Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi National Park named after the impenetrable Bwindi forest is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National park on the edge of the Albertine Rift. Stretching over an area of 331 square kilometers, Bwindi is a designated UNESCO site providing a habitat to several unique species like mammals, birds, frogs, butterflies and most notable one – endangered mountain gorillas. The park features four gorilla sectors – Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhijja and Rushaga. The sectors protect several mountain gorillas and these can be seen during gorilla trekking and habituation respectively. During your preparation of the gorilla safari to Bwindi, consider incorporating stopovers at these unique places to enhance your overall experience:
Lake Bunyonyi
Located near Bwindi in the south western part of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is a stunning crater lake surrounded by lush hills close to Rwanda border. With a maximum depth of 40 meters, the lake stands as the second deepest lake on the African continent and an ideal place to relax and enjoy water-based activities. The serene environment and picturesque landscapes provide a great contrast to the dense jungles of Bwindi.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Positioned en route to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. At a coverage of 1,978 square kilometers, the park stands as the second largest national park of Uganda after Murchison falls national park featuring the beautiful Kazinga Channel the offers a boat cruise with excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities along its water banks.
Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park
For a unique experience, stop at the Ishasha sector within Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, providing an opportunity to see these majestic animals lounging in the branches of fig trees.
Kibale National Park
Famous for its chimpanzee tracking experiences, Kibale National Park is another excellent stopover option for Bwindi national park. The lush tropical forest is a haven for primates, and you can embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure before heading to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
In conclusion, remember to plan your itinerary carefully to ensure a seamless journey between these locations. Each stopover offers a unique set of experiences, from wildlife encounters to serene landscapes, enhancing your overall exploration of this remarkable region.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
If you’re open to crossing borders, consider a stopover in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This park is renowned for its mountain gorilla population as well, and tracking gorillas here provides a different perspective on these incredible creatures. Also, the park provides amazing hiking experiences since it protects part of the Virunga mountains – Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi that provide amazing plant views and snow at the peak. Still in the park, you can watch the beautiful and shy golden monkeys playing along the tree branches and also several bird species.