Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is popularly known for its gorilla trekking experiences. It is very easy to assume that all the park has to offer are gorilla treks. But beyond gorilla trekking, there is a lot more that Bwindi has to offer. Here are some of the activities to consider during your visit to Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are the second best alternative for most people visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. During these nature walks, lucky tourists have had the rare opportunity of encountering forest elephants, and Mountain gorillas.
Encountering mountain gorillas on a nature walk is similar to Mountain gorillas visiting a lodge within Bwindi impenetrable national park. It rarely happens. Therefore you cannot book a nature walk to encounter mountain gorillas. Rather you should focus on exploring the forest through the different available trails.
Buhoma sector has the highest number of nature walk trails some of which allow you to relax at some of the waterfalls in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Among the popular waterfalls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are: the Munyaga waterfall, Rushura waterfall, and Ruizi waterfalls.
Bird Watching
Birdwatching enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise amidst Bwindi’s rich avian diversity. With over 350 bird species, including numerous endemics, guided birding walks offer the chance to spot rare and vibrant birds like the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing.
There is still an unsettled debate about birding in Bwindi Vs birding in Semuliki National Park but among the things that give Bwindi impenetrable forest an edge is its temperature. Bwindi’s temperature is reasonably favorable for people from both hot and cold areas.
Batwa Pygmy Experience
Delve into the ancient heritage of the Batwa Pygmy people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Join guided tours led by Batwa guides to discover their ancestral lands, hear captivating stories, and learn about their traditional hunting and gathering techniques.
You will also participate in a few ancient Batwa practices like making fire and bee honey harvesting. The Batwa people no longer live to the fullest of their ancient culture because they were displaced from the forests. What is left of them is a mixture of what they have adopted from the modern community and what remains of their cultural heritage.
Regardless, there are still Batwa people who have their culture at heart and have chosen to continue living according to their former life of hunting and fruit gathering under the supervision of Uganda wildlife Authority.
Mountain Biking
For adventurous souls, mountain biking presents an exhilarating way to explore the surrounding landscapes. Rent a bike and traverse trails of varying difficulty levels, immersing yourself in the picturesque scenery and rural charm of the region.
Bwindi has several NGOs that specialize in mountain biking trips. Among these is the popular “Ride for a woman” none government organization.
Community Volunteering
Several organizations offer charity and subsidized services in the Bwindi area to foster the conservation of the mountain gorillas. Some of these organizations specialize in medical care while others specialize in education.
You can apply to volunteer at Conservation through Public Health (CTPH). This will give you an insight into the day-to-day life of people who survive around the gorilla habitats. It will also help you appreciate the impact of gorilla trekking on the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas.
In conclusion, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers several other activities that can booster your stay in the forest after gorilla trekking. Besides volunteering, all the other activities will not require you to book in advance, you can merely walk to the responsible offices and book the activities.
If you wish to have these activities featured in your next gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, do not hesitate to contact Rwizi Africa Expeditions.