Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in South Western Uganda. Nestled amidst the green slopes of Kigezi, Bwindi is located in a region that is known the Gorilla Highlands. The park is located over three districts: Kanungu, Rubanda and Kisoro District.
The park stands at a refreshing altitude of 1900m and located in a region. between the Ishasha and the north of Kisoro. The park rolls eastward from the Albertine Rift Escarpment and covers over 331 sq kms.
The park is located against the Rwandan and Congolese borders. The impenetrable forest is located within fertile and scenic highlands that are arguably one of the most picturesque parts of Uganda. The area is characterized with steep slopes that are covered in terraced cultivation, expansive blue lakes and magnificent volcanoes that roll over the Virunga Region.
The park covers 331 square kilometres. The park is situated within the districts of Kanungu, Rubanda, Kabale and Kisoro. The nearest town is Kanungu or Kihihi in the north (Buhoma), Kisoro in the South and Kabale in East.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
In the Kigezi (Rukigi) Highlands of southwestern Uganda overlooking the western rift valley, within the Districts of Kabale, Kisoro and Kanangu. The Park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west. The nearest main town is Kabale 29km by road to the south-east: 0°53′ to 1°08’S x 29°35′ to 29°50’E.
Trailheads of Bwindi
Tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park focuses on four separate locations; Buhoma in the South West, Ruhija in the East of Bwindi, Nkuringo in the South West and Rushaga in the South Western part of Bwindi. Each of these trail heads is the base for gorilla trekking as well as other activities. Each sector is self standing and well served with several lodges and campsites.
It is important to know trailhead can be reached by a different approach road from other locations. Therefore the coverage of the park is divided up into four sectors corresponding to above mentioned four locations which are dealt with in a clockwise location starting with Buhoma, the pioneer trailhead for gorilla tourism in Uganda.
The Buhoma Sector is not only the pioneer sector but also the most directly accessed trailhead from Kampala. It is important to note that its gorilla permits sell out fast due to existence of luxurious safari lodges.
From Kigali of Rwanda, the easiest locations to reach is Rushaga Sector via the Cyanika Border and Ruhija Sector via the Katuna Sector.
Location of the Park on the Map
Getting There
There are several ways of accessing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; there are charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi town which links up to Buhoma sector or Kisoro Airstrip which links to Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sector. Visitors to Bwindi can also take flight from Kajjansi Airfield.
On road, one can take the Kampala – Kabale – Ruhija route or Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma/Nyondo. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Kabale-Kisoro-Rushaga/Nkuringo route.
Practical Notes
When planning a gorilla tour, it is important to book a lodge that is close to your location where you are to track gorillas. If you don’t secure accommodation in the nearby vicinity of the trailhead, you will need to have a very early start and at times, it takes two hours of driving to reach the location.
It is also important to book your gorilla permit before securing your accommodation. Permit availability at all trailheads tends to be problematic most especially during the peak months (June to September and December to March). Finding a room for overnight stay is easier than looking for a gorilla permit. Therefore book your gorilla permit first and then choose your accommodation once you know when you will be tracking.