Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the most prominent parks that invite a plethora of travellers from different parts of the world per year. You won’t believe the ever-praised charms and natural wonders in Bwindi until you reach there while on a Uganda Gorilla Safari. This pristine destination hides just in the Western part of Uganda on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. For couples of years, Bwindi is one of the reasons why tourists visit Uganda several time during their vacation holidays in Africa. The Park’s name was derived from the grand and outstanding forest in Uganda “Bwindi Impenetrable Forest”. This forest occupies part of the Park’s area and a major habitat for different wildlife species including the rarely seen Mountain Gorillas.
How to get there: Travelling from Kampala, you can get to this Park by two options including road and air transport means. By road, you will drive for about 8-9 hours from Kampala up to Bwindi via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway. It includes a stopover at the equator and in Mbarara to have some lunch. If not the road- there is an option of using an airplane; private charters are arranged from Entebbe up to Kisoro airstrip and from here you will be transported by driver guide up to Bwindi suburbs.
Gorillas in Bwindi: Without a doubt, these apes are the main draw for the traveler visiting the naturally endowed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda ranks to be housing the highest percentage of gorillas remaining in the all world, almost half of it. The biggest percentage of Uganda’s Gorillas is found in Bwindi. Travellers mostly consider this park because of the variety of Gorilla species. Bwindi is only inhabited by the species of Mountain Gorillas; don’t expect to meet other species like Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Western Gorillas and more.
These gorillas usually live in areas of higher altitudes and bamboo forested areas. They live in groups that are termed as gorillas families and each family is led by a male dominated Silverback. Because of variety, Bwindi is a destination where you go 100 percent sure of seeing or meeting with the gorillas. Physical fitness is a major requirement since some families tend to move deep into the valleys.
How many Gorilla families: Among all Gorilla hosting destinations, Bwindi tops with the highest numbers of Gorilla families that are habituated and open to trekking excursions.
It is currently recorded with over eighteen gorilla families that are distributed in its four sectors. The park houses the families that are used for habituation experience.
The four sectors: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is offered in its four sectors including Buhoma sector, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector.
Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It has four habituated gorilla families including Mubare the oldest, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe Gorilla family.
Rushaga Sector is placed in the southern part of the Park. It is recorded with the highest number of families. The list embodies Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bikingi and Mishaya.
Ruhija Sector lies in the Eastern part of Bwindi standing at altitude of 2350m above sea level. It shelters three gorilla families including Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo Gorilla family
Nkuringo Sector hides in the southwestern part of Uganda just 40 km north of Kisoro town. It is home to three gorilla families that include Bushaho, Christmas and Nkuringo Gorilla family.
Which Sector to choose: All sectors in Bwindi are good to trek for gorillas but if you are after variety, then Rushaga should be your best choice. Then for those combining a gorilla trek in Bwindi with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you must trek in Buhoma sector.