Vegetation of Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is covered by four main vegetation types, which vary based on altitude: lowland forests, montane forests, bamboo forests, and sub-alpine vegetation.
The forest spans about 331 square kilometers, containing over 400 plant species. Of these, around 200 are tree species, and over 100 are ferns and shrubs.
In the low-altitude areas of Bwindi, particularly the northern region, there are lowland forests with vegetation species such as African Mahogany, Newtonia, and Buchanania. In the higher altitude areas, particularly the southern and eastern regions, there are montane forests with species like Prunus africana and Entandrophragma.
The largest part of the park is covered by mixed forests, consisting of both montane and lowland trees, forming dense canopies, which is why the forest is called “Bwindi Impenetrable.”
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest also contains swamps in certain areas, such as Mubwindi Swamp in the Ruhija sector, a paradise for bird watchers due to the diverse bird species found around the swamp.
The vegetation in Bwindi serves as a habitat for wildlife and plays a crucial role in water catchment. Some of the rivers originating in the park’s high-altitude areas include the Muyanga River and the Ivi River.
Wildlife species in the park include mammals like elephants and yellow duikers, primates such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, as well as bird species like Grauer’s broadbill, dusky crimsonwing, Rwenzori sunbird, black-billed turaco, Kivu ground thrush, handsome francolin, and dusky crested flycatcher.
Tourists can best view the different vegetation types in Bwindi by going on nature walks within the park.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, spanning the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was established as a national park in 1991, primarily to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that were severely affected by diseases, poaching, and habitat loss.
The park is home to about 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the world’s remaining population, making it a major tourist destination globally.
In 1993, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and is part of both the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area and the Virunga Conservation Area.
The park is situated on the Kigezi Highlands, at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at altitudes ranging from 1,190m to 2,560m above sea level.
Bwindi experiences an equatorial climate, characterized by heavy rainfall from March to May and September to November. Temperatures range from 7-15°C minimum and 20-27°C maximum.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi
The best time to visit Bwindi is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During this time, the trails are dry, making it easier to hike through the forest.
Tourist Activities
- Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi has about 20 gorilla families located in the Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sectors, all open for trekking. Trekking each family requires tourists to secure a gorilla permit, costing USD 800 per person per trek. For a great experience, tourists should follow the trekking rules and regulations.
- Nature Walks: Nature walks are another interesting activity besides gorilla trekking. Tourists follow trails such as the Ivi River Trail and Kashasha Trail, where many wildlife species can be spotted, offering an unforgettable experience.
- Bird-watching: Bwindi is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a diverse array of bird species. Birds can be spotted during nature walks, gorilla trekking, or while staying at a lodge in Bwindi. Bird species include black bee-eaters, Grauer’s broadbill, regal sunbird, black-billed turaco, Kivu ground thrush, handsome spurfowl, Rwenzori batis, mountain oriole, and many others.
The vegetation in Bwindi, with its shades of green, reveals unparalleled beauty, wonder, and magic in one of the most unlikely places on earth.