6 Unique Places Worth Visiting on Your Way to Bwindi
In the southwestern part of Uganda, traveling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is more than just a journey to see the endangered mountain gorillas but also an adventure filled with scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and exciting stopover destinations along the way. The long drive to Bwindi offers travelers a chance to explore Uganda’s diverse attractions, from cultural centers and historical sites to breathtaking lakes and wildlife parks. Making these stopovers not only breaks up the journey but also enriches your travel experience with unique memories before you even step into the heart of Bwindi’s rain forest. Here are six unique places worth during your gorilla safari to Bwindi;
- 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 the 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.
- Uganda Equator at Kayabwe
Located along the Kampala- Masaka highway, the Uganda Equator is a must-stop for travelers heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While at this place, visitors can take beautiful photos at the iconic equator monument, enjoy a meal at local cafés, and shop for souvenirs from craft shops.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Positioned en route to Bwindi forest, 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 park offers a boat cruise with excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities along its water banks. Also, Queen Elizabeth protects the Ishasha sector – home to the rare tree-climbing lions.
- Cultural and Historical Centers
While driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can have a stop at some cultural and historical centers like Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara and Great Lake Museum in Kabale. Igongo Cultural Centre is an ideal spot to experience Western Uganda’s cultural heritage. It features a museum, traditional crafts, and restaurants serving authentic Ankole cuisine. The Great Lake Museum showcases the history, traditions, and way of life of the Kigezi 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 gorilla treks and hiking experiences since it protects part of the Virunga mountains – Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, which 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.
- Kibale National Park
Famous for its chimpanzee tracking experiences, Kibale National Park is another excellent stopover option for Bwindi. 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.
