Things to do in Bwindi after gorilla trekking

Are you planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking and you would like to know what are the main things to do in Bwindi after gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only 4 national parks home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the world, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests with diverse biodiversity with various species which include 350 birds, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths and 120 mammals, the park is also home to several primates including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey and the major one the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1064 individuals and half of these can be found in Bwindi forest, the park has over 15 habituated gorilla family groups open for gorilla tracking with 8 gorilla permits allocated to each group per day.

Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done in 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.

How much is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Things to do in Bwindi after gorilla trekking. A Gorilla Permit costs USD700 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for East African Residents and USD70 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest once you find them on your trek. Gorilla trekking is one of the main tourist activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, however there are other various activities and Bwindi gorilla habituation experience and other things to do and these include;

Batwa Cultural Experience

On Batwa cultural experience tour you will be guided by one of the Batwa guides giving you an opportunity to learn about traditional forest life of the Batwa in Bwindi Forest which is historically the home of the Batwa, you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and Stone Age including making traditional fire among others.

Nature walk

The Nature walk is done in Bwindi forest it is a very exciting activity to do apart from gorilla habituation which gives you an opportunity to learn more about tree species as well other wildlife species in the forest. In Nkuringo you will visit the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail where you will also have a sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.

Birding

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is one the best birding spots in Uganda home to an impressive 350 species and the main birding area in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe is located some 5km and Buniga forest 300meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. We recommend you carry your birding book in case you have limited safari time and you will identify some birds that visit the gardens of your Lodge.

Local community visits through local villages which provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa pygmy people living beside the Bwindi forest. Other activities include yoga at the Lodge, Mountain bicycle ride, volunteering which is done in the local community schools and projects and Butterfly watching which is done at night among others.

Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla trekking.

In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others

What is the best time gorilla treking in Bwindi

The best time to do Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of mountain gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown. Things to do in Bwindi after gorilla trekking

How to get to Bwindi

By Road; Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Nkuringo and Rushaga from where you will start the gorilla habituation trek. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the southern part of Bwindi. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge you are booked for your stay.

Why book your gorilla trek in Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris.

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla safari packages to Nkuringo sector of Bwindi ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla habituation permits. Feel free to check out our TripAdvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. Contact us here Things to do in Bwindi after gorilla trekking.