Why Is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Called So

Why is Bwindi impenetrable Forest Called So? Because the word “Bwindi” is derived from the Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” which means “a place full of darkness,” the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known by this name. The vast bamboo stands scattered throughout the greater forest hardwoods are the source of the word “Mubawi.” Direct foot access is significantly hampered by the bamboo and dense ground covers of ferns, vines, and other plant growth. On the other hand, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is situated around 25 kilometers north of the Virunga Mountains on the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, which shares a border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to half of the world’s population of critically endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the planet’s most ecologically varied habitats. Because of its biological value, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Additionally, the forest is home to more than 120 mammal species, including forest elephants, yellow-backed duikers, 350 bird species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and handsome francolins, black bee-eaters, black-billed turacos, African black ducks, Cassin’s grey flycatchers, and others, 220 butterfly species, and 27 frogs.

Why Are the Bwindi Gorillas Known as the Impenetrable Forest?
Because it is home to the half of the world’s surviving great mountain gorilla population and more than 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four gorilla sectors—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sector—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is generally the most popular safari destination in Uganda.More than 600 of the 1064 mountain gorillas live in Bwindi; the rest can be found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and the Virunga National Park in Congo. The purpose of this park is to safeguard the mountain gorilla population in the forest from habitat loss and poaching. As a result, Bwindi is now the primary safari destination for gorilla trekking in Africa. It offers daily guided tours into various forest sections, allowing trekkers to see the mountain gorillas at a reasonable cost. This has helped to raise the money needed to protect these endangered primates. It should be noted that this forest was home to the Batwa people before it was designated as a national park. They used to live in peace and harmony with the mountain gorillas and eat alongside them. However, when the park was established, the Batwa people lost their traditional hunting grounds and living area.

Since mountain gorillas, our closest relatives with whom we share 98% of our DNA, call Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home, gorilla trekking is the most popular activity there. The greatest method to see mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is to go trekking, which is a half-day adventure that allows you to spend an hour with the primates in person while taking pictures and admiring their incredible way of life. Without a proper gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 700 per person per day for international nonresidents and USD 600 for foreign residents, it is impossible to trek mountain gorillas. You can choose for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs USD 1,500 per person per day and allows you to spend four hours with mountain gorillas in their natural environment. You can book all permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which oversees all of Uganda‘s national parks. Alternatively, we advise you to book with a reliable tour operator. If you don’t mind, you can book with Budget Gorilla Trekking via email or contact; we look forward to hearing from you.

Bwindi accessibility Depending on the client’s preferences, it is simple to reach an impenetrable forest by air or by road. Road transportation from Kampala city or Entebbe to Bwindi may seem like a short drive, but it offers more sights to see, including the opportunity to relax in the fresh air, see the countryside, visit the Ugandan equators, visit the Igongo Culture Center, see the rolling hills, see banana plantations, and go on a game drive to Lake Mburo National Park. It is advised to employ 4×4 wheel vehicles for road transportation.

Why Are Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safaris Named After the Impenetrable Forest in Bwindi?
By Air Transport: As an alternative, you can take a domestic flight from Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip, which takes 1:15 and includes the drive to the park.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is situated in the Kanungu district in the southwest of Uganda and spans an area of roughly 331 square kilometers, was declared a national park in 1994. Furthermore, with an elevation range of 1,160 to 2,607 meters, the park is situated on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, which is the western branch of the East African Rift. The forest is home to more than 100 kinds of ferns and roughly 160 types of trees. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, which oversees all conservation areas and reserves, is in charge of managing the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in addition to the National Environment Management Authority of Uganda, or “NEMA.”