Established in 1991, the 331sqkm misty tropical rainforest is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda; located in three districts of kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu in the southwestern part of the country. The name is derived from a local runyakiara word “Mubwindi” to mean “palace of darkness”. It is aligned to its lush bamboo, ferns, vines and several plant covers. This is home to a half of the total population of mountain Gorillas in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority; a body that ensured the parks biodiversity is protected, the animals and birds are safe.
Sectors and activities in Bwindi National Park.
Bwindi impenetrable national features four sectors you can pick for trekking or any other activity.
Buhoma sector: is the oldest sector in the park located in the northern area, with about 15 gorilla families, and safari lodges. Buhoma sector is not so raised thus suitable for even the elderly to trek. Activities at this sector include: nature walks, cultural tours, and Gorilla trekking. It is the first sector to be visited by tourists with the first habituated family called Mubare. The other notable families include; Habinyanja, Rushegura formed in 2002 and Katwe gorilla family which was formed recently.
Rushaga sector: is located in the southern part of the park, thus one of the most visited sectors. It is accessible from Kigali Rwanda through Cyanika boarder post.
Rushaga sector harbors 10 Gorilla families, and the landscape is suitable for youthful adults who have enough energy to Hike. Rushaga sector also offers habituation experience, where visitors can spend about fours with their relatives. Gorilla families in this sector include: Nshogi gorilla family; Bweza, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Bikingi, mishaya gorilla family, kutu family, busingye gorilla family, rwigi family and Tindatine family.
Ruhija sector: is situated in the eastern part of the park. The landscape is raised thus offering a little challenging hike thus best for young people. Activities in this sector include; cultural tour with the Batwa pygmies; gorilla trekking and bird watching. Gorilla families in this sector include: Oruzogo family; Bitukura gorilla family, and Kyaguriro gorilla family
Nkuringo sector; This sector requires energetic people because of the high-altitude nature. It is located in the southern part of the park; and easily accessible. This is home to; Nkuringo gorilla family with about 13members; Christmas family with about 9 members, Posho family with 17 members, and Bushasho family, and
Park entrance fees and gorilla permits in Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable national park’s primary activity is gorilla trekking, and all those who engage in it are expected to have a valid gorilla trekking permits acquired through a licensed tour operator. Only persons aged 15 years and above are eligible to trek at a cost of 800$ per person for foreign non-residents; 700 USD for foreign residents and 300,000 UGX for east Africans.
A Gorilla family is tracked by a maximum of 8 people led by an expert ranger guide with vast knowledge of the forest.
Best time to visit Bwindi, how to travel and where to stay?
Bwindi impenetrable national park is open to visitors all year round, with the best months being the dry months; June to September and December to March. This is the peak travel season which requires early booking to get the chance of a trekking permit on your preferred dates. Last minute booking is also possible as long as there is a permit available for the sector and date chosen.
Lodging ranges from budget to luxury facilities, with the right thing to do being reserving in the very sector you intend do gorilla trekking from.
You can reach the park by road from Kigali Rwanda-5-6 hour drive; or from the capital city Kampala on a 9-10 hour scenic drive. A faster and less tiring journey is to get a flight from Entebbe to Kihiihi airstrip on a 1-2 hours’ flight.
In conclusion; Bwindi impenetrable national park should be everyone’s first vacation pick. Half of the total mountain Gorilla species are offered asylum here. Book your trip at least six months in advance to chance the permit availabilities as there is a possibility of missing out your preferred dates as the demand for this destination is high. One can also combine Bwindi national park with other national parks like Queen Elizabeth national park, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo National Park located in the same region.