To meet the ‘Kings of the Mountain’, one must travel to the south-western pocket of Uganda, to a place whose name promises the stuff of legends: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Of the approximately 1060 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild today, almost half live here – now a UNESCO World Heritage listed sanctuary. There are currently six habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi – a delicate process that can take up to five years.

Gazing into the soulful eyes of a giant silverback gorilla must surely be one of the most unique wildlife experiences left in Africa; indeed a humbling experience, which only a few lucky people can lay claim to. If you are stalwart enough and up for the challenge, your trek to meet these gentle giants will take you through wooded slopes, entwined jungle vines and thick, steamy bush and bamboo. Nothing can prepare you for the moment you first see them and an hour spent observing their behaviour can be truly magical.

The famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest itself, is the only forest in Africa which has Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas co-existing. As well as hosting five other species of primate, the forest contains 113 species of mammal, over 200 species of butterfly, 360 bird species, 324 tree species and even a herd of forest elephant.

On the outskirts of the gorillas’ dwelling, you can also come face-to-face with the 4,000 year heritage of the Batwa Pygmies, the traditional ‘Keepers of the Forest’. Batwa elders lead tours through the forest and demonstrate their use of medicinal plants, hunting and gathering customs as well as their traditional homes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top national parks for adventures in Africa. Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi is famous for mountain gorilla safaris, an adventure activity that involves tourists hiking in the impenetrable jungles looking for the mountain gorillas that live within the higher slopes of the forest.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable national park was gazetted into national park in order to protect and conserve the wide range of species within the park and most importantly was the rare mountain gorilla. The declaration of the forest into national park affected negatively the Batwa pygmy people who were the traditional inhabitants of the forest and at time they were evicted from the forest without compensation and they were not allowed to extract any forest resources. In the year 1993, Gorilla tracking became a dominant tourist activity in the park and the first gorilla group to be habituated for tourism purposes was the Mubare gorilla group which was opened in the month of April, 1993.The opening of this group of mountain gorillas helped to fuel the numbers of gorilla safaris in Uganda.

Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies on the margin of the Rift Valley and also located along the border of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo near to the Congo’s well-known Virunga National Park.

Size

The park covers an estimated are of 331 square kilometers (128 sq. mi) of Impenetrable forest jungle and has both lowland forest and montane forest accessible only on foot.

Gorilla Tourism in the Park

Historically in the year 1932, two important parts of the Eco-diversified Bwindi Impenetrable Forest were named as Crown Forest Reserves and the Northern block of the forest was considered as the “Kayonza Crown Forest Reserve while the Southern counter block of the forest was designated as the “Kasatora Crown Forest Reserve. The designated reserves had a total area of 207 square kilometers (80 sq mi). In the year 1942, the designated two forest Reserves were amalgamated and renamed as Impenetrable Central Crown Forest and name rename area covered an estimated area of 298 square kilometers and it was managed by the two bodies of Ugandan government forest department and Game department.

In the year 1964, the reserve was considered as an animal sanctuary and this was done so as to provide more conservation and protection of the endangered mountain gorillas which were rare and most wanted to trek by the visitors under taking safaris in Uganda and from then the name changed to Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve. In the year 1966, other two vital forest reserves were added to form the main forest reserve and this increased the total area covered by the Central forest Reserve to roughly 321 square kilometers (124 sq mi) and it was under the administration and management of the two bodies’ i.e. Game sanctuary and forest reserve.

The remarkable history of the park which no visitors mainly on Uganda gorilla safari and tour should not miss knowing is the one explained in the year 1991, where three forest reserves of Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve as well as Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve and the popularly Rwenzori Mountains Reserve were declared national parks and they renamed Impenetrable forest Reserve to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covering an estimated area of 330.8 square kilometers (127.7 sq. mi).

Things to See in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The park‘s being endowed with various unique natural resources make it the most desired by most of the tourists who are on their Uganda safaris. The best way one can know the interesting history of Bwindi is by under taking a gorilla safari to Uganda. Here visitors are taken to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where one will come to discover the interesting hidden secret of Uganda’s most attractive park.

Come and meet the greatest of the great apes – you will not be disappointed!

Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma Sector

Rushaga Sector

Ruhija Sector

Nkuringo Sector

The Nkuringo sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, along with neighbouring Rushaga, are Uganda’s newest gorilla tracking locations. Nkuringo currently has one habituated gorilla group consisting of 18 individuals. ‘Nkuringo’ means ’round stone’, which refers to a knoll-like forested hill beside the river, dwarfed by loftier ridges above it. To the south and west are spectacular views of the Western Rift Valley and the volcanoes of the Virunga. This area, in the southwestern sector of the forest, feels far more remote – and indeed more beautiful – than its Buhoma counterpart.

