Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in the south western part of Uganda along the border with DR Congo next to the great Virunga National Park. Covering an area of 128 square miles, Bwindi is covered by thick lowland and montane forests. Bwindi was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 because of its remarkable biodiversity. Talking about biodiversity, Bwindi has over 345 species of birds, 221 of butterflies and 120 of mammals. Among the mammal species include red-tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Jackals, Golden cats, Giant forest pigs, forest elephants, Colobus Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Bushbucks, Blue monkeys, Baboons, African civet, Buffaloes, Duikers, Clawless otter, Bats, De Brazza monkeys, Potto, Spectacled and Demidoff’s Galagos.

Bwindi forest has over 160 species of trees, 105 ferns and countless flowering plants. Bwindi forest is a key water catchment zone and a source of water for many streams and rivers like Ihihizo, Ishasha, Ivi, Munyaga and Ntengyere. At an altitude of 1,190m to 2,607m, the park is dense, ecological, and biologically rich with diverse species. Located at the edge of Kigezi Highlands, the park has variations of elevation that resulted in a dense population of trees, wildlife, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Its topography is very rugged, with narrow valleys intersected by rivers and steep hills. The park has more than 220 tree species, 1,000 flowering plant species, and more than 100 fern species, including the threatened brown mahogany and Brazzeia long pedicellate.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi

Bwindi has a tropical climate, with the environment and environment regulated by the forest. Annual mean temperature ranges from a minimum of 7 to 15 °C to a maximum of 20 to 27 °C. Its annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 mm. The rainy season occurs from March to April and from September to November. The park’s forest vegetation has high amounts of evapotranspiration, increasing the rainfall around the region. The forest vegetation lessens soil erosion, flooding and ensures that streams continue to flow in the dry season.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is open all year round, but the best times to visit are in the dry season from June to August and December to February. The forest trails are drier and, therefore, less slippery. Photography is easier. The high season with many tourists coming in is from June to September, and booking permits in advance is advised. The low season is in March, April, May, October, and November, but this time, heavy rainfall makes trails hard to use, but the permits are discounted. You may track gorillas for long, and the rain may interfere with taking photos. You may, however, find migratory birds at this time. Click here to view packages to Bwindi.