endemics such as strange weaver. This is at Bwindi’s highest point known as Rwamunyonyi hill (2607 meters ). In the valley beneath the hill lies the Mubwindi Swamp accessible on foot via a 600-meter steep descent into the valley. Probably, along the trail, you might see fresh tracks of forest elephants or even spot mammal species including black-fronted duiker, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkey and blue monkeys.
Wildlife and tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is famous for gorilla trekking and seeing mountain gorillas is the most done activity. More than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi. About 320 individuals live in 15 troops. This list includes 11 primate species including a healthy population of chimps and a reasonable number of L’Hoest’s, red-tailed and blue monkey, as well as black-and-white colobus and olive baboons. Of the big five, only elephants can be seen.
Presently, Bwindi has 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking split in the four sectors(Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) of the national park. The gorilla groups in Bwindi are Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group,Nshongi gorilla family, Nkuringo gorilla family, Mishaya gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla group, Oruzogo gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family,Kahungye gorilla family, Bweza family, Busingye family and Kyaguliro family. 
Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people for an hour’s interaction. Interestingly, gorilla tourism in Uganda is relatively cheaper at a cost of 600usd compared to 1500usd in neighboring Rwanda.
All Uganda gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the sister Mgahinga Gorilla National park can be done through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for wildlife conservation and tourism in Uganda. Alternatively, gorilla safaris can be booked through any trusted tour operator offering related gorilla safari packages.
A total of 350 bird species have been recorded, a remarkably high figure since it includes very few water-associated birds which make Bwindi the best spot for a Uganda birding safari. Of particular interest to birders are 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift and at least 14 species not yet recorded anywhere else in Uganda. The most seen bird species include white-tailed blue flycatcher, African green broadbill, brown-necked parrot, Frazer’s eagle owl, and white-bellied robin. The park is also home to 200 butterfly species, including 8 Albertine Rift Endemics. A serious butterfly watcher may be able to identify more than 50 varieties in a day.
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking and birding, Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park offers a variety of activities. These include forest walks, cultural tours to Batwa communities, waterfall hiking and caving among others. These activities complement each other making your Uganda safari a lifetime experience.
Popular Tourist ctivties in Bwindi Forest National Park
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Bird watching
- Batwa Community Visits
- Forest Walks
Gorilla Families in Bwindi Forest
- Mubare gorilla family
- Habinyanja gorilla family
- Rushegura gorilla group
- Bweza group
- Nshongi gorilla family
- Busingye gorilla family
- Nkuringo gorilla family
- Katwa Gorilla family
- Christmas gorilla group
- Oruzogo Gorilla family
- Bitukura gorilla group
- Kyaguliro gorilla family
- Mishaya gorilla family
- Kahungye gorilla group
Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people each day at a cost of $600 for a gorilla permit
Gorilla Trek Africa offers you tailor made gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for a close encounter with the endangered gorillas. Contact us for bookings and inquiries!