Is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Safe?

The Bwindi impenetrable national park is known to be the most biologically diverse forest in Africa, its altitude ranges from1, 160m and 260m above sea level. The park is located in the southwest of Uganda, more than half the world’s remaining gorilla population is dwelling in Bwindi: an estimation of over 450 members. Those members have different locations in Bwindi ;

Rushaga in south
Nkuringo in southwest
Buhoma in northwest
Ruhija in the east.

Silverback Gorilla in Bwindi Forest Park

The park harbors 120 mammals’ species this includes rodents, bats, L’honest, red-tailed and blue monkey, olive, baboon, black and white colobus monkey, and elephants seldom seen by tourists. It’s also a home of 350 bird species black bee, regal sunbird, western tinker bird, mountain masked palis, giant kingfisher, strange weaver, little rush warbler, crown hornbill among others, and at least 14 birds are recorded nowhere else in Uganda among them white-tailed blue flycatcher, brown necked parrot, Frazer eagle owl, white-bellied robin chat.

The name Bwindi comes from the local word Mubwindi Bwa Nyinamukari which was commonly referred to as the Mubwindi swamp in the southeast of Bwindi. It all started when parents asked for help and guidance from the swamp spirits so the spirits told the parents if they would only sacrifice their most beautiful daughter who was called Nyinamukari to cross over. After they threw the girl in water parents crossed safely to the other side. When the news spread people stopped going to the swamp calling it “Mubwindi Bwa Nyinamukari”

During this pandemic season regardless of the news going around, Uganda and all East Africa countries are safe for visiting (Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya,). If you want to experience mountain gorillas this article explains how Bwindi impenetrable national park is safe. The ministry of health has taken safety measures to help the tourism industry keep going as described below;

Strict guide lines-Once the traveler has confirmed the trip they should put in practice all measures that have been given. Travelers should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double-layered cloth masks with filters and all visitors have been encouraged to carry their own sanitizer. Above all, the Uganda Wildlife Authority treats and takes care of the gorillas on a regular basis to ensure they are in excellent health. The Government is monitoring the international situation closely and keeping all the guidelines in review and keeping all gorilla lovers updated. Uganda has not closed the border for tourists because of its strong measures against coronavirus. The government of Uganda has purposed to give vaccines to all different parts of the country. Finally, you need to have taken a covid-19 test 72 hours before arrival. After all the above has been put in action Bwindi impenetrable National park is safe for visiting any time this year.

The Airport is open, safe, and international flights are operating in Uganda. Millions of people from different countries come to Uganda by air. Using Entebbe international airport being the center of exit and entrance of most travelers. There are also domestic airlines such as Aero link, which operate scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe International Airport, Kihihi, Kisoro, or Kajjansi airstrip. Flights depart every day from Entebbe airport at 7:00 am, 10:15 am, and 12:00 pm with arrival times at Kihihi airstrip at 8:45 am, 11:25 am, and respectively. Please find out from your airline for more details.

Peace and security- For many years Uganda has been reported among the African countries with peace and political stability. After voting the president of the Republic of Uganda in January 2021 it confirmed that all types of tourists are safe to visit Bwindi impenetrable national park and other parks Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national, Kibale national park, Kidepo national park. When doing the gorilla tracking in Bwindi impenetrable national park you will be in a group of 8 people. During the experience, Uganda wildlife authority rangers will protect and guard you in case of any attack from the gorillas which is a “rare case” in Uganda. For more information, you can check on the Uganda life authority page. It’s always important to follow the rules and instructions given by the people in authority at that moment. After knowing that Uganda has peace and security; Bwindi impenetrable national park is safe and other regions.

Good climate seasons-You can visit Bwindi forest throughout the year, the park has an annual rainfall of almost 1500m. The dry season is January to February and the wet season is June to September. During the dry season, it may take visitors a long time to see the gorillas; whereas, during the wet seasons, the gorillas tend to be on the lower slopes making tracking time shorter. The good climate season makes it safe for all tourists to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National park.

The Bwindi impenetrable national park has many activities to do such as;

Gorilla trekking
Gorilla habituation
Birding
Hiking
Batwa cultural experience.

At this time you should not worry to travel cause Bwindi impenetrable national park is safe. Trust Jewel Safari for any gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo.