Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Exploring the Ancient Rainforest in Uganda
Hiking, Biking, Birding, Exploring, Discovering, Traversing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most visited parks in Uganda – the reason – half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the world live here – and the good news is that they are thriving and growing in numbers. Most visitors who come here – stay two nights – visit the mountain gorilla group for which they have permits (there are 9 habituated gorilla groups open for visitors) and return to Kampala o
r continue their safari in the Uganda.
There is however much more to this ancient – primeval rainforest – this UNESCO World Heritage Site – one could spend many days here create a Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Safari seven days or more in length – this is simply one of the most fantastic places in all of Africa – not to be found elsewhere – Bwindi is simply unique and has much more to offer than the magnificent Mountain Gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the oldest Forest – it survived the platonic shift that created the Albertine Rift that is all around it – It is thought that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest may have had inhabitants 37,000 years ago – however there is no archeological evidence for it – there is however evidence that a portion of the forest was cleared by what one calls the original people of the rainforest the Batwa Pygmy People – who still reside near the forest. Due to its age, one can find plants and trees here, that are not found elsewhere. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a hidden pearl in Uganda awaiting to be discovered by you, though many come here, the focus is gorilla tracking the magic and wonder of the ancient forest are missed. This 128 square mile park has much to offer – there are many activities here one can partake in, amazing scenery, plants, wildlife, birds, primates, the list is endless.
Bwindi Impenetrable is one of the most bio-diverse forest with one of the richest ecosystems in all of Africa. Here you can find 160 species of trees, over 100 species of ferns, over 1000 flowering plants, and Afro-montane vegetation that is simply incredible. It is located in southwestern Uganda and some of it along the border with the Democratic Republic – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the source of many rivers, there are pristine creeks, waterfalls, sights beautiful to behold. Bwindi Impenetrable forest, located at the edge of the Western Rift Valley in highest part of what is referred to as the Kigezi Highlands. The altitudes of the park range from 1,190 to 2,067 meters, though Bwindi has a tropical climate which can range from 7 degrees Celsius at night to 27 degrees Celsius during the day. Rainy season at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest occurs March, April, September, October and November.
Here at Bwindi you can find over 120 species of mammals including Primates such as the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus, Red-Tailed Guenon,Vervet Monkeys, L'Hoest's Guenon, Baboons, Nocturnal Prosimians, Forest Elephants (hairier, smaller, smaller tusks, 1 extra toe on each foot), small antelopes such as Duikers, Bush pigs, Giant Forest Hogs, Several small species of Cats, 348 species of birds including African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Other birds include the Francolin, Cinnamon-chested Bee eaters, Green Tinker bird, Mountain and Yellow –streaked Green buls, Mountain Masked and Chestnut –throated Apalises, Red faced Woodland Warbler, White-browed Crombec, Ruwenzori Batis and White tailed fly catcher among others. , 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos – there is simple a lot of Discovery awaiting you at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Activities in the Ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest: There are four areas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from which activities are done – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each area brings out unique aspects of the ancient Rainforest and many visitors stay at one or more areas in order to do the various activities that are unique to the Area. Gorilla tracking is the major activity that visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest partake in – some visitors track gorillas twice at Bwindi – while most track Gorillas just once.
Hikes and Activities at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- The Village Walk: Here you have a 3 hour cultural walk through the village – you learn the ways and culture of the people that live in the Bahoma area on the edge of Bwindi Forest. It
is a guided hike – where you see how people make local crafts such as baskets with the most intricate designs – beer made from Bananas, and a distillery that makes the local Waragi Gin from Bananas, meet a traditional healer and learn of what is gathered in the ancient forest and how it is taken and applied for which ailments – you will be amazed – see how the growing of local produce is done and harvested, food preparation over charcoal or open fire, visit a school, and meet the Batwa Pygmy community as they perform a dance for you just to name a few. It is certainly a cultural learning experience and the cost of the walk supports the local community – so a win win for everyone. (3 hours in length and difficulty level is easy – Location – Buhoma Area)
- Mountain Bike Rides: Ride 4 a Woman – Guided Mountain Bike Rides that supports the Ride 4 a Woman Women’s group and in turn their families. You can do the Village walk above on a Bike, or go Birding with a guide who knows the various bird species in the area – go into Bwindi Forest itself or ride along side of it. These are well-maintained bikes – and you always have a guide with you know – so you certainly will not get lost – enjoy a mountain bike ride in the ancient forest. ( up to 3 hours in length – difficulty depends on your experience – Location – Buhoma Area)
- Munyanga River Trail: This guided trail will take you along the scenic Bizenga Creek which joins the Munyanga River – you start out at Buhoma and end up there. An excellent trail that Birders will find most rewarding – with an excellent Birding Guide at your side you will not miss too many of the unique and endemic species of birds at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. ( 1/2 hour in length – difficulty level is easy – Location – Buhoma Area)
- Water Fall Trail: Explore the mysteries of Bwindi, its plants, trees, see its butterflies, its birds unique to the area on this trail – it is always amazing what you encounter along it. It is guided by a person – birds, butterflies, monkeys, scenic beauty of the forest, your guide will point out things to you that you might not or miss and it will an enriching part of your time at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma region of the park. This trail was supposed to be a road leading to the town of Kisoro – when gorillas and conservation were not on the mind of politicians – thank goodness it was never completed and you can enjoy it today without vehicles. ( 3 hours or longer in length – difficulty level is moderate – location – Buhoma Area)
- Muzabajiro Loop Trail: This is a trail with a view– you ascend through the forest to the Rukubira Hill and are rewarded with fabulous views of the Virunga Volcano chain – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Western Rift Valley below – another rewarding hike at Buhoma Impenetrable Forest. The best time of the year for viewing is during the rainy season since the area below is cleared of the smoke from villages that might obscure the view. ( 3 to 4 hours in length – difficulty level is moderate-location Buhoma Area)
- Rushura Hill Trail: The highest mountain in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is Rushura Hill. Its starting point is near the Buhoma Park Office – from then it is simply up through the terraced fields and forests – along there area scenic viewpoints – once on top you have incredible views across the Western Rift Valley, the Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The elevation on top is 1,915 meters – the hike – however is well worth it – as always on a longer hike – bring along a backpack with water and maybe something to eat. (3 to 4 hours in length – difficulty level is somewhat strenuous-Location – Buhoma)
- Ivy River Trail: This trail follows an old road through the forest - This is a full day’s hike with elevation gain and simply a most fabulous experience – we have had clients that have taken this trail after having tracked gorillas at Buhoma and then after reaching Nkuringo. It is a very scenic route – viewpoints along the way , monkeys, bush pigs, butterflies, birds, villagers on the way or coming from market. This trail can also be taken from Nkuringo to Buhoma. (6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours in length –difficulty level – moderate – Location – beginning of this hike is either Buhoma or Nkuringo)
- Kashasha River Trail: This trail is 4 to 5 hours in length – and once again you see the ancient rainforest up close – this trail involves steeper inclines – especially if you take the Buhoma to Nkuringo route – it is 600 meters up at the end of the trail – your guides will point out the wildlife and the birds, plants, flowers, ferns and trees. The views along this trail are most stunning. Amazingly to go by vehicle from Buhoma to Nkuringo takes 7 hours plus and is much shorter taking the Kashasha River Trail ( 5 to 6 hours in length – difficulty level – moderate – Location of this hike is either Buhoma or Nkuringo)
- Bamboo Trail: Hiking in this part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest means a steep climb hike up to 2607 meters. The plants and vegetation areas will continuously change – including the Bamboo forest (14 different ones) until you reach the AFromontane vegetation. Grass and forest birds along the way – up to he highest point within the park – Rwamunyonyi hill (2607 meters) The view from the top is unbelievably beautiful – Lake Bunyonyi – that magical – mystical lake below – Mafuga Forest Reserve – Bwindi Forest – the Virunga Volcanoes – well worth the hike-climb.(7 hours in length – difficulty level – strenuos – location – Ruhija)T
- Mubwindi Swamp Trail: The Mubwindi Swamp Trail moves along a path in the forest that descends through the majestic rainforest with scenic viewpoints along the way of green valleys and the Virunga Volcano Chain. You might see Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, even Gorillas, Bushbucks, Monkeys and Bush Pigs since they all reside in that part of Bwindi Rainforest. The Mubwindi Swamp Trail is a must do for birders and a knowledgeable guide will be at your side. Before gorilla tracking was done in the Ruhija area of the park, Birders flocked here. (Birders can spend the whole day here-others a 4 to 5 hour hike – difficulty level – moderate – location – Ruhija)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home of the Mountain Gorillas but it also a place for many activities – above is not a total list of activities – each location at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija has cultural activities, village walks, birding trails and more – this ancient forest – this UNESCO World Heritage site awaits your visit …enjoy Bwindi Impenetrable Forest…from Kampala…jon
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