Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 331 square Kilometers of pristine pre medieval forest. Right at the edge of the Albertine rift, the altitude ranges from 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level. The park was designated a UNESCO world Heritage site due to its beauty and ecological uniqueness. The pre medieval forest is home to amazing wildlife but is predominantly known for its Mountain gorillas. With over 400 gorillas, the park is habitat to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. More to that, other primate species, wildlife, fauna and birds call this impenetrable forest home. With 350 bird species, some endemic to the region, the forest is a bird lover’s paradise.
Wildlife
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas. The park has 4 gorilla trekking sectors with 11 habituated gorilla families ready for trekking. Other primates in the forest include; White and black colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and chimpanzees. More to that, forest elephants bush backs and forest dickers are occasionally seen as you hike through the forest. With its impressive list of bird species, you are sure to have a spectacular birding safari.
Birding
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top destinations for birding in Uganda. Of the 350 bird species in the park, 14 are not recorded anywhere in Uganda. 23 of these bird species are endemic to the Albertine rift. The months of November to April sees the arrival and departure of the migratory birds in the forest. Some of the bird species in Bwindi include; African green pigeon, crowned hornbill, African carrier hawk, cinnamon chested bee-eater, Giant kingfisher, black faced warbler and many more.
Mounatin Gorillas Uganda
Best time to visit
Bwindi impenetrable national park is open all year round with all activities running. However, some seasons are preferable for the safari activities in the forest. The dry seasons of June-August and December-February ensure a dry trek through the impenetrable lush green forest.
Weather and climate
Due to its close proximity to the equator, Bwindi experiences mild and wet climate. During the day, temperatures will go as high as 23°C/73°F and will drop as low as 11°C/52°F in the night. Although Bwindi receives rainfall throughout the year, most of the rain falls in the months of March-May and October-November. As you prepare for your visit to Bwindi, remember to pack some warm clothes, comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof clothes.
How to get there
The park is located 495km from the capital city Kampala, a 9 hour’s drive. The drive time can be shortened by visiting other national parks along the way. You can fly in from Kigali international airport in Rwanda which is 164km from the park, a 5 hour’s drive. A scheduled flight from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airfield and a 2 hour’s drive will get you to Bwindi.
