History of Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, in the districts of Kanungu, Kisoro, and Kabale, on the edge of the Albertine Rift, part of the western branch of the East African Rift.
Bwindi Forest covers an area of about 321 square kilometers, at an altitude ranging from 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters above sea level. It was gazetted as a national park in 1991 and designated a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1994.
The major tourist attraction in Bwindi is the population of mountain gorillas, with about 459 individuals trekked through the forest.
There are around 20 gorilla groups in Bwindi, with the Mubare gorilla group in Buhoma being the first to open for tourism.
Bwindi is a tropical rainforest with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C to 15°C and a maximum of 20°C to 27°C.
The park experiences heavy rainfall, typical of a dense tropical rainforest, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,400 mm to 1,900 mm.
History of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, with the forest believed to have existed for over 25,000 years.
The history of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park dates back to 1964 when the area was turned into a wildlife sanctuary. Later, in 1992, it was gazetted as a national park to protect the endangered mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is made up of three reserves: Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve, Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve, and Rwenzori Mountains Reserve, covering an area of 321 square kilometers. The area was declared a national park in 1993.
In April 1993, the park was opened for gorilla trekking by tourists, with the Mubare family being the first gorilla group available for trekking.
Initially, the park was managed by Uganda National Parks, but today, it is overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
In 1994, UNESCO designated Bwindi as a World Heritage Site.
When Bwindi was gazetted as a park in 1991, it had a significant impact on the Batwa people, who were displaced from the park and no longer allowed to enter.
Bwindi can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During these months, the trails are dry, making it easier to trek the gorillas.
Gorilla permits can be secured at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. The costs are:
- Foreign non-residents: USD 800
- Foreign residents: USD 700
- East African citizens: UGX 300,000
Popular Activities in the Park Include:
- Gorilla Habituation: Gorilla habituation is the process of making gorillas accustomed to human presence. It is one of the most exciting activities, as tourists have a more personalized experience with gorillas. Tourists spend at least 4 hours with the gorillas in the wild, exploring their behaviors and conducting research. This experience costs about USD 1,500 per person.
- Batwa Cultural Experience: The Batwa are known as the early inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A tour to their communities offers an exploration of their culture and traditions. Tourists learn how the Batwa lived and interacted with the forest, providing a unique and enriching experience.
- Nature Walks: Nature walks allow tourists to explore the beauty of the forest and enjoy stunning views of the landscapes. Along the trails, tourists may spot animals like elephants, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and birds such as sunbirds and black bee-eaters.
The rich history of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has greatly contributed to the unforgettable experiences it offers today.
