Bwindi impenetrable national park is found in south west of Uganda at the boarder of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park is the home to over 65% of the mountain Gorillas that still exists in the jungles in the entire universe. It is one of the two parks in Uganda that offer the awesome experience of Gorilla trekking.
The park can be accessed by both flight and road, trips start from either Entebbe or Kigali airports, whether by air or by road. When using air the visitors can fly from Entebbe to Kihiihi or Kayonza airstrip which is just an hour’s flight and trek the gorillas from the eastern or northern sectors, in Ruhija and Buhoma regions respectively.
However, using the road to Bwindi Impenetrable National park adds value on the remarkable experience of trekking Mountain gorillas. A road trip from Entebbe to Bwindi national park takes about nine to ten hours but the journey is absolutely memorable with very many beautiful scenic views and lots of iconic features to encounter en route.
When organizing for a Uganda road trip to Bwindi national park, don’t forget to reach some of the following amazing sites that will add great meaning to your trip to Bwindi impenetrable national park before embarking on Gorilla trekking.
Equator crossing.
Uganda is among the few countries in the world where the equator passes through and the best place to explore the equator is Kayabwe, located in Mpigi District just about 72 kilometers from Kampala the capital of Uganda. There are other locations that have equator monuments, namely; in Entebbe, Queen Elizabeth National park but the primary destination for exploring the equator in Uganda is at Kayabwe along Kampala – Masaka highway.
This point is the best stopover for an early lunch or late breakfast halfway to Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. The Equator point is famous for photography and also there is a craft shop where visitors can buy some souvenirs to mark the memorable adventurous trip.
Royal drum makers.
These are drum makers who are located along Kampala – Masaka road. They are located in Mpambire Village. This village is the epicenter of drum making nationwide. The amazing thing about this village is that it is just authentic with real spirit of African village. The village has around 1000 occupants but with their main activity as drum making with small scale cultivation for sustenance.
This village traditionally used to make the drums for Buganda Kingdom but due to high demand from tourists, they had to grab the opportunity to diversify their skills to satisfy their visitors.
Its real art when it comes to making drums because of the high degree of dexterity and keen consideration of the required raw materials. That skill is always admired by most visitors on a Uganda safari and with the advantage of the location en route to western Ugandan parks. Mpambire village is quiet an awesome stop point for most travelers to the western Uganda destinations.
Igongo Cultural Center.
This cultural center is located in Mbarara, just about 12 km along Mbarara – Kampala road in Biharwe trading center. Igongo cultural center has one of the best cultural museums in Uganda. This is set on the grounds of a former palace of Ankole Kingdom. The Museum displays most of the south western cultural attributes that are collected and offered out to the visitors to explore.
There is a restaurant which serves most of the traditional Ankole dishes, example the smoked Ankole milk and roasted meat. Not forgetting that the cultural center also has a luxurious hotel that offers accommodation services, conference, and spacious garden for ceremonies, a swimming pool and so much more.
The features of Igongo cultural center makes it a must choice for one to have either a stopover for a real Ankole meal during a transfer from or to Bwindi, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth National park or just a relaxation moment while exploring the Museum and end up with an overnight just in one point.
Lake Mburo national park.
Lake Mburo national park is one of the smallest national parks among the 10 nationals parks found in Uganda. It is located in Kiruhura district, 30 kilometers east of Mbarara town. From Kampala, the park is about 300 kilometers south west.
During a road trip to Bwindi national park, it’s also amazing for one to visit Lake Mburo national park, despite of its small size, it offers awesome wildlife adventure experience to the visitors.
Some of the activities that are enjoyed while in Lake Mburo national park include; game drives, boat cruise, canoeing, bird watching, nature walks, night walks looking for the nocturnal species and of course the spectacular sight viewing.
Some of the famous animals that one can have an eye encounter with in lake Mburo national park include; Zebras, Impala, buffalos and waterbucks. Lake Mburo national park is the perfect choice when having a road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Lake Bunyonyi.
This is the perfect place for chilling and relaxing during a road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Explore the 29 islands of the lake and discover all the secrets behind each island.
This is a beautiful location that any visitor to Uganda shouldn’t miss with a lot of wonderful and spectaculars views of the rolling hills enclosed with dense forests and amazing songs from the birds that make Lake Bunyonyi a remarkable destination.
It is with no doubt that Lake Bunyonyi stands exceptional when it is time for chilling and relaxing; but other activities that one can enjoy while in Bunyonyi include; swimming, Dug-Out canoeing, boating, nature walks and hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, cultural interaction with the locals and high ropes adventure.