Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always the top destination visited in Uganda the pearl of Africa and can be reached both by road and by air depending on one’s wish. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the south western part of Uganda in Kanungu district covering a land area of 321 Square kilometers.
Bwindi impenetrable forest was gazette in 1991 alongside Mgahinga gorilla national park and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority the managing body for all protected areas in Uganda whose headquarters are situated along Kira road in Kamwokya.
In order to protect the population of endangered mountain gorillas and the park’s beautiful biodiversity, Bwindi impenetrable national park obtained a UNESCO world heritage site as a home to the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas that were still thrilling in the wild. The park harbors over 120 mammals, over 350 species of birds, more than 1000 species of plants, trees, ferns and beautiful butterflies all call Bwindi impenetrable national park their home.
Getting to Bwindi impenetrable national park by road,
Bwindi impenetrable national park is situated about 550 Kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda or Entebbe international airport which is approximately 8-9 hours’ drive to get to the park. This distance is usually considered long by travelers before embarking on it, but the experiences and the encounters along the way make it more fascinating and worth the drive as you enjoy different stopovers along the way including a stopover at the equator which is the main stop for almost all travelers on a Uganda safari to the western part of Uganda plus a stunning view of the flat farms in Ankole with a chance to have a glance at the Ankole long horned cattle plus the rolling hills of kigezi that all make the entire road drive remarkable and adventurous.
However, there are other roads that lead to Bwindi impenetrable national park park from various pick up locations which may bring about variation in driving time.
For instance, a road drive from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda takes about 3-4 hours’ drive via cyanika border. This is one of the best ways and shortest drive possible to get to the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Driving from Lake Mburo national park to Bwindi impenetrable forest takes about 6-7 hours.
From Queen Elizabeth national park to Bwindi impenetrable national park takes about 5-6 hours via Ishasha sector where travelers is rewarded with an encounter with tree climbing lions which are only found within 2 destinations in the entire world that is Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda and Lake Manyara national park in Tanzania.
Whichever road one chooses, be sure to converge at Butogota which is approximately 17Km to the main entrance gate of Buhoma.
On a daily basis, there are buses that set off from Kampala to Butogota passing through Rukungiri and Kihihi. However, the best way to get there is by using a 4×4 safari vehicle which can easily navigate through muddy trails even after rain since most of the roads that lead to the park aren’t in good shape especially in rainy seasons.
Getting to Bwindi impenetrable national park by Air,
There are domestic flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip or Kayonza airstrip mostly used by tourists who intend to visit the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. However, though who intend to visit the southern part of the park can land at Nyakabande.
What to do in Bwindi impenetrable national park,
After knowing how best to aces Bwindi impenetrable national park, you could as well ask yourself what exactly to do in Bwindi impenetrable national park and below are some of the major tourist activities enjoyed while on a uganda safari to Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Mountain gorilla trekking: With more than 50% of the remaining gorillas thrilling in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda implies that Gorilla trekking remains the top tourist activity enjoyed not only in Bwindi but Uganda at large. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest costs $700 per person though there is something more than just one hour with gorillas and it is Gorilla habituation experience that allows tourists 4 hour with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats at a cost of $1500 which is equivalent to the cost of gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
Birding: Birding is yet a fascinating activity done in Bwindi impenetrable national park with over 350 species of birds thrilling in this park including bird species that are critically endangered, species endemic to Albertine rift and many more.
Guided nature walks: Bwindi impenetrable forest has some of the best walking trails that lead to different destinations in the park including waterfalls, rivers, locals and many more.
Other activities including biking, batwa experience, community tours, and many more.
Get in touch with us at Achieve Global Safaris and we shall organize for you a breath taking safari to Bwindi impenetrable national park or any other destination in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
