Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas about 400 individuals. With 15 habituated gorillas, gorilla tracking can be done at four gorilla sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. seeing gorillas is the main interest for most tourists but if you can do other activities, you’ll enrich your gorilla safari experience. if you need direction, look at our five things you can do after gorilla tracking.
1. Track the mountain gorillas
Bwindi rainforest is famous for its half of the world’s mountain gorillas, so its no suprise that most tourists want to do gorilla tracking on their itineraries. going deep into the rainforest of Bwindi with trackers and guides searching for gorillas can prove tiresome as you walk over steep terrain, peering beneath vines. But hoping to spend 1 hour, 7 meters away, look into the eyes of a gorilla will get you excited about everything.
2. Hike a nature Trail
Bwindi rainforest offers a variety of hiking trails both easy and challenging. if you’re a bird watcher, or simply want to explore the rainforest, nature walks are offered daily. The most commonly trail is the Waterfall nature walk in Buhoma, which takes you inside Bwindi passed orchids, old tree ferns, to 3 sections of sparkling waterfalls and the water was scientifically tested as pure. there’s also the Ivil trail to the Ivi river where chapin’s flycatcher can be spotted. if you want to hike through the communities, the Ruhura and Mzabajiro trails will take you to the Border of Uganda and DRC.
While the walks in Buhoma are nice, the trails everyone going to Bwindi needs to do are the Mubwindi swamp and Bamboo trail found in Ruhija, the highest point of Bwindi at 2,500 meters above sea level.
3. Visit the Local Community and BaTwa homestead
After tracking gorillas, you can visit the communities of BaTwa, Bakiga and Bafumbira. walks to to the villages start at gorilla centers and the community guides will avail to you the activities to do. some experiences take 1 hour while others can last for 3-4 hours. For instance visiting the BaTwa homestead in Buhoma or Nyundo in Nkuringo offers you an opportunity to discover the ancient traditions of BaTwa forest hunter gathers, their dress code,hunting skills and natural healing by use of herbs. It is also possible to stay with BaTwa, cook a meal and eat together. another village walk can include visiting a banana brewey, learning the local farming practices, iron smith, herbalist and end with a tradtional danceat a gathering where women show case hand made craft materials.
4. Visit Lake Bunyonyi and relax
Lake Bunyonyi has several lodges built right on its shores which allows visitors to retreat and relax after tracking gorillas. You can enjoy the beautiful scenry, explore the lake’s historical punishment Island by a boat or canoeing. if you have fewhours to spare, you can get off the boat, hike arund the lake to spot birds, visit the BaTwa pygmies and a school.
5. Attend a cultural dance show at your lodge
Some lodges in and around Bwindi will always invite local dancers to perform and entertain guests with storytelling through songs. You can sit back or join the dancers if you wish and that would be memorable in your travel experience.
