Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda on the edge of the rift valley near the Rwanda and Congo boarder covering about 331 square kilometers which is about 128 square miles. The mist -covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “Bwindi impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population of Mountain gorillas and 11 gorilla families can be trekked in the forest.

Major attractions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain Gorillas

The forest has about 400 mountain gorillas, the major tourist attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable Park.

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the 2 dry season for mid-December -February and June- September.

Bird watching

Bwindi forest is a home of about 348 species of birds seldom seen in other areas of East Africa. Some of  rare birds in the forest include white-tailed Blue Monarch, Dusky crimson, Bar tailed- Tragon, Warbler, Kivi ground thrush, wilcock’s, Rusty-faced woodland Guel’s Rush Warbler and many others. If you are a bird watcher, you can be in position to identify over 100 species of birds when you visit the park.

The Nature Walks

Hiking in the park is done along the four out land hiking trails that are famously done in the park. While hiking, you will also get educated about the various bird species, primates, butterflies, various tree species and Uganda Safari facts.

River Munyanga walk

A walk along river Munyanga is incredible. There is a famous water fall which gives an attractive feature of the forest. The walk along river Munyanga leads you to 3 attractive water falls which are typical ingredient of a tropical rain forest.

The falls in the forest give you an attractive feature of the butterflies. At the river, there is the Rushura walk which gives you an opportunity to cross the western rift valley. The Muzabajirro walk provides you with an unforgettable view of Bwindi forest.

The ivy river walk

The ivy river walk is mostly recommended for bird watching activity. It is  the longest walk in the park  and  offers an eye catching views like those of a typically Ugandan rural homestead. Along this walk, you will see  captivating  local traditional healers and the banana beer brewing demonstration site plus enjoying some of the traditional cultural performances.

Accommodation facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When you are  in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Safari lodges can be got at Buhoma, Nkuringo, Nyundo, Ruhija, Rubuguri and Rushaga. Buhoma is the busiest town and lies 10 kilometer from Bwindi’s second  gorilla tracking location – Nkuringo at the southern edge of the forest. Buhoma provides accommodation facilities that favor both budget and upper market travelers/tourists. Some of the facilities in the park include;

Lake Kitandara camp

Lake Kitandara Camp is located just adjacent to the forest with great primates camp.  At the camp, there are a number of bird species which make the stay of visitors favorable and  lovable to tourists. The camp has over 20 lavishness tents which have very standard facilities and have been designed in the way that blends with the environment. Nice looking beds with comfortable bathrooms and toilets with warm  water is  available for the visitors.

Facilities at Lake Kitandara camp

The camp has an elegant restaurant serving local cuisine, an elegant bar that gives a perfect view of the forest and an amazing reception with a camera charging point. The lodge offers is very good customer care at the camp.

Gorilla resort has luxurious cottages which are well  designed with  African luxury tents. It’s also located adjust the forest and provides a wonderful sight of the forest. The resort has lavish cottages which are well positioned on an eminent wooden platform providing a very beautiful scenic view of the area. The resort gives you a perfect view of River Munyaga.

The resort has a well-designed restaurant, a well-stocked bar and a big dining area. You can also decide to carry along with you tents and camping facilities which can be positioned viewing Bwindi impenetrable National park. There are very beautiful beds for tourists.

Chameleon hill Lodge

The Lodge  is located on the shores of one of the East Africa’s most beautiful lake, Lake Mutanda. When at the lake, you will enjoy a spectacular view across the lake with its beautiful Islands and surrounding hills. The lodge is strategically located between Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks.

Facilities at Chameleon hill Lodge: The lodge has a restaurant and the food served is so delicious. The lodge also offers a sunset cruise where you can get an opportunity to get a  ride on lake Mutanda.

Gorilla Forest Camp

Gorilla forest camp is strategically located within the forest. The forest camp has a well-stocked bar with a well-designed dining area and the cuisine favors both local and international dishes.

Buhoma Lodge

Bohoma Lodge is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the National park offices at Buhoma.

Facilities at the Buhoma Lodge:

There are well designed accommodations with double cottages which have verandahs and these give a perfect view of Bwindi rain forest. The toilets and bathrooms at the lodge are of up standards   and have a dim light to the cottages with  enough power for charging you gadget.

The restaurants serve both international and local dishes and in most cases, the food is served depending on where you want it to be served. You can be served in the dining room or served on the terrace. The lodge is so Eco-friendly and was designed using local materials making it very unique.

Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge

Bwindi Volcanoes lodge is located next to Buhoma village which is just nest to the park. It’s  position  gives it a  perfect view of the flourishing rainforest. The lodge is one of the focal points for tourists who love gorilla tracking and perhaps is the best place to be in the national park.

Facilities at the lodge:

The  Lodge is  designed in a form of thatched cottages with very high and interesting facilities. The bathrooms and toilets sparkling clean. The cottages are  very beautiful with Veranda . There is a  well stocked bar and an organized dining room that gives a scenic view of the forested hillside.

Engagi Camp Uganda

Engagi camp  occupies an area right from the main Buhoma road up to Munyaga river.

Facilities

The camp has a well-stocked bar, restaurant which serves both international and local foods. The lodge has 8 en-suite cottages with enough space with double beds, toilets which flush and good bathrooms with cold and water. The kitchen is well stocked and serves all traditional and international dishes.

Lake Mutanda Resort

The resort is located a few kilometers before Kisoro town council. It overlooks the prominent virunga volcanoes. The  position of the lodge gives a chance to view the Nkuringo family of gorillas groups. One of the most exciting feature about this camp is the Bafumbira people who make their local brew that tastes so sweet.

Facilities : The lodge is excellent with a self-contained tented rooms and cottages. There is a well-stocked bar along with a restaurant serving both international and local cuisine. Of course, when you are in this place, you can participate in gorilla tracking of the Nkuringo family, guided nature walks, bird watching and visiting the pygmies.