How to Access Bwindi – Bwindi is situated in the Kigezi Highlands in the southwestern part of Uganda, in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. It lies on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the edge of the Albertine Rift, with elevations ranging from 1,160 m to 2,607 m.
Bwindi is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, with about 459 individuals, representing nearly half of those remaining in the wild. The first group to be opened for trekking was the Mubare Gorilla Group, made available for trekking in 1993.
The forest is home to approximately 400 plant species, 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 27 frog species, and about 200 butterfly species. Notable bird species in the park include the Black Bee-eater, Regal Sunbird, Black-billed Turaco, Mountain Oriole, Handsome Spur Fowl, Bar-tailed Trogon, Crowned Hornbills, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler.
Primates in Bwindi include the Red-tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Chimpanzees, and Baboons. Bwindi experiences a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 7°C to 20°C and 20°C to 27°C, with annual rainfall reaching up to 2,390 mm.
How to Access Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed by road or air, and the journey typically begins after landing at Entebbe International Airport for international tourists.
By Road:
The journey to Bwindi by road takes longer than flying but offers an interesting experience with scenic views along the way. From Entebbe or Kampala, tourists have several route options to access the park. The drive takes 8 to 10 hours.
- Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma
This route covers about 414 km, with a 5-6 hour drive to Kabale on a tarmac road. From Kabale to Kanungu is about 120 km of murram road, taking about 4 hours. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for this route. - Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma
This is the easiest route, covering about 390 km to Rukungiri, with a tarmac road all the way, making it convenient. - Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya)-Kihihi-Buhoma
This route is suitable for tourists traveling from Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey from Mweya to Ishasha is about 160 km, and from Ishasha to Bwindi, it’s about 64 km.
By Air:
Tourists can fly from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, Kayonza Airstrip, or Kihihi Airstrip. The flight duration is about 1 to 2 hours, and from these airstrips, it’s a short drive to Bwindi.
Simultaneously, tourists can choose their preferred mode of transport, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
