Why do tourists go to Bwindi National Park? There are several reasons why tourists go or visit Bwindi National Park; The main key are the great endangered mountain gorillas and the park being home of the remaining world’s population of mountain gorillas of which the three quarters live in Bwindi. Therefore, Gorilla trekking is the main done activity that attracts thousands of visitors to the park annually. Gorilla trekking is such an incredible experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, though planning a Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi can be quite challenging. All you need is help of the tour operator who knows everything going on the ground.
Location; Bwindi National Park is located on high altitude ranging between 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters above sea level and it lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. To its west is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi covers an area of about 321 square kilometers and its one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in Uganda.
Getting to Bwindi National Park?
First time travelers to Uganda -Bwindi National Park, if you book a Gorilla trekking safari, you are likely to fly into Entebbe International Airport as an arrival entry to Uganda.
From Entebbe International Airport which is a visitors landing site to Uganda. Upon your arrival you can be welcomed by a safari tour guide from the recognized tour company you booked with, Why Do Tourists Go to Bwindi National Park .
Depending on the time of arrival at the Airport, if traveling by car it can take 8 to 9 hours’ drive to access Bwindi National Park.
Alternatively, you can use a domestic flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi ‘’Aero link ‘’ that flies you from Entebbe to Kihihi Airport or Kisoro Airfield near to Bwindi National Park. For more information about Bwindi you can contact us Achieve Global Safaris for more clarification.
Bwindi National Park Fees
One to be able to enter the park, you need either a Gorilla trekking permit or pay for the entrance and park activity such as a guided nature walk or culture visit to Batwa tribe . For you paying for a Gorilla Trekking –tracking permits, just know that you are helping to conserve the primitives and the nature.
We advise you if you wish to go for Gorilla permits you need to book your permit in advance mostly if you plan to travel during peak season. Note only 154 permits are issued out on daily basis at the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority offices but they always do it on first come, first serve, Why Do Tourists Go to Bwindi National Park .
All you need to do to share your preferred dates is to trust us Achieve Global Safaris to check the availability and then send you an invoice. Requirements needed /personal identifications include valid passport .
Uganda Gorilla permits bought at ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority at cost USD700 for foreign nonresident, USD600 for foreign residents and UGX250,000 East Africa citizens per trek per day.
Best time to visit Bwindi National Park
While Bwindi National Park is open for Gorilla Safaris all year round and can be visited all year around. Though you need to know the best time to start planning your trip with no disruption of heavy rainfall which starts from June to September and December to February, these months receive less rainfall and the trails can be easier to hike in search for gorillas and less slippery. During this time chances of seeing mountain gorillas are higher.
Bwindi National Park History
Historically, word Bwindi it’s in local word ‘’mubwindi bwa nyinamuraki’’ which referred to as Mubwindi swamp. Before in 1932 the two blocks of Bwindi National Park were designated as Crown Forest Reserves, later in 164 it was turned into animal sanctuary to protect the endangered mountain Gorillas.
In 1991 Bwindi was designated as a national park and renamed the Bwindi National Park, covering an area of 332 square kilometers. The park was declared in part to protect a range of species mostly the notable mountain gorillas, come along other species like black and white colobus monkeys ,red tailed monkeys ,L’Hoest ,chimpanzees ,vervet and mammals like Forest Elephants among others.
Currently was renounced as a home for world’s half remaining mountain gorillas with over 22 habituated gorilla families –groups which can be seen in four gorilla trekking sectors that is, Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo sector.
Where to stay on safari in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi has a lot of accommodations suitable with good amenities that pleases the guests, ranging from luxury, Mid-range and Budget accommodation.
What to pack with on Gorilla Safaris?
When planning a Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you need to know that its montane rain forest, rain can fall any time of the year. Below are the essential you should pack with for your Gorilla trip to Bwindi National Park;
Light weigh rain jacket
Camera and lenses plus rain gear.
Rubber hiking shoes
Garden gloves
Long sleeve blouse and long trousers
Hat, sunglasses and pair of binoculars
Insect repellents
Mineral water bottle and enough energizing snacks.
