Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Uganda’s top tourist destinations, known for its incredible attractions ranging from diverse wildlife species to its cultural heritage. In order to save the threatened mountain gorillas and the tropical rainforest, Bwindi was gazetted in 1991. One of the most popular national parks in the nation, Bwindi draws thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. More than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, along with 10 primate species, 120 animals, 350 bird species, and 160 tree species, may be found in Bwindi. Aside from being home to mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also known for its Batwa people, plants, animals, primates, and birds.
Mountain gorillas-“Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
The endangered mountain gorillas are ranked as the number one source of attraction that draws visitors from different parts of the world. These magical wonders of Bwindi are so amazing in terms of physical appearance, character, and behaviours that enable them to share over 98% DNA with humans. Bwindi alone has more than half of the mountain gorilla population in the world living in the four sectors of the park which are Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Bwindi has 19 fully habituated mountain gorilla families and 2 semi habituated gorilla families in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of the park. Gorilla trekking is the most done activity in Bwindi, and it’s done by those who are 15 years of age and older and possess valid gorilla trekking permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Primates: Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
Over ten different primate species can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, in addition to mountain gorillas. Primate species found in the park include potto, Demidoff’s galago, Spectacled Galago, Blue Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, Debrazza monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Olive baboons, and chimpanzees.
Bird Species: Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the leading birdwatching destinations with over 350 bird species, of which 24 are endemic to the Albertine Rift region and 14 are unique to the Bwindi Forest. Many visitors have been drawn to the park by the birds, and the majority of them combine their visit with a gorilla walk in the mountains. The well-known paths in the park, including the Bamboo Zone, Mubwindi Swamp Trail, and Buhoma Waterfall Trail, are used by the birds of Bwindi.
Some of the bird species to see in Bwindi include the Olive-breasted and White-throated Greenbul, Giant Kingfisher Purple-breasted Sunbird, Cassin’s flycatcher, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Klaas’s cuckoo, Angolan swallow, Zebra waxbill, African Paradise Flycatcher, Archer’s robin-chat, Grey Wagtail, Dwarf Honeyguide, Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Cape wagtail, Mountain Wagtail, Yellow-fronted Canary, Dusky Twin Spot, Yellow-fronted Canary, African Wood-owl, European Honey Buzzard, little grebe, and African golden-breathed bunting are among the birds of Bwindi.
Mammals: Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
Over 120 different mammal species may be seen in Bwindi, and these can always be spotted whether on a nature walk, gorilla trekking, or birdwatching excursions. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park does not offer game drives, but you cannot leave without observing the mammals there. Elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, huge forest hogs, black-fronted duikers, yellow-backed duikers, side-stripped jackals, civets, golden cats, and many more species of mammals can be found in Bwindi.
Batwa pygmies-Bwindi’s Must-See Attractions
The Bwindi Forest was first inhabited by Batwa pygmies. The government drove them out of the forest in order to protect the habitats of the park’s wildlife, particularly the mountain gorillas. While on a safari in Bwindi, visitors can see the newly constructed hoke that the Batwa pygmies have made across the park. The Batwa guides lead you into the forest, demonstrating to you how they hunted animals, harvested fruits, and collected honey when you visit the Batwa community. They also show you around the Batwa community, allowing you to participate in culinary and beer-making activities as well as observe daily life.
Best time to visit Bwindi
Preferably, the best time to visit Bwindi is during the dry season, which is marked by low to no rainfall, which keeps the roads into the park passable, dry trekking conditions, and constant, thin foliage that makes it easy to see the park’s wildlife. Travellers on a tight budget can still take advantage of the significant savings on lodging available during the rainy seasons of March through May and October through November by visiting Bwindi.
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi-Rushaga sector
Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nsongi Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, and Four Gorillas Lodge.
Bwindi-Ruhija sector
Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, and Broadbill Forest Camp.
Bwindi Nkuringo sector
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.
Bwindi-Buhoma Sector
Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Ride 4 Women Guest House, Buhoma Rest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Haven Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Bwindi Forest Lodge.