Bwindi National Park
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Best known for half of the world’s total Gorilla population, Bwindi is one of the most ancient rainy forests of the world. The main activity at this national Park is Gorilla trekking which can sometimes be tough and long-ranging from 3 to 8 hours depending on mother nature., but when you catch a glimpse of a magnificent silverback and his family, your journey will be well worth the effort. Upon sighting these amazing creatures, you will be guided to be within 6 meters as you take your photos and videos for about an hour before you are guided back to the headquarter or the starting point.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.
This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
The government body responsible for managing the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Uganda Wildlife Authority together with the Uganda Tourism Board with support from several wildlife conservation Agencies. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is €665, although there are some other optional activities like nature and guided birding walks at €28.5 and community visits of the Batwa (the pygmies).
The main Activity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park being chimpanzees trekking makes it an all-time rounder. This means you can visit this park any time of the year although it’s advisable to visit this park during dry seasons because during the wet season the forest is logged with water which makes it a little slippery during the hike but again fun for those who would wish to hike in muddy places.
The dry season of Uganda runs from June to August and December to February, although June and July are the driest months. But again Uganda is at the Equator don’t get surprised when it rains. The wet season run from March to April and September to November
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National park slightly heavier clothing is useful and waterproofed boots and clothes during the Gorilla trekking session.
The greatest health risks in Uganda are accidents and malaria. Much of Uganda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended.
Travelers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.
Travelers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider, and should consider bringing a small first aid kit. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination and covid-19 negative certificate is required at arrival.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached by air and road. The nearest airports and links to this Park are Entebbe International Airport in Uganda’s capital Kampala and Kigali International Airport which is closer to this must-visit destination as recommend by reisegurus. Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airline, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and KLM all have flights to both Entebbe and Kigali international Airports. There are also domestic flights from Entebbe to most of the National Parks in Uganda still from Entebbe, for the sake of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one can fly from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip which is the nearest Airstrip which is 30 km away, or use Kigali international Airport which 110 km by road and land border crossing.
For further advice on planning your Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, simply enquire with one of our local Safari Experts.
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Costs
A single-entry tourist visa costs US $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 90 days)
A multiple Tourist Visa US $100 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 12 months)
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda costs US $100, and is valid for 90 days.