The eco-friendly Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite (& Hammerkop Bunkhouse), around the corner from Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge may lack the luxurious trimmings and furnishings of it’s upmarket neighbour, however, the camp’s high points include the exceptionally friendly staff, a range of accommodation to suit all budgets (now including two beautifully hand crafted en-suite cottages). Above all, the spectacular panoramic vistas of the volcanoes and across the escarpment into the Albertine Rift Valley within the DR Congo are supplemented – if you’re lucky – with a glimpse of the glaciers on the Rwenzori peaks some 160kms away. Nkuringo Gorilla Camp is situated 300m from the visitors’ reception for those tracking the Nkuringo group of gorillas and 17km from Rushaga for those tracking the Nshongi and Mishaya groups.

The Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite has capitalised on the great hiking potential of the area, by establishing what has become the ‘Nkuringo Walking Safari’. This is steadily gaining in popularity with clients of all budgets and fitness levels. This activity offers a multi-day hiking trip with a professional walking guide. The walk can be undertaken in either direction between Buhoma and Kisoro and Kisoro and Buhoma, with one night spent at Nkuringo.

Highlights include:

  • A journey through the fabric of rural Uganda
  • Visits to local homesteads to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Ugandan people
  • A trip in a dugout canoe on Lake Mutanda
  • Stunning views of the forest and beyond from Nkuringo
  • Trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and discovering the wonders it has to offer

Gorilla Families to Visit in Bwindi

Roughly half of the population of mountain gorillas lives Uganda, including six habituation families. The gorilla groups are found in different areas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park:

Mubare Gorilla Family

Family size: 5 members including 1 silverback
Location: Buhoma
Mubare is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Uganda. It was found in the Mubare hills, deep in Bwindi forest, and was fully habituated in 1993. The group started with 12 family members, led by the dominant silverback Ruhondeza. In a few years the group grew to 18 individuals. Unfortunately, due to fights with wild gorilla groups and loss of members, Mubare has lessened to a family of 5 individuals.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

Family size: 15 members including 2 silverbacks
Location: Buhoma
The Habinyanja group was first visited by tourists in 1999. The name comes from “Nyanja” which is the local word for ‘body of water’. It refers to the swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the group was first sighted. Habinyanja is a fascinating family with a lot of drama and commotion. This is caused by the power struggles between the dominant silverbacks and fights for the family leadership. The adult females are led by the shrewd alpha female called Kisho.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

Family size: 19 members including 1 silverback
Location: Buhoma
The Rushegura gorilla family was brought together in 2002, after one of the silverbacks from the Habinyanja group decided to break away. They started with 12 individuals including 5 females. This “Habinyanya 2 group” quickly received a new name, that derives from “Ebishegura” – a tree specie that was abundant in the home area of the new family. The Rushegura group is a calm family. In the past they used to cross the border to neighboring DRC every now and than but always returned to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They are usually not far from Buhoma Village and sometimes even wander through the gardens of the lodges…

Bitukura Gorilla Family

Family size: 12 members including 4 silverbacks
Location: Ruhija
The Bitukura group was named after a river where the family members were first sighted. The habituation that started in July 2007 was a relatively easy process as the gorillas were already frequently encountered by the UWA rangers. Although the habituation process normally takes a minimum of two years, this group could already be visited by tourists within 15 months after the start. Bitukura is a peaceful family including 4 silverbacks and some playful juveniles. They share a close bond and often have ‘group meetings’ or get-togethers.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

Family size: 19 members including 2 silverbacks
Location: Nkuringo
The Nkuringo group was named after the Rukiga word for “round hill” and was launched in 2004. One of the most important reasons for their habituation were the problems they created for the local communities by destroying crops and other products. By opening up the gorilla family for visitors, the community could directly benefit from tourism and it formed a protection for the gorillas as well. The family was led by the silverback Nkuringo who died in 2008, leaving behind 2 silverbacks in the group. In November 2008, the Nkuringo family expanded thanks to the special birth of a twin – Katungi and Muhozi – though Katungi unfortunately died at the age of 1.5 years.

Nshongi Gorilla Family

Family size: 25 members including 4 silverbacks
Location: Nshongi
Nshongi was the largest group ever habituated and was officially launched in September 2009. It was named after the river Nshongi, close to the place where the gorilla family was first seen. Although most gorilla families usually consist of 25 members with one or two silverbacks, this family was a rare excemption. Another remarkable fact is that the group is led by Nshongi, who is not even the oldest silverback in the family. In July 2010 however the group was split into two.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

Family size: 12 members including 1 silverback
Location: Nshongi
In July 2010, silverback Mishaya decided to leave the Nshongi group with some females and start his own family. He was able to gather more females from other groups in the area, reaching a total group size of 12 gorillas, including three infants. Mishaya is the only adult in the group and is known for being a fighter who often starts interactions with other gorilla families.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

Family size: 16 members including 1 silverback
Location: Buhoma – Ruhija
The Oruzogo group is the newest gorilla family that opened up for tourism in Bwindi National Park. This family is situated between Buhoma and Ruhija and is lead by the dominant Silverback Tibirikwata. The group consists of 16 individuals including two babies that were recently born.