Birding: Bwindi is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda and Africa for that matter. 90% of the species in the park are endemic to the Albertine rift. Seasoned birders can expect to see at least one hundred species in a day. The best way to spot the birds is to follow the River Ivi trail, Munyaga River trail, Ruhija’s bamboo trail and the Mubwindi Swamp trail. The Munyaga River Trail is the best option for birders with little time to spare. Some of the species to look out for are the yellow-whiskered greenbuls, Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher, White-tailed fly-catcher, White-tailed Blue Monarch, white-tailed blue flycatcher, White-browed Crombec, White-bellied Robin Chat, white tailed blue monarch, Western Green Tinkerbird, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, strange weaver, Short-tailed Warbler, Shelley’s Crimson-wing, Ruwenzori Batis, Rusty-faced woodland Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, red-tailed bulbul, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Purple-breasted, Mountain masked Apalis, Chestnut –throated Apalises, McKinnon’s grey shrike, Kivu Ground Thrush, honey guide, Handsome Francolin, Gruel’s Rush Warbler, Green Tinkerbird, Grauer’s broadbill, Frazer’s eagle owl, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Elliot’s woodpecker, Dusky crimson honey guide, Dusky crimson wing, Collared Apalis, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Chapin’s Flycatcher, brown necked parrot, blue-headed sunbird, Regal Sunbirds, blue turaco, Black billed Turaco, black bee-eater, Bar-tailed Trogon, the Wing, Bar-tailed Trogon, barred long-tailed cuckoos, bar tailed trogon, Archer’s Robin-Chat, African Wood Owl, African Green Broadbill, Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls.

Visiting the Batwa People: The Batwa pygmies are believed to be the oldest indigenous tribe in Uganda. Whereas most of the other tribes in Uganda migrated from various parts of Africa to their current locations, the Batwa had lived in Bwindi forest for over 5,000 years. Unfortunately, the Batwa were evicted from Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National park. The reason for their eviction among others was to protect the Mountain gorillas from diseases by limiting contact with humans. Like we have already discussed before, the Batwa now live outside the park. Visiting the Batwa provides a unique opportunity to be with a true indigenous African tribe and learn about their ancient culture and way of life. While with the Batwa, visitors watch as they showcase their cultural heritage and ancient ways of life in the forest through storytelling, dance and drama.

Cultural and Village Walks: Apart from the Batwa, other tribes like the Bakiga live on the edges of the forest. Tourists can visit one of these tribes and learn about their culture and economic activities. The Bakiga also have their own unique cultural dances and ways of doing things.  They can take you to see their traditional doctors and blacksmiths or teach you how to weave, make local beer and cook local dishes. You will definitely have opportunities to purchase beautiful local art pieces. There are opportunities to give back to the community. You could visit one of the local schools or community hospitals and make a cash donation or arrange to donate items like sewing machines, water tanks and other essentials. It is important to hire a guide who is knowledgeable about the area, local people and customs. Always consult with the park office, your lodge or tour company before making any donations to ensure it reaches the right people

Canoeing: Canoeing is perfect in Lake Mutanda. The Lake sits in an area with remarkable beauty and great views of the Virunga ranges of mountains. Moreover, forest birds love visiting and nesting in the papyrus swamps and beautiful lake islands making them excellent for bird watching. While on the dug-out canoe, expect to encounter several local fishermen and villagers washing and collecting water by the Lakeside.

Visiting Bwindi Community Hospital: This hospital is found in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hospital is of good quality by local standards and this is partly because it receives generous donations from tourists and other visitors to the park. The hospital has a special section for children, provides eye and dental care besides the other common clinical services. Bwindi Community Hospital has helped reduce the mortality rate among the local communities and helped take services closer to people in need. Tourists are allowed access to most parts of the hospital to learn something about the healthcare system in a developing country.

Visiting the Bwindi Bar and Restaurant: For those who love food and drinks, this is a must go to place while at the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. The facility trains young underprivileged people on the essentials of hospitality management including preparing some of the tastiest local and international dishes around. This is the place to go if you want to try out local food like Uganda’s famous Rolex, cassava chips, Bwindi Salsa, Matooke and groundnut sauce. You can also order for American coffee and brownies among other internationally known meals.