Is Bwindi impenetrable National Park safe for forest walks?

Walking in the forest is one of the interesting activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, The Park has the most beautiful habitats, with stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, river streams, trails, and different tree species and plants. Forest walks in Bwindi are very safe as they are guided, the walks can he short or long depending on the time you have and physical fitness. Encounter Africa safaris organizes forest walks to any part of Bwindi forest where you choose to stay.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is safe for forest walks and it is located in southwestern Uganda sharing a border with Congo, it is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas among other attractions. The park is one of the oldest forests in Africa and was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Forest walks in Bwindi Forest National park can be done in the four sectors namely Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija and Nkuringo sector. The walks can start at every Park headquarters with a briefing to ensure safety and have an awesome experience.

Forest Walks in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

There are different forest trails in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, ranging from 1 to 8 hours offering the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the forest and to see several different monkey species, trees, birds, waterfalls, rivers. You will require hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, Rain Jacket and Packet Lunch to enjoy the Jungle and some of the trails are detailed below.

The Ivy River forest walks Trail starts from the Nkuringo Park office, where we follow a marram road downhill with views over the forest for some 7 kms to the Ivy River on our right. The Ivy River Trail within the forest is often walked by visitors that stay at Buhoma as a nature walk from the park headquarters. From the Nkuringo office to the Ivy River it takes about 2 hours walking. From the Ivy River to Buhoma walking through the forest takes 4 hours. Total journey time 6 to 7 hours.

There is also the Kashasha River Trail begins at the Nkuringo park headquarters before proceeding down a steep slope through community land to reach the park buffer zone. The route passes the junction of two rivers inside the forest where after a further 20 minute ascent the trail meets the alternative route the Ivy River trail inside the forest 90 minutes from Buhoma. The trek to the Buhoma region on the Kashasha River Trail is 4 to 5 hours between Nkuringo and Buhoma or 6 to 7 hours between Buhoma and Nkuringo. The Kashasha River trail involves some steep inclines not least when proceeding to Nkuringo.

You can also have forest walks in Rushaga region and Nkuringo region, you are required to pay park entrance fees and forest walks fees to have a good time in the Jungle of Bwindi. The experience is good as local guides take the lead.

What is the best time for forest walks in Bwindi impenetrable National Park?

The best time to do forest walks in Bwindi forest is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August and early September, these months experience less rainfall though the climate changes every day. Any time of the year, you can do forest walks in Bwindi and experience is great. Sometimes, the rainy season is considered better as rains can find you in the forest, you meet flooded rivers among others. We recommend you book your safari to Bwindi impenetrable national Park in advance, most times lodges/Camps have no availability during high season. Contact us to organize for you forest walks in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

How to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

You can start your trip from Entebbe/Kampala to south western Uganda to visit Bwindi forest. You can opt for Road trip which is about 9-10 hours to Bwindi, this gives you an opportunity to stop at the Equator for Photography and en-route Lunch in Mbarara and other stops for landscape viewing.

You can as well fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips that serve Bwindi impenetrable national park from Entebbe international Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. You can also fly into Kigali international Airport, drive to south western Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna Boarder which take only 4-5 hours with the time spent at immigrations at the border. We always advise our visitors to acquire the East African Visa which allows multiple entry of both Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The East African Visa fee costs USD100 which can be gotten at the Airport upon arrival or online and it is cost effective instead of buying single entry Visas. But you can as well opt to secure single Visas as well, the Rwandan Visa costs USD30 and Uganda Visa cost USD 50. Bwindi impenetrable National Park is safe for forest walks and very accessible for great adventure.

Where to stay in Bwindi impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi impenetrable national park has many lodges/Hotels/camps where you can stay. These range from budget to high end hotels and Encounter Africa safaris can help you book the hotel of your choice and budget.

In Bwindi, we recommend staying in the sector where you would like to do forest walking from for easy accessibility of the park headquarters. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, in Nkuringo you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge. In Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Gorilla forest camp. In Ruhija sector you can stay at Trekkers tavern Lodge, Bakiga lodge or even at Lake Bunyonyi or lodges in Kabale town. The lodges are very many in Bwindi but they require to be booked in advance as they can be fully booked during high season. We always ensure standard service safety of clients on their stay.

Why book with Encounter Africa safaris to do forest walks in Bwindi?

Encounter Africa safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Encounter Africa safaris is run and owned by Ugandans. We have been in operation for more than 15 years and we specialize in life changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board). We have a good and long working relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) making it easy to book your forest walking safari and all services. Encounter Africa safaris is highly reviewed on trip advisor as well as Safari bookings. Please contact Encounter Africa safaris to plan your visit to Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park.