Gates of Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four main gates located in its four sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. These gates allow tourists to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and incredible mountain gorillas.
The gates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include:
- Buhoma Gate: Buhoma Gate is one of the main access points into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is located in the Buhoma sector in the northern region of Bwindi and serves as a starting point for tourists embarking on gorilla trekking and other activities. At this gate, tourists are briefed and can obtain permits before starting their gorilla trekking experience. Some of the gorilla families in Buhoma include Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura.
- Nkuringo Gate: Nkuringo Gate is located in the Nkuringo sector, southwest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It serves as the entry point to the Nkuringo sector, where tourists can begin their gorilla trekking adventure. In this sector, tourists also enjoy unobstructed views of the Virunga Mountains and visit the local communities. The Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the families found in this sector.
- Ruhija Gate: Ruhija Gate is located in the Ruhija sector, east of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It serves as the checkpoint for tourists visiting this sector for gorilla trekking and other activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature walks. Some of the gorilla families in Ruhija include Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro.
- Rushaga Gate: Rushaga Gate is located in the Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This gate is a gateway into the sector, which is popular for gorilla trekking as it has many gorilla families. Tourists can also engage in other activities such as bird watching and nature walks. Some of the gorilla families in Rushaga include Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, and Rwigi.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Bwindi
A gorilla permit is a document that authorizes tourists to have a remarkable experience with mountain gorillas in the wild. It is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- A gorilla permit for foreign non-residents costs USD 800 per person per trek.
- A gorilla permit for foreign residents costs USD 700 per person per trek.
- A gorilla permit for East African residents costs UGX 300,000 per person per trek.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Tourists can visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park year-round to explore its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and mountain gorillas.
However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February, when the trails are dry, making gorilla trekking much easier.
By and large, the gates of Bwindi serve as the entry points to explore the park’s natural beauty, mountain gorillas, and other wildlife, offering an unforgettable experience.