Bwindi Impenetrable

The name Bwindi is derived from the local word ‘Mubwindi’ and means “a place full of darkness”.  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest dates back almost 2000 years ago and its bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot. This led to it being termed Impenetrable. 

Located in southwestern Uganda at the edge of the rift valley, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place of untamed and natural beauty. The park was founded in 1991 and named after the forest it shares a location. It is home to 120 mammal species, 51 reptile species, 200 butterfly species, and 350 bird species including the rare Albertine Rift endemics. Animals to look out for include Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats, warthogs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted Duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otters, side-striped jackals, civets, plus numerous bats and rodents. 

The most popular, however, star of the show and responsible for the numerous visits to Bwindi is the mountain gorilla. Bwindi Forest remains one of the last remaining safe habitats for this magnificent beast. At least 500 mountain gorillas, which is half the entire world’s population, live in Bwindi. Participate in the gorilla trekking activity and hike through the impenetrable forest in search of the endangered mountain gorilla with the guidance of guides and rangers.

Other popular activities include gorilla habituation, forest walks and hiking, mountain biking, Lake Mutanda visit, Buhoma Community walks, and bird watching. Bwindi houses more than 350 bird species and 14 of these are not recorded in existence anywhere else. Some of these species include the African Green Broadbill, the short-tailed warbler, the blue-headed sunbird and the Rwenzori night jar.

Another sought-after activity is tracking the Batwa, ethnic group. These lived in and off the great forest for centuries before they were evicted to protect them and the wild animals. See their ancient way of life, hunting, cooking and modernity rejection. Participate in their cultural dances, folk songs and campfire storytelling